My library career began in public libraries but after ten years of developing Children’s services for Cumbria County Libraries I moved into Further Education. I worked for over twenty years in the sector. During this time I saw the development of CoLRiC and had the wonderful experience of working on developing and assessing the old PAS accreditation.

Further Education libraries have always had to fight for survival and I am delighted to be back to support where I can on the new Quality Assurance Framework. This is designed to support the sector showcasing the importance and value of Libraries in assuring excellent learning facilities and opportunities that support both students and the whole organisation.

Hi, I’m Erika and I’ve worked in academic libraries now for nearly nine years. Before that I previously worked in public libraries. I’m passionate about libraries and how much we can assist both staff and students with their work. I’m currently studying my MSc Information and Libraries studies with Robert Gordon Universities and enjoy finding out about technology and how that assist people in their learning. I’m also a member of JISC FE LRC community of practice as it’s a great place to share information with other libraries across the UK. I enjoy reading, watching tv and I’m a single mother to a five-year old so life can get pretty hectic! I’m on LinkedIn if you would like to connect.

Hi, I’m Helen and I’ve worked in the higher and further education sectors for over 30 years. I currently manage a multi-site team of Library staff across Castleford, Selby and Wakefield colleges. I work with curriculum, IT and digital teams to ensure the Library service is meeting the needs of students and staff. My main areas of professional interest are digital learning and library marketing. I enjoy hearing about what other FE/Sixth Form colleagues are doing and trying out new ideas.

Hi, I’m Hannah! I’ve been part of Northampton College for over 19 years and currently work as the Academic Librarian in the Digital & Academic Resources Centre (DARC). My job is all about creating and delivering academic skills resources and working with the team to deliver the DARC’s Digital Skills Programme across the college, as well as projects around educational technology. I’m passionate about supporting teaching and learning in Further Education, helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Hi, I’m Jim and have over 30 years of experience in FE libraries; with a very brief sojourn in public libraries. During that time I have successfully completed several LMS implementations; established new site provision, and redeveloped and refurbished a number of library sites. I have also led teams through service integration situations and college mergers.

Currently I lead the strategic direction of Aquinas College’s Library Service and Learning Centre. I also oversee Creative Services, a team specialising in media production, video, and graphic design required to support College events, marketing initiatives, and the College website. Additionally, I am a member of Jisc’s Learning Content Expert Group and serve as a CEOP Education Ambassador, which enables me to provide eSafety input to the College’s Safeguarding Team.

l.banner@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Hi, I’m Laksh. I have been working in libraries for over 20 years, starting off as a Graduate Trainee, then Subject/Academic Liaison Librarian and now Library Team Leader. I am also the editor of Impact, and my aim is to help bring together colleagues from our sector to support and inspire one another, sharing ideas and information and raising the profile of FE Librarianship.

I have been with Hull College for over 15 years becoming Learning Resources Manager in 2023. I currently oversee the Learning Resource Centre and a team of LRC Assistants, ensuring students have access to essential resources and support. I earned my MSc in Library and Information Studies in 2024, focusing on gamification in libraries, which I plan to explore with Hull College students. I am a member of CILIP and am currently applying to be an Associate Fellow with Advance HE. Despite the many changes, the rewarding nature of working in Further Education has remained a constant.

In my role as Group Head of Digital Learning, Libraries and Innovation, I oversee the LRC teams across three colleges. I have been in the role since October 2024, but I have managed and worked in FE libraries for the last seven years. My current areas of interest are embedding AI into library support, incorporating wellbeing into library services and creating study spaces. I am also in the final year of my MA Library and Information Services Management degree and my dissertation topic is on managing multi-site FE libraries. Please get in touch if you are also a multi-site FE library manager and want to participate in my research.

I like to be hands on, and I’m always out and about college, helping students improve their study skills (anything to get away from being in front of a computer screen!). The aim is to make them more independent learners and ease the transition to University etc. I also do a lot with helping students to navigate our digital resources so they can find the information they want. One of my main interests is information literacy, which lots of young people lack, and I’ve recently set up ‘academic literacy’ sessions to teach students about finding, using and evaluating the information they find.

I joined Highlands College in June 2024. I previously worked at Jersey Library, and before that I was a university lecturer. In my current role, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Highlands College Library, which supports both FE and HE students. My current interests focus on information literacy and health and wellbeing. I’m currently applying for CILIP Chartership and I’m also a Fellow of Advance HE.

I have worked at Middlesbrough college since 2006. I am responsible for the running and development of the Learning Resources Centre’s physical and digital space. I manage a small LRC team. I am an active member of JISC’s FE LRC Community Leadership Team, which is also a special interest and JISC’s North East learning resources in FE forum. I am the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion and Health and Wellbeing Champion for my department.

I’m a freelance writer, researcher, editor, librarian, information scientist and professional development events planner with over twenty-five years’ experience working in higher education at director level. Amongst other things I’m business coordinator for the UK e-information Group, a special interest group of CILIP, the library and information association. I’m also a curator of the memory and legacy of the great Judy Garland, and have been editor of her international fan club journal since 1998.

I have a background in librarianship and have held several ‘library adjacent’ roles, including publishing, editing, and event design and management for the library and information professional sectors. I also work for Open Fifth and am 50% of the Information Training Team.