Friday 31 May 2013

Keynote Address - Unafraid of the Future - Liz McGettigan - CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2013



Liz McGettigan discusses the transformation taking place in the library system, how Edinburgh libraries are embracing new technology and partnerships to deliver  “Digital by Desire " not by default and transform to meet the changing needs of the people.
Apologies for the poor sound quality. We had problems with the microphone in this first session. Best played back with headphones.

Thursday 23 May 2013

Conference video roll-out 1 - Nottingham Joint Service Centres



CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to bring you the first of four recorded sessions from last week's Annual Conference.

This session charts the journey in two Nottingham public library partnership projects in forming two Joint Service Centres. In JSC's the libraries have successfully provided citizens and patients with a caring and friendly welcome at each of these centres, promoting a positive image of the centre, partners and modern library services. Partner services include social care, primary and community health, housing, neighbourhood management, welfare rights, play and youth.  Our guides to this journey are Christina Dyer (Head of Library and Information Service (joint)), and Sue Sanderson, Assistant Centre Manager, Bulwell Riverside
Bulwell Riverside, Nottingham City Libraries.

Nottingham City Libraries were shortlisted for Library of Year in The Bookseller awards 2013, recognising the steps being made in bringing the Library Service right up to date and working in collaboration with all colleagues in the service, our partners and the local community who have been key in our achievement.

We are grateful to www.genero-productions.co.uk  for their expertise in filming and post-production of this video.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Welsh Librarian of the Year announced



Photograph courtesy of Dan Staveley
http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 
Lori Havard, Head of Academic Services, Information Services & Systems at Swansea University has received the CILIP Cymru Wales Welsh Librarian of the Year Award for her work changing the perception of librarians and promoting the University library’s services.

Bethan M Hughes, Reading Services Manager at Denbighshire Public Libraries has won the public sector category for the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award. The judges were especially impressed with Bethan’s achievements successfully engaging readers.


This new award recognises and celebrates the contribution of librarians and information professionals to contemporary society in Wales and beyond. Awarded to an individual librarian or information professional, this award champions the achievements, impacts and innovation of those who make a significant difference to either the communities which they serve or to the profession in Wales. The Award was kindly sponsored by Sirsi Dynix, the library technology specialists.

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award – Overall Winner

Lori (centre of picture) is Head of Academic Services, Information Services & Systems, Swansea University and a member of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP). At Swansea University Lori has helped librarians become essential and valued partners in the education and research processes.

Lori has created strong partnerships with the Students Union and Students Newspaper, used social media to effectively promote the library service, to engage users, and to receive valued feedback.

Lori was praised for her initiative to celebrate Swansea University’s authors - academics who have written or contributed to key textbooks and works in their field. This initiative celebrates lecturers who have reached the pinnacle of success in providing new teaching and learning publications, who unlike their research colleagues would not otherwise gain wider recognition within the University.


“Lori is an inspirational leader and professional librarian, adapting to the changing shape of libraries and their services to make a difference, where it matters, with students and staff.” Steve Williams (Deputy Director of Information Services & Systems, Swansea University).

Lori was also winner of the Academic and Research Libraries Category within the award.

"I am very proud to have received the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award from CILIP Cymru.  Librarians do so much for the communities in which we serve, and  it was a great night to take time to recognise the value of our profession.  The stories and achievements of all the nominees were very inspiring to me, and I feel very excited for the future of libraries in Wales." Lori Havard, Welsh Librarian of the Year, speaking after the event.

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award – Public Sector Category Winner


In awarding the Public Sector Category Winner, CILIP Cymru Wales were also delighted to celebrate the achievements of Bethan M Hughes, Reading Services Manager, Denbighshire Public Libraries (far right of picture).

Bethan, a Chartered Member of CILIP, through partnership working has contributed to the highest participation rates at primary school level in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, developed and maintained a highly effective Writing Squads programme for children and supported Denbighshire in achieving highest average reading age for school leavers in Wales, as judged by Estyn – the Schools Inspectorate.

The judges praised Bethan’s work to bring children’s authors together with readers through inspiring events as a model of excellent practice. Bethan is passionate about promoting bilingualism and in working with less advantaged communities. She has represented the interests of libraries, librarians and readers on a wide variety of Welsh bodies, organisations and panels. She is also the Welsh representative on the UK-wide Summer Reading Challenge Steering Group.

