Please vote for one candidate in each section: Vice Chair, Trustee (publisher or intermediary) and Trustee (Open). Authorised electors will receive their voting forms from vote@simplyvoting.com – please add this email to your safe senders list.
The results of the election will be announced at our AGM on 20 March – details and registration link here: https://www.uksg.org/agm.
Election for the role of Vice Chair
Rob Johnson, Managing Director, Research Consulting Limited
Please review biography and background details below.
Please note, when you vote for Rob as Vice Chair, you do not need to vote for him again as a Trustee.
Election for the role of Trustee – publisher or intermediary
Magaly Bascones, Discovery and Usage Product Manager, Gale
Why would you like to join the UKSG board?
In a nutshell I have been involved with UKSG for over 10 years during which my activities steered me towards participating as attendee, Education Committee member, seminar chair and organiser of events.
Therefore, it only feels natural to take that step further and commit to continuing helping UKSG in performing its aims. Accordingly, “connect the knowledge community and encourage the exchange of ideas on scholarly communication.”
My experience in the sector (in libraries, consortia, and content providers) altogether puts me in a privilege position insomuch as understanding the interests, needs and constraints of UKSG members (small, large, specialised libraries, consultants, consortia, service providers, content providers, etc). I believe that my overall experience will bring value and thus contribute towards UKSG as a whole as well as in our sector.
In terms of individual characteristics, I am an honest, hardworking, and candid professional, qualities of which I believe will enable me to support the work of the UKSG board of trustees. It will be an absolute honour to be part of the board as it will allow me to help preserve and uphold the principles on which UKSG is founded as well as contribute towards helping UKSG move forward, specifically overcoming those new (and old) challenges emerging in the sector.
Tell us what you will bring to the board
As mentioned above, I will bring to the board my professional experience spanning across different parts of the sector (in libraries, consortia, and content providers). In addition to my personal qualities of honesty, responsibility, hardworking coupled with a strong sense of fairness, I will endeavour to bring to the board my passion for scholarly communication.
I am a great believer of the collective, not least the power that a connected community can deliver through effective interconnections, particularly at cross-organisational levels. UKSG is indeed about bringing the sector together for I have the personal stamina and professional skills to achieve that.
Working at Gale (a content provider) enables me to bring specific perspectives to the board, this with a view to improve communication and understanding, and strengthening shared areas of interests. With a background on Product management, my field of expertise concentrates on discovery and metadata both considered as essential pillars to the success of scholarly communication whilst concurrently adding value to the student/end user experience.
As new generations and ideas intertwines into the scholarly communication area, I would like to contribute as a Trustee to ensure that UKSG steers its purpose for the public to benefit with an emphasis on responsible usage of its resources whilst also complying to the legislation.
How will you contribute to advancing UKSG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
I am privileged to understand the diversity and inclusion issues that currently affects our society. To that effect I am glad that UKSG has been taking action pushing the advancement of EDI in the sector. Palpable contributions to EDI are those that impact the day-to-day but also those conducive enough to inspire structural changes for I do have a vision of society where EDI principles are part of everyday life.
My actions and decisions are dictated by my sense of ethics, fairness, and mutually beneficial rents such as equitable social exchanges. Pragmatic, I will bring to the board perspectives, know-how and confidence.
Emma Hill, Partnership Product Manager, McGraw Hill
Why would you like to join the UKSG board?
I joined UKSG initially as I felt it had a unique insight into the cross-functional world of Knowledge Community, and that, as a product manager working in the space I would hear directly from our partners in Libraries, HEIs and other learning organisations that we are looking to better support. One thing I really appreciate about UKSG is the positive and inclusive discussions and I enjoyed attending the forum that saw experts across Libraries, Academics and Publishers/Content providers sharing their insights and learning from each other. I would like to join the board to get more involved in the conversation and exploring with colleagues how publishers can work in partnership to provide quality reviewed resources and support to institutions, and ultimately supporting students to fulfil their potential.
Tell us what you will bring to the board
Although I currently work at a Publishers (McGraw Hill/Open University Press), my background crosses other areas of the knowledge community as I worked at Warwick University on global and local education programmes, as well as having experience in the EdTech sphere with a focus on learning and development, including Continuing Professional Development. My unique background in both HEIs, tech and publishing space provides me with a holistic understanding of challenges across different organisations involved in UKSG. I would like to use my knowledge and skills to support the UKSG activities.
How will you contribute to advancing UKSG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
I feel a little uncomfortable writing my response to this. I identify as a woman and I am a working parent. I don’t feel like these are particularly anything out of the ordinary but unfortunately, we still live in an unequal world and women are often held back or limited in their opportunities, particularly after having a child. Despite this, I am also aware of my privilege and having worked in tech, it’s particularly ingrained how our unconscious bias can come into play when we’re developing anything and creating communities. So I will continue to question and highlight where there may be opportunities to do better in creating a platform for different voices, including those who need extra support to be aware of and grasp opportunities.
Rob Johnson, Managing Director, Research Consulting Limited
Why would you like to join the UKSG board?
