Staff Development Weekly Update

ALN Staff Development Update #70 – 25 June 2025

This weekly update is intended to keep you up to date on ALN’s staff development programme; to highlight interesting initiatives being undertaken by ALN or its members; and to promote job opportunities in our member libraries. If you have any queries or any content you’d like to include, please get in touch at: academiclibrariesnorth@sconul.ac.uk

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Events

We just have a few events left in this year’s staff development programme. Which one will you join?

June 2025

Students as co-creators: Part 2 Recruiting, training, managing and developing students
Hosts: Lancaster and Manchester Met
Date: Monday 30 June 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3.30pm
Location: Online via Teams

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July 2025

GenAI: Collective Knowledge and Shared Progress
Hosts: Academic Librarians CoP
Date: Wednesday 2 July 2025
Time: 9:30am – 12 noon
Platform: Online via Teams
Registration closes on Thursday 26 June – book now to avoid disappointment!

Skill up with ALN! – an Introduction to Academic Skills
Hosts: Academic Skills CoP
Date: Monday 14 July 2025
Time: 12.00 – 1.00pm
Platform: Online via Teams

Making Music, Not Noise: Enhancing Student Communications at Edge Hill University
Hosts: Edge Hill University
Date: Friday 18 July 2025
Time: 10.00 – 12.30pm
Platform: Online via Teams

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Frontline Forum 2025/26

The Frontline Forum is a pilot online discussion and development space for teams working directly with students and users. The forums are an opportunity to share best practice, engage with other ALN activities and learn about different service models and delivery types offered by different universities. The forum is aimed at staff who work on frontline desks and provide the first line of support to students and other library users.

We have run 4 forum sessions over the 2024-25 academic year, in November, January, March and May. We hope you managed to come along to at least one.

We are hoping to run the Frontline Forums again next academic year – the provisional dates (subject to change) are:

• Tuesday 18 November 2025, 10.00 – 11.30
• Thursday 22 January 2026, 2.00 – 3.30
• Wednesday 25 March 2026,  10.00 – 11.30
• Tuesday 2 June 2026, 2.00 – 3.30

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ALN Conference 2025

Sustainable Innovation: moving forward in challenging times Conference Registration now open!

#ALN25 Conference 2025

Our online day took place on Wednesday 18 June 2025; next up is our in-person day on Friday 11 July at the Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University.

There’s still time to grab yourself a place. Registration closes on 26 June 2025! 

Ticket prices can be found on the ALN Conference 2025 website. Bulk discounts are available for 5 or more people attending in-person. See the Eventbrite page for how it works. Details of the full programme are now available on the website.

If you have any queries about the conference, please contact alnconferenceteam@gmail.com.

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ALN Skill Up Series

New series – Skill Up with ALN!

Have you seen that we have introduced a new series this academic year called Skill Up with ALN? These hour long sessions offer an opportunity to learn about different roles and areas of library life and aim to demystify areas of the library service. So far we have had presentations from Tom Vause on Partnerships, Delphine Doucet & Megan Kilvington on Research Support and Louise Smith & Louise Speakman on the role of Academic Librarians. We have an Academic Skills session coming up in July (book here) and are planning to roll the series into 2025/26. We already have some thoughts about topics for next year but if you have any ideas, please do share them with us.

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ALN EDI Innovation Fund – Chester Survey

Accessible Library Guides – Survey
Deadline: Friday 4 July 2025
The University of Chester has received funding from the ALN EDI Innovation Fund to assist in the creation of library service guides in a variety of accessible formats. They are looking to learn from the best practice currently in action across the sector and want to hear what you do in your institution. They’d be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete the form (before July 4th) and share your practice and activity with them.

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SCONUL Initiatives

Directors’ and deputy directors’ groups for those who are neurodivergent
SCONUL has established a new directors group and a new deputy directors group for those in these roles who are neurodivergent. These groups are self organising and self-directed and the aim is to provide a forum to share experiences and approaches as required. As for other SCONUL deputy director groups, this group is open to any members of a library’s leadership team. A mailing list has been set up for each. If you would like to subscribe to either list please do contact SitMui Ng at sitmui.ng@sconul.ac.uk. Membership of the lists is treated as fully confidential.

 

The modern library – technology-enhanced library spaces
SCONUL has launched a collection of case studies showcasing technology-enabled library spaces across the UK and Ireland. The spaces highlighted are innovative in design and execution, providing access to the latest equipment, hardware and software including green screens, 3D printing, photogrammetry and AR and VR equipment within media labs and makerspaces. The development of these spaces is aligned to the pedagogical mission of the host institutions, providing new approaches to knowledge creation, nurturing creativity, supporting the digital humanities, and fostering the development of digital literacy skills to support studies, research and future employability. The case studies were commissioned by the SCONUL Technology and Markets Group as part of its mission to develop and articulate a shared understanding of the development of library infrastructure with the library community and stakeholders based on member needs. It is hoped that the spaces highlighted will provide inspiration to those within and beyond the library community to consider supporting the development of such spaces to maximise the value that the library can bring to the life of the institution.

