Perspectives on library recruitment: Supporting diversity [TG4/Recruitment]

While SCONUL is in the process of conducting research into the experience of BAME staff in academic libraries, this is a timely point to initiate conversations around the current diversity, or lack of, within the profession and to communicate some of the ongoing work in this area.

This event aims to provide perspectives and provoke discussion and ideas around the issue of diversity in the library profession.

Although the event is open to all, we would particularly welcome attendees who are regularly involved with recruitment – there will be a brief Q&A session with the speakers, providing a chance to share ideas and experiences.

Speakers

Libby Homer was appointed University Librarian at Anglia Ruskin University in April 2018, and before then worked as Director of Library and Learning Services at the University of East London. She started her career in acquisitions at the University Of Surrey, and has worked for Southwark Council and SOAS.
Libby was previously a cpd25 Task Group Chair, and a member of the SCONUL Access Working Group. She is currently a member of the SCONUL Workforce Development Group and is Chair of Customer Services Group UK. Libby also mentors Chartership candidates and AURORA participants, as well as acting as a mentor for SCONUL’s new mentorship scheme.

Ashley Tracey is a graduate in Chemistry from Imperial College London who is a new arrival in academic libraries following an extensive working history in public libraries.
Ashley will discuss first impressions working within academic libraries, thoughts about the current diversity in higher education institutions and how it can be improved.

John Vincent has worked in the public sector since the 1960s, primarily for Hertfordshire, Lambeth and Enfield public library services. In 1997, he was invited to become part of the team that produced the UK’s first review of public libraries and social exclusion (from which The Network, which he now coordinates, originated).

John runs courses and lectures, writes, produces regular newsletters and ebulletins, and lobbies for greater awareness of the role that libraries, archives, museums, and the cultural & heritage sector play in contributing to social justice.

He is particularly interested in supporting the work that libraries do with young people in care, with LGBTQ people, and with ‘new arrivals’ to the UK.

In September 2010, the book he co-wrote with John Pateman, Public libraries and social justice, was published by Ashgate (now Routledge); and, in January 2014, he published LGBT people and the UK cultural sector … (also by Ashgate, now Routledge). In 2018, John’s report to Arts Council England was published, Libraries welcome everyone: six stories of diversity and inclusion from libraries in England.

In 2014, John was given a CILIP CDEG Special Diversity Award, and, in September 2014, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of CILIP.

Vanessa Farrier joined King’s as a Library Assistant in 2005 and since then has held a number of roles within Library Services. Her current position as Head of Partnership & Liaison is a strategic role, leading a team of Library Liaison Managers working in academic liaison with the university and other stakeholder groups, as well as key roles in student engagement. Vanessa became involved in Diversity & Inclusion work when she set-up the King’s LGBTQ+ Staff Network, ensuring the Network could remain sustainable whilst navigating the tensions of independence and governance within the institution. Due to this success, Vanessa now leads a Diversity & Inclusion action group for Education & Students. Education & Students is a governance structure that is pan-university, where Vanessa is working to embed D&I as a standard working practice and culture.

Venue
Woburn House

Cost
£90 for Members
£135 for Other Institutions

Cancellations less than one week before the event will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. In the event of a ‘no-show’ on the day, the full fee will be charged.

To book a place please use our online booking form.