SCONUL Autumn Conference, 19 November 2025

SCONUL is pleased to announce further details of the programme for our Autumn Conference, Library Transformation: People and place, on 19 November at The Studio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP.

Conference sessions include:

Our keynote speaker: Flora Ng, Chief Information Officer and University Librarian, The University of Hong Kong.

Flora will be discussing how she and her team have approached the new wave of rapid digitalisation that she is spearheading in the University’s Libraries and Information Technology Services (ITS).

Panel discussion on driving digital transformation

The panel will discuss the creation and communication of vision and roadmaps for the digital transformation of the library, including technology-enabled library spaces, content and systems.

Our speakers are:

• Alison Chojna, Group Director of Professional Services Transformation at London South Bank University
• Ciara McCaffrey, University Librarian University of Limerick
• Wendy White, Director Library and Learning Services, University of Southampton.

Winning entries in the SCONUL Library Design Awards 2025

Judith Keene, Director of Library & Professional Administrative Services, University of Worcester and chair of the Library Design Awards 2025 panel, will Introduce the awards and announce the winners in the two categories: space and services. We’ll also hear a short presentation from the each of the winning entries.

Libraries driving social change: Lightning talks

We will hear lightning talks from three institutions (Aberdeen, Greenwich and Sheffield) showcasing inspirational initiatives delivering social change and supporting their institutions’ commitments to the UN Sustainability Goals.

Our speakers are:

• Vicky Grant, Head of Library Learning and Teaching services & Alison Little, Associate Director, Learning Strategy and Student Engagement, University of Sheffield
• Susan Halfpenny, Deputy University Librarian, University of Aberdeen
• Dave Puplett, Associate Director - Libraries and Academic Enhancement, University of Greenwich.

Panel discussion on leading confidently through transition

This roundtable discussion will consider approaches to developing motivated and engaged teams in the current climate; including looking at the role of storytelling; supporting staff to navigate uncertainty; and creating a common sense of mission and purpose across multiple services and through times of significant change and uncertainty.

Our speakers are:

• Ann-Marie James, Director of Library Services, Aston University
• Amina Shah, National Librarian and Chief Executive, National Library of Scotland
• Emma Walton, Director of Library Services and University Librarian, Loughborough University.
  

The conference will be held at EcoSmart accredited venue The Studio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP on the 19^th of November from 10am to 4.15pm, with registrations opening at 9.30am. Tickets are £155pp.

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