Key Role


Speaking at the Award Ceremony on behalf of the sponsors, Sirsi Dynix, Barbara Pacut, Europe Middle East and Asia Sales Director, said,

 “The librarian plays a key role in the function of libraries in our communities, a fact that can often be overlooked in discussions and debates around buildings and cultural resources.  It is the librarian who shapes the character of a library, and who drives for its success. SirsiDynix is delighted to sponsor the Welsh Librarian of the Year Award in its first year, recognising the important contribution of an individual and as an advocate for the profession.”

Photograph courtesy of Dan Staveley
http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 
“All of the judges have particular nominations which stuck in our minds. If we could have rewarded all of them I think we probably would have.  All five nominees need to be commended on the very real impact they have had on the library sector. This award proves that librarian and information professionals in Wales are doing great things!” Karen Gibbins, Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales and Chair of the Judging Panel.



Stars of the Welsh Library World

All five nominees are worthy of this praise and recognition. Bethan, Carole, Lori, Preeti and Rebecca have all demonstrated achievement, innovation and impact, providing exemplars of good practice and role models for others to follow within the profession. Information about each of the nominees will be shared in forthcoming blogs, so that we can all learn from their successes!

Thank you!

Our heartfelt thanks go to all:
  • nominees - for agreeing to participate in the Award
  • line managers, colleagues and associates - for making your superb nominations
  • the judges - Guy Daines (CILIP), Hywel James (Gwynedd Libraries, representing SCL Wales), Paul Jeorrett (Glyndwr University, representing WHELF), Andrew Green (former National Librarian of Wales) and Karen Gibbins.
And the last word goes to the judges: 

 “It was an invigorating, stimulating and occasionally moving read”

 “It has been a real pleasure and priviledge to take part in the judging,”

“It gives one enormous hope and encouragement to see so many exceptional people contributing to Welsh libraries and the interests of their users” 

"I have been inspired”

Photo credits.

The headline photograph shows all shortlisted nominees for The 2013 Award. (Là R) Rebecca Mogg (Senior Subject Librarian, Cardiff University), Preeti Pathak (Ethnic Services Librarian, Cardiff Libraries), Lori Havard (Overall Winner – Head of Academic Services, IS&S, Swansea University), Carole Morgans (Welsh Department Librarian, Cardiff Libraries), and Bethan M Hughes (Public Sector Category Winner – Reading Services Manager, Denbighshire Libraries). 

The lower photograph show Barbara Pacut (Sales Director, EMEA, Sirsi Dynix), Lori Havard and Karen Gibbins (Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales and Chair of the Judging Panel).

Photographs courtesy of Dan Staveley http://www.danstaveley.co.uk/ 

Monday 20 May 2013

New Welsh Minister promises to continue "strong protection" for libraries in Wales

Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, opening the Trade Exhibition at
the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference on Thursday 16th May. 

The recently appointed Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM, whose portfolio includes responsibility for libraries in Wales, attended the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference on Thursday 16th May 2013. Mr Griffiths spoke briefly prior to formally opening the Conference Trade Exhibition. Mr Griffiths said that it was his “chief task” to continue the Welsh Government's support and protect for libraries in Wales, even given the current financially challenging times.

Speaking to over 120 delegates at the Conference in Cardiff, Mr Griffiths applauded the theme of the conference. By working together in partnership and collaboration, libraries can find new ways to “do more with less” and to strengthen and enrich their services. For example, extending  links with health and education organisations will result in stronger and improving services that meet the needs of communities.

Mr Griffiths noted that many good things are currently happening in Welsh libraries. Technology, creativity and innovation combine to enable exciting projects such as:

  • the All Wales Library Management System projects in public and higher education libraries; 
  • shared online services making high quality news, research and family history  resources available to all public library users across Wales;
  • the planned development of a Welsh Libraries app for mobile phones and tablets. 

The refurbishment of public library buildings continues with the support of Welsh Government CyMAL funding, thus ensuring that public libraries are fit for today and are equipped for the future. Indeed the Minister was looking forward to officially opening a refurbished library in Pontycymer (Bridgend County Borough) later that afternoon.

