Walking away: what happens next? webinar

With negotiations with five of the largest academic publishers coming up in 2025 and continuing concern about the value for money and ethics of the “big deals”, many SCONUL member institutions will be considering their options and strategic approach. If the publishers do not recognise the need for reform and the challenging financial situation facing UK HE, many institutions will of course consider walking away.  What happens within an institution in the run-up to making this decision, and what happens next? 

This webinar will explore these questions. We are joined by speakers from three institutions which have taken this step and who are willing to share their experiences and to take questions. Please note that this webinar is being held under Chatham House Rule.  

 Our speakers are:

• Anna Clements, Director Library Services and University Librarian and Pete Barr, Head of Content and Collections, University of Sheffield
• Paul Johnson, Director of Library and Learning Services at the University of Surrey
• Kirsty Lingstadt, Director of Library, Archives and Learning Services and Sarah Thompson, Assistant Director, Library, Archives & Learning Services, University of York
  

The webinar will take place on Friday 7 March 2025 from 11am - 12.30pm.

Please email sconul@sconul.ac.uk for registration details.