 

SCONUL AI coffee morning on AI and discovery
Date: Friday, 27 June 2025

Eleri Kyffin, Academic Engagement and Learning Development Manager at University of Westminster, will speak on their use of Primo AI Research Assistant; and Andy Prue, Academic Librarian at University of Kent, will speak about switching and using SCOPUS AI. There will be a number of provocations for the second half of the session, to invite interesting discussions with the audience. The AI coffee mornings allow library colleagues to come together, share experiences and ask questions so that we can explore these tools and techniques as a community. These are not expert forums but for sharing information and experiences as practitioners and they are open to all, whatever your role or level of expertise.

 

SCONUL Town Hall meeting on “Big Five” negotiations
Date: Friday 18 July 2025 (10am – 11.30am)

SCONUL is holding a Town Hall meeting for members to discuss developments in the “big five” negotiations with Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis, Wiley and Sage, being conducted on the sector’s behalf by Jisc. The meeting will provide an opportunity to hear an update on developments from Anna Vernon, Head of Research Licensing, Caren Milloy, Director of Licensing and Sarah Roughley Barake, Licensing Portfolio Specialist at Jisc. We anticipate Jisc having received proposals from some of the publishers in question by this point, and the meeting will also provide an opportunity for members to debate and discuss the proposals in question.

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Job Opportunities

Library Manager
Location: University of Greater Manchester
Bolton Campus (inc. Queens and Greater Manchester Business School)
Salary: £48,349 to £56,021 per annum
Post Type: Full Time/Permanent
Closing Date: Friday 27 June 2025

Shape the Future of Library Services in a Student-Centred University

At the University of Greater Manchester, we are proud of our growing reputation as a student-focused institution, underpinned by our vision of Teaching Intensive, Research Informed, Assessment Enabled Learning. As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Library Manager to join our Student Services & Experience Directorate.

This is a pivotal leadership role within our professional services team, responsible for both the strategic direction and operational delivery of library services. You will lead a dedicated team, drive service innovation, and ensure our library provision meets the evolving needs of students and staff across teaching, learning, and research.

As Library Manager, you will:

• Lead the strategic planning and operational management of the university’s library services
• Ensure services are inclusive, forward-looking, and aligned with institutional goals
• Provide effective leadership and support to library teams across both digital and physical environments
• Build and maintain strong relationships with academic departments to align services with teaching and research priorities
• Oversee collection development, academic skills support, and service quality assurance
• Manage library budgets, resources, and performance reporting
• Represent the university in internal committees and external professional networks

This role also plays a central part in coordinating academic Liaison and skills provision, enhancing student learning and supporting the broader academic mission of the university.

We’re looking for a proactive, strategic leader who is passionate about the role libraries play in academic success. You’ll combine a clear vision with a practical, solutions-focused approach, and be ready to lead change in a dynamic higher education environment.

You will bring:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science (or equivalent experience)
• Substantial experience in library management, preferably within Higher Education
• Strong team leadership and development skills
• In-depth knowledge of library systems, digital services, and user experience delivery
• Proven ability to manage budgets, resources, and service improvement initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience of working in a fast-paced academic setting and leading through change (desirable)

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of library services at a progressive and ambitious university. In return, we offer:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment, providing opportunities to work closely with colleagues across the University to help deliver the best possible student experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and an employee benefits programme.

We envisage interviews taking place the week commencing the 7th July 2025

 

White Rose Libraries Admin Assistant
Location: University of York
Grade/Salary: Grade 4; £28,381 – £31,637 per year
Hours of work: Full-time
Closing Date: Sunday 29 June 2025

White Rose Libraries (WRL) is the dynamic collaboration between the University Libraries of Leeds, Sheffield and York. WRL currently has three key areas of focus: White Rose University Press, White Rose Repository services, and Innovation and Collaboration. We also carry out project-based work, either to improve services across the three sites or as part of externally funded projects.

Role

White Rose Libraries (WRL) is looking for an Administrative Assistant to facilitate its work and activities. You will provide administrative support for WRL/White Rose University Press meetings, events, and project groups, including diary management, preparing agendas and taking minutes, and maintaining project action plans and meeting action logs. Strong communication and a service-focused ethos will be key, with the post holder building strong working relationships across WRL and beyond. You will maintain mailboxes supporting WRL activities, including the repositories, and drive engagement through the WRL website and social media channels, ensuring that internal and external audiences are informed about WRL activities and projects. Based in York, the role will involve regular travel to Leeds and Sheffield.

This is a full-time, open-ended position.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Ability to use excellent IT skills and administrative experience to support and facilitate the activity of the WRL collaboration
• Ability to apply problem-solving skills, with a proactive, service-driven approach
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, including the effective use of social media
• Attention to detail and able to work flexibly and accurately, under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Ability to work in collaboration with a wide range of colleagues, building effective working relationships

For informal enquiries: please contact Kate Petherbridge: kate.petherbridge@york.ac.uk.