Speaking about the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award established by CILIP Cymru Wales, Mr Griffiths recognized how lucky Wales is to have such talented, professional, committed, innovative and productive library staff. Mr Griffiths extended his congratulations to the shortlisted nominees and for the forthcoming announcement for the winner.

"Strong support and protection"

In recent times the Welsh Government has demonstrated strong support and protection for libraries in Wales. Mr Griffiths said that it was his “chief task” to continue this support and protection in Wales, even given the current financially challenging times.

CILIP Cymru Wales were delighted to receive the Minister at Conference. We extend our thanks to the Minister and to colleagues from Welsh Government CyMAL in making this visit possible.

With Mr Griffiths (2nd from right) in the photograph are: L-R Janet Peters (Cardiff University, representing WHELF), Annie Mauger  (CILIP CEO), Phil Bradley (President, CILIP), Steve Hardman (Swansea Libraries, representing SCL(W)) and Karen Gibbins (Swansea Libraries& Chair, CILIP Cymru Wales). Image credit - Huw Evans.


Tuesday 14 May 2013

Hello, it's good to be back!

Hello,  just a few words to say that I am back from maternity leave and very much looking forward to getting in touch with as many of you as possible.

I work all across Wales, so if you would like CILIP Cymru Wales to come to your library / institution and talk with staff about benefits and opportunities, please do get in touch.

I've been catching up on all things library and information and am excited by plans to re brand CILIP, which members of CILIP can read all about in Update . 

In Wales we have a new Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM and CILIP Cymru Wales will be continuing our advocacy work with him, more on this soon.

The financial climate remains a challenging one, but there is positive news out there, with almost £1 million of capital funding to be allocated to modernise 6 public libraries in Wales, bringing the number of libraries modernised as part of the Welsh Government’s Community Learning Libraries Programme to 89.

I've got a lot to catch up on, but right now, it's almost time for the annual CILIP Cymru Wales Library and Information Conference, organised this year by the excellent Stephen Gregory and the CILIP team in Wales, so for the first time in 5 years, I get to put down my clipboard and enjoy being a delegate, bliss!
I hope to see you there.
#cilipw13


Mandy Powell
Swyddog Polisi, Cymru

Policy Officer, Wales


Sefydliad Siartredig Llyfrgellwyr a Gweithwyr Gwybodaeth Cymru

Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Wales

Friday 10 May 2013

Conference build-up 8

In our first foray into video for CILIP Cymru Wales, Helen Staffer briefly talks about her anticipated highlights for the conference and has some tips for first time conference delegates.


Conference Anticipation 1 from CILIP Cymru Wales on Vimeo.

Helen Staffer is currently Events Officer on the CILIP Cymru Wales Executive Committee. In this role Helen has been instrumental in the complex processes of conference:

  • venue selection, 
  • theme identification, 
  • crafting the programme, providing a balanced, pertinent, informative and challenging programme, including identifying potential speakers and breakout session leaders,
  • choreography - ensuring that all will flow smoothly in the build-up to, during and after the conference, 
  • project management and leadership - liaising with the other members of the Executive Committee and the Policy Officer for Wales.
Helen achieves this on top of the "day job" (the site management of two of Cardiff University's Libraries), as well being extremely involved in many of CILIP Cymru Wales' other activities and interests! Many thanks Helen!

Like Helen, why not join the Committee?


CILIP Cymru Wales is always looking for new Committee Members. Prior committee experience isn't essential, but committee members do need to be:

  • enthusiastic and keen to contribute to the profession in Wales,
  • able to attend up to four Committee Meetings in a year,
  • willing to undertake work on behalf of the Committee,
  • a member of CILIP and living and / or working in Wales.
Why not help shape the future of the profession in Wales? In doing so you will be broaden your professional horizons, networks and profile, learn new skills, whilst being informally mentored and supported by a terrific group of colleagues in Wales. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

About the video

The video was shot on a hand-held video recorder and the resultant MP4 file uploaded to WeVideo - a free, cloud based video editing service. WeVideo allows you to trim and re-order video clips, integrate photographs, easily add in title screens, subtitles and transitions between shots. The service also enables the addition of soundtrack files to your video, but in this case only the audio stream from the camera was used.

