SCONUL Content Forum 2026
SCONUL is pleased to announce that it is bringing members together in November for a Content Forum held online. The forum will focus on developing a shared sector position on sustainable access and publishing, and on positioning libraries as strategic partners in research and education transformation.
The day will include perspectives from across the sector, contributions from Jisc and senior institutional leaders, and an interactive strategy exercise exploring procurement priorities. Delegates will work through scenario-planning exercises designed to test approaches to future collection development, publishing models and national negotiations.
This will be an excellent opportunity for colleagues to connect, network, and help shape the future direction of the 21st-century library collection.
The forum will be held online via Zoom on 3 November 2026; the morning session will run from 10.00 – 12.00hrs and the afternoon session will run from 13.00 – 15.30hrs (both on the same Zoom link). Please email sconul@sconul.ac.uk for registration details.
Why attend?
Join colleagues from across the SCONUL community to help shape a shared sector position on sustainable access, publishing, and the future of library collections. This interactive online forum offers an opportunity for directors and heads of content to contribute to discussions that will influence future publishing agreements and procurement priorities.
Be part of the conversation by reserving your place at the SCONUL Content Forum and join peers from across the sector in shaping the future of library content, publishing, and procurement strategy.
Key goals
- Establish a shared sector position on sustainable access and publishing
- Position libraries as strategic partners in research and education transformation
- Test and refine our shared priorities for future publishing agreements
Strategic focus
Defining 21st Century Collection
- Developing a shared understanding of the evolving library content landscape and articulating a clear vision for its future direction.
- Enabling SCONUL members to advocate for the future direction of the library content landscape and its implications for their institutions.
Procurement requirements gathering
- Supporting a sector-wide review of historical print cost allocations to better understand the potential of alternative models.
- Influencing the strategic direction and outcomes of post transitional agreements to reflect the priorities and needs of SCONUL members.
- Collaborating to enhance resource procurement processes and inform national negotiation strategies with Jisc and other key external partners.
Agenda
Morning | |
10.00 - 10.10 | Introductions |
10.10 - 11.30 | POV presentations:
|
11.30 - 12.00 | Future publishing agreements strategic exercise: Icebreaker and scenario briefing |
12.00 - 13.00 | Lunch |
Afternoon | |
13.00 - 14.30 | Future publishing agreements strategic exercise: Round 1 & 2 and debrief |
14.30 - 15.15 | Big 5 Procurement requirements gathering |
15.15 - 15.30 | Closing remarks |
15.30 | Close |
Tagged : Content and Collections, eBooks, eJournals, Rights Retention, eResources, Research Support, Open Access, Publications