Interview date: To be confirmed

 

Academic Success Manager 
Location: LJMU
Grade/Salary: Grade 9; £59,139 – £66,537 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: Sunday 6 July 2025

The Library is dedicated to delivering exceptional support for student success, teaching and learning, research, and civic engagement, as demonstrated by its Customer Service
Excellence® accreditation. This senior leadership role is a key member of The Library management team, providing strategic direction for the Academic Success Team. The post holder will ensure the delivery of high impact, tailored academic and library skills support, embedding academic, information, and digital literacy skills into the curriculum. Collaborating with key stakeholders, including the Teaching and Learning Academy and the Doctoral Academy, they will enhance student learning and research capabilities across all levels of study.

With a strong emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration and staff development, the post holder will lead a high-performing, innovative team, fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery. They will represent The Library at University committees, drive service enhancements through data-driven insights, and ensure that academic success services are forward-thinking, impactful, and aligned with institutional priorities.

The role also involves leading marketing and communication strategies to elevate the profile of The Library and Academic Success Team, contributing to key frameworks such as REF, TEF, and OfS compliance. By leveraging continuous benchmarking, strategic planning, and operational excellence, the post holder will ensure services evolve to meet the changing needs of students and staff.

Managing a team of specialist professionals, the Academic Success Manager will oversee the delivery of innovative support through one-to-one tutoring, group sessions, and digital platforms. Their leadership will ensure alignment with the University’s priorities, including teaching excellence, student outcomes, and research support. As a senior leader, they will drive innovation, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement, strengthening internal and external partnerships to enhance academic success initiatives. They will also provide strategic leadership in the development of forward-looking, inclusive collections that support evolving teaching, learning, and research needs.

 

Research Services Adviser (Research analytics) 
Location: University of Leeds
Grade/Salary: Grade 7; £39,355 to £46,735 per annum
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: Sunday 6 July 2025
Interview Date: Wednesday 16 July 2025

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an accomplished professional, experienced in supporting world class researchers with research analytics? Do you have in-depth knowledge of how Library services support the Higher Education research environment and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service?

The University of Leeds is one of the top 80 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.

This role is based in Library Research Services. We offer a range of services for postgraduate researchers and staff including open research, research visibility, research analytics and finding and managing information. Your focus will be providing operational management and delivery of our research analytics and related services, including responsible metrics.

We are seeking a professional and proactive individual. You will be responsible for the delivery and ongoing development of your services and collaborate with your colleagues to ensure our services meet users’ needs. In addition to being a team player with strong interpersonal skills, you will be able to work independently and manage your workload in line with changing priorities. You will be confident with IT, possess excellent teaching skills and be committed to exceptional customer service.

 

Associate Director Collections and Digital Transformation
Location: Manchester Metropolitan University
Salary: £72,000 – £76,000 per annum (commensurate with experience), plus a comprehensive benefits package
Contract Type: Permanent; 37 hours per week
Closing Date: Sunday 13 July 2025

With your combination of visionary leadership skills and sound grasp of the strategic issues facing UK higher education, this is your chance to join us in transforming lives. We’re looking for a creative, analytical thinker who appreciates the innovative possibilities for academic library services, content and digital transformation – and who can engage, inspire and motivate people to deliver them, as one.

About Manchester Met
We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK’s largest and most popular universities, we’re a force for good, dedicated to delivering outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we’re a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation.

We welcome those who are committed, talented and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals. Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let’s transform lives together.

About the opportunity
A key area of responsibility will be to develop a vision for our content future that supports open research, experiential learning, evolving publishing models, diverse formats, changing user needs and behaviour and inclusive access to knowledge. Another will be to lead the digital transformation of services and user experience, together with the strategic development of systems and platforms to support education and research. You’ll also be playing an integral part in shaping the Library Transformation Programme – contributing to the design of a new library building and a compelling vision for the future service.

As an active member of the Library and Cultural Services Executive, deputising for the Director of Library and Cultural Services within and beyond the University, you’ll share responsibility for the department’s development, leadership and management. You’ll deliver the overall budget (£10M) and plan and manage the content budget (£4.5M) in line with University strategy and priorities.

About you
Having demonstrated your senior leadership skills in a large, complex organisation with accountability for people, budgets and strategy, you have proven experience of initiating and leading change programmes/projects, and of leading and delivering content and/or digital strategy at scale. In particular, you have considerable expertise in content licensing, collection development and/or digital platforms and services – ideally including the management of budgets and change within cultural collections in a library, museum or heritage environment.

If you’re excited by content and collections, digital transformation, user-centred design and the opportunity to lead strategic change at scale – this is your chance to make a real impact and we’d love to hear from you.

Further information and how to apply
To explore the post or to ask any questions you may have, please contact Rachel Beckett, Director of Library and Cultural Services, at rachel.beckett@mmu.ac.uk