So, having experimented with this would I do it again? Yes!!! But, clearly there's room for improvement:

  • Audio quality. We need to think carefully about the quality and recording level of the audio file, and plan to improve this. This video was originally intended to include "off camera" questioning. But the off camera prompts were much louder than Helen's contribution which made sound balancing very difficult. [OK, that and the fact that I hate hearing my own voice in recordings].
  •  Location. It was a beautifully sunny day and so being outside seemed such a good idea at the time. I like hearing the bird song and the City Hall clock chiming in the background, but I guess that these may be distracting for some viewers! Ditto - the  people moving around in the background of the shot, oh and that rather fetching containerised storage facility in the background.
  • Careful segmentation of the filming. The spontaneity of the film is an endearing feature but this makes for some editing difficulties. In future I think I would aim to pause between questions to provide really clear edit points and fade outs
In future I think I could put another video together in about an hour. This one has taken longer to produce because I had to learn how to use WeVideo, set up a Vimeo channel, "play" with the video camera etc. So if a clip has enduring value and multiple usage then there could be rewards in time saving. Using video may also  enable reaching and engaging with a new audiences, and provides valued variety of formats.

And what wouldn't I change? Helen - she's a natural in front of the camera!

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Conference build-up 7

With just a week to go before conference we continue our look at the conference sessions. This time the Entrepreneurial Information Professional.




Annie Mauger and Rebecca Davies will talk about the changing landscapes of the library and information communities, and how we can better form partnerships particularly with users and with fellow professionals in the delivery of services. This session will also suggest how we can get noticed in the organisations we work in as key people to be involved and engaged with.  Annie and Rebecca will also talk about the kind of skills that we need to do this and how we already have them!


Annie Mauger

Annie joined CILIP as Chief Executive in October 2010 after a career in public libraries in England and Scotland for more than 20 years. She was Head of Libraries and Heritage for the City of York before becoming Chief Executive of MLA Yorkshire in 2003. After this she worked as a consultant to charities and public sector bodies and as Chief Executive of a charity for asylum seekers and refugees. She has a degree from Exeter, a PGDipLib from the University of Wales at Aberystwyth and an Executive MBA from Leeds Metropolitan University. Annie is a passionate advocate for the skills and contribution of information professionals to society and economy, and speaks on this subject often to politicians, the media and other key stakeholders. She is currently working on her CILIP Fellowship.

Rebecca Davies

Rebecca is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student and Staff Services at Aberystwyth University and performs the function of Chief Operating Officer.  Rebecca is a graduate of Aberystwyth University where she studied Librarianship and Education, and also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Almost 20 years later she returned to Aberystwyth as Director of Information Services, and was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor in 2011. Prior to this appointment she was the Head of the Assembly Library & Public Enquiry Service for the Welsh Assembly Government (2002). Her early career focused on health information provision and research and included; working within a health promotion unit, as Nursing Librarian at Trinity College, Carmarthen, as researcher at the Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth University and as Health Science Librarian for the School of Health Science, University of Wales, Swansea.  Rebecca is passionate about libraries and using technology to make life easier and delivering excellent services.

End Note

We have two librarian Pro Vice-Chancellors presenting  at the CILIP Cymru Conference this year: Rebecca and Maxine Melling. Does this career pathway epitomize the entrepreneurial information professional? Is this something that you aspire to? Are you planning for your career, or is this a more organic process for you? Is there a point on the career horizon that you are heading for? How will you get there?

We will also be celebrating achievement, innovation and impact with the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award. It will be fascinating to see if Rebecca and Annie's description of the entrepreneurial professional mirrors what we see in our nominees and winner! 

Image Credit: Geralt via Pixabay (Public Domain CC0 image)


Monday 6 May 2013

Conference build-up 6



Shared services in public libraries form the topic for the second session of our conference on Thursday 16th May. We hear of an award winning model being adopted in Nottingham City Libraries, incorporating partners from health and social care, housing, welfare rights, neighbourhood management, play and youth services.

Christina Dyer, Head of Library and Information Service (joint) and Sue Sanderson, Assistant Centre Manager, Bulwell Riverside will guide us through the rationale for, practicalities, realities and benefits of a joint service centre model at Bulwell Riverside and St Ann's Valley Centre Libraries. Both opened last year under this new model, with exceptional increases in performance information in both libraries and positive feedback from citizens, patients and colleagues.

Both libraries were in desperate need of renovation, to stimulate stagnating performance and to develop the full, modern library offer. Including libraries in a JSC environment, has enabled the libraries to become a central part of the facilities at the heart of communities and of the buildings, providing a lively ‘shop window’. These JSC’s include the Library and Information Service as the lead service for the ‘Ask Here’ desk, the focal point of the centre where enquiries concerning all the partner services are responded to and signposted to, including social care, primary and community health, housing, neighbourhood management, welfare rights, play and youth.  The libraries have successfully provided citizens and patients with a caring and friendly welcome at each of these centres, promoting a positive image of the centre, partners and modern library service.

Shortlisted for Library of Year in The Bookseller Awards 2013 which recognises the steps being made in bringing our Library Service right up to date and working in collaboration with all colleagues in the service, our partners and the local community who have been key in our achievement.

"Collaboration in Nottingham: the Bulwell Riverside and St Ann’s Valley Centre Library Partnership projects" is scheduled between 11:00 and 12 noon at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference in Cardiff on Thursday 16th May 2013.

Christina Dyer's professional library career began as a trainee with Hertfordshire County Council. Christina moved to Nottingham City in 1998 by way of a variety of positions with Hampshire CC, Isle of Wight , Cornwall CC, Leicester and Leicestershire CC, and a spell away from public service at the BBC Music Library, and then the Department for Trade & Industry Business Library in London and also as a Marketing Manager for a company making electronic testing equipment for the broadcasting industry. Currently Head of Service, Libraries and Information as part of the Culture, Parks and Open Spaces and Leisure team in a Communities Directorate; Christina is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and the Society of Chief Librarians.

Sue Sanderson. After 20 years in the banking and finance sector, Sue joined Nottingham City Libraries & Information Service in 1999. Sue has worked in libraries across the City as a Library Assistant and Library Manager and was appointed Assistant Centre Manager at Bulwell Riverside in January 2012.   In this role Sue is responsible for library and information provision including customer services within a busy Joint Service Centre. Currently Sue is Acting Centre Manager covering both Bulwell Riverside and St Ann’s Valley Centre.

Image Credit Pixabay under Creative Commons Public Domain license. 

Friday 3 May 2013

Conference build-up 5

By Alpha du centaure [CC-BY-2.0 ],
via Wikimedia Commons
With a HUGE thanks to our friends in CLIC,   the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference now has a *FRINGE*. Pre-conference dinner meeting on Wednesday.


CLIC (Cardiff Libraries in Co-operation) has decided to organise a social evening for Wednesday 15th May. It’s a chance for anyone working in libraries in Cardiff and the surrounding area to get together with others and enjoy a few drinks!! And, as the conference begins the next day we are hoping that any attendees coming down early will feel free to stop by too. Colleagues will be meeting from 5.30pm at Las Iguanas on Mill Lane for dinner and possibly staying on for cocktails.

If you would like to dine please let CLIC know so that they can inform Las Iguanas of likely numbers. Further information from the CLIC blog.

Thursday 2 May 2013

Welsh Librarian of the Year Award - shortlist announced.


The shortlist for the Welsh Librarian of the Year 2013 has been announced and includes three public sector and two academic & research sector information professional. The winner will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference in Cardiff on Thursday 16th May.

CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to announce that the following nominees have been selected to form the shortlist for the inaugural Welsh Librarian of the Year Award.

Academic & Research Sector:

Lori Havard                                         Swansea University
Rebecca Mogg                                     Cardiff University 

Public Sector:

Bethan M Hughes                                 Denbighshire Libraries
Carole Morgans                                    Cardiff Libraries
Preeti Pathak                                      Cardiff Libraries

Congratulations to the five people who have made the shortlist, and commiserations to those who were long-listed but didn't quite make it this far. In this inaugural year, the competition for Welsh Librarian of the Year has been extremely strong.  With multiple applications in the categories for public sector and academic & research libraries there were always going to be some unsuccessful nominations.  Everyone who was nominated for the Award deserves congratulations. Being nominated shows a great deal of respect and admiration from your colleagues and service users, and is a strong indicator of your professional impact, innovation and achievement.
  
The judges all commented how pleasing it was to receive such inspiring nominations, but especially so for the number of new professionals with Wales. Speaking about the Award, Andrew Green, former National Librarian of Wales, and judging panel member said:

“It gives me enormous hope and encouragement to see so many exceptional people contributing to Welsh libraries and the interests of their users.  I do hope this becomes a regular event, and attracts even more nominees in future.”

Another judge said: “It has been a real pleasure and privilege to take part in the judging”.

The Welsh Librarian of the Year will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Annual Conference Dinner on 16th May in Cardiff. The winner will receive a prize of £500 and a trophy, both of which have been kindly sponsored by Sirsi-Dynix.

Further information

Details about the Award are available from the CILIP Cymru Wales web pagesThe long-list of nominees was announced here

Andrew Green, former National Librarian and Judging Panel Member has written about the Award in his  Blog [in Welsh]

SirsiDynix connects people with knowledge at more than 23,000 libraries around the world. Through library management technology and search and discovery tools, libraries using SirsiDynix technology bring relevant resources and the power of knowledge to their users and communities. SirsiDynix technology is architected to be open, scalable and robust, offering a complete solution out-of-the-box, and unparalleled flexibility through APIs and web services. Complemented by the most experienced training, consulting and support staff in the industry, SirsiDynix helps libraries create tomorrow’s libraries, today. www.sirsidynix.com


Wednesday 1 May 2013

Conference build-up 4

Collaboration in libraries and learning environments

Maxine Melling and Margaret Weaver will open conference proceedings on Friday 17th May with our keynote address for the day. They will draw on their experience and knowledge, including information gleaned whilst editing their recent Facet publication, to identify current trends in library services and what this means for library staff.

The changing environment in public services requires different approaches to be taken to how services are delivered to customers. This may result in the development of shared services, the convergence of many different services to provide a seamless customer facing experience, or the development of more active collaborative networks. Maxine Melling and Margaret Weaver have been closely involved in the changes associated with these developments. They have co-edited a book of essays, published by Facet, which offers an overview of the key challenges and opportunities arising as well as presenting some case study material. This paper will provide delegates with an analysis of current trends and some personal reflections on what this means for those responsible for those working in and leading library services during times of change.


About Maxine 

Maxine Melling is Pro Vice-Chancellor  (Operations) at the University of Gloucestershire. Her portfolio includes responsibility for strategic planning and administration as well as for Executive leadership of a wide range of the University’s professional services. Maxine began her career in academic libraries and has held management posts in further and higher education institutions. Before moving to the University of Gloucestershire she was Director of Library & Student Support Services at Liverpool John Moores University. During her career in libraries she held a range of responsibilities within the profession, including Chair of the SCONUL Working Group on Performance Measurement, membership of Sconul’s Executive Board,  Chair of the North West Academic Libraries Group and Chair of the Northern Collaboration Group. Maxine continues in her role as a Trustee of Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden. Maxine’s interests and publication record are in areas including customer service, e-learning support and quality systems. Most recently she has published on the trend towards the development of so-called super-converged services, which aim to present seamless support services to customers.

About Margaret 

Margaret Weaver is Head of Library and Student Services at the University of Cumbria. She started working in public libraries in Manchester before moving to the academic library profession in 1991. She has worked in a number of north-west universities - at Manchester Metropolitan University, Huddersfield University and University of Central Lancashire before taking up her current role at Cumbria. Whilst at Huddersfield Margaret was instrumental in a JISC funded project on the design of interactive learning materials to develop students’ information skills and founder of the Learning Gateway - a new concept in learning space - at her current institution, which has a wide influence on the designs of other libraries. Margaret has presented and written widely on the pedagogy of learning spaces, integrated learning support and super-converged services. She is chair of North West Academic Libraries (NoWAL) and a Trustee of the Kelsick Educational Foundation.

Collaboration in libraries and learning environments

Maxine and Margaret's book, Collaborating in libraries and learning environments, from Facet Press, was published in December 2012.  
The changing environment in higher education requires different approaches to be taken to the provision of professional support services. This may result in the development of outsourced shared services, the convergence of many different student-facing services or the development of more active collaborative networks. This collection of essays considers the changing context and broad principles affecting the ways in which we need to manage and provide services and offers case studies of changes that have already taken place.
For further information, including access to Chapter 1 online, please see the Facet web site.

Cover image courtesy of Facet Press.