Ever since attending my first UKSG conference in Harrogate a decade ago I’ve known that UKSG plays a unique and central role within the information community. As a UKSG Board member since 2021, and Treasurer for the last two years, it’s been my privilege to be able to serve this community and I have gained valuable insights into the financial and operational aspects of UKSG. By standing for the role of Vice Chair my priority would be to support the Chair and the Board with high-level decision-making, ensuring Board meetings are focussed on the strategic issues facing the organisation and helping to deliver our mission. I would also seek to strengthen links with our subcommittees, ensuring our volunteers are engaged, supported and valued for their contribution to the organisation.
Tell us what you will bring to the board
Having spent the early part of my career in university research management, for the last decade I have run a consultancy specialising in research and scholarly communication. This role has enabled me to work with virtually all of the stakeholders within the UKSG community – librarians, publishers, aggregators, vendors and more. This gives me a broad overview of the issues facing our community and the ability to spot areas of common interest. I have a wide network of contacts whom I can draw upon to support and promote UKSG’s work and a keen personal interest in the development of scholarly communication.
As a Chartered Accountant and founder of a small company I also bring a distinct perspective to the Board, using this experience to help UKSG navigate the operational and commercial challenges faced by a small charity. Perhaps most importantly, I have a strong affinity with UKSG’s mission and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to connecting the information community.
How will you contribute to advancing UKSG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
As a middle-aged white guy from the South of England I feel a responsibility first and foremost to listen and learn from others with different backgrounds and experiences, and secondly to maximise the opportunities for them to contribute to and benefit from UKSG’s work. Much of my work as a consultant has focussed on democratising scholarly communication and strengthening research capacity in parts of the Global South, and I would leverage these connections for the benefit of UKSG. As Vice Chair, my aim would be to actively promote initiatives that foster diversity in leadership, ensuring that the board reflects the varied perspectives of the community it serves. I will advocate for inclusive practices in our decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of UKSG.
Aine Rice, Head of Academic Partnerships, VitalSource Technologies
Why would you like to join the UKSG board?
I have worked with and for UKSG members almost my entire career, as outlined in detail in my response to the subsequent question. The availability of a trustee place is well timed with my community tenure and I would look forward to not just bringing my views but also learning from others and representing the diverse membership at board level. I have run many customer advisory and update meetings at various supplier companies and so have experience in facilitating round table discussions and encouraging candid sharing of opinions. I would welcome the opportunity to develop this in a cross-sectoral, non-commercial capacity. I am experienced in working to encourage participation in in-person and online forums and working with a variety of communication styles to elicit multiple viewpoints. From my first attendance at a UKSG conference almost 20 years ago in Manchester, I was impressed by the healthy collective thought-process and would be very proud to enable this culture to thrive. I would take the responsibilities around effective and efficient governance with due respect and dedication of time and energy. I believe at this stage of my career I have the experience and continued enthusiasm to govern and represent this sector.
Tell us what you will bring to the board
I am a 25 year plus career-long member of the knowledge community, having started as a librarian and then moving to the vendor side of the industry. I have worked for distributors, publisher (Elsevier), aggregators (Ovid and ProQuest), and now in the EdTech space (VitalSource Technologies), and so have knowledge of the space each of these diverse actors play in our sector, how the supply chain is interwoven and complex, necessitating much community-based thinking. I have a dedication and passion to the collaborative nature of our endeavours, and an ongoing support of how UKSG brings a cross-sector alliance to advance scholarly publishing and its dissemination. While much of my experience is in the UKI region, I have knowledge of the trends and challenges in all other global territories, bringing a wider perspective to such a role. I am currently undertaking a Master’s of Science in Library and Information Management, making me well-versed on current issues in knowledge services.
How will you contribute to advancing UKSG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
I believe strongly in listening to each voice in our community and encouraging broader recruitment from under-represented identities and their communication of experiences and views. The early career proportion of our membership is by the nature of our changing times, ever more diverse, and continuous work is required to accelerate this. A focus on connecting with the early career worker and understanding their experiences, challenges and suggestions would be an interesting project to be involved with. Library and knowledge consumers are a globally diverse community, and the challenge to reflect this in our membership must be one we all commit to address.
Election for the role of Trustee – open
Jennifer Bayjoo, Head of Open Research Services, Manchester Metropolitan University
Why would you like to join the UKSG board?
UKSG has been a huge part of my career and a constant source of clarity and support. I won my first place to attend the conference as a graduate trainee and never looked back, as I found an organisation that reflected my core values and passion for the sector. I have presented many times at the UKSG conference and events, and published with Insights; each time has been a reminder of the necessity of UKSG as an independent body and unique space for librarians, publishers and vendors to meet on neutral ground and make real progress within the sector. I really believe in the value of contribution, and as I take the next steps in my career to explore library leadership and gain some external experience, I would like to put my time and effort towards something that matters. I believe UKSG matters.
Tell us what you will bring to the board
I recently took up a new leadership role as Head of Open Research Services at Manchester Metropolitan University, and with this I can bring to the board my enthusiasm, experience and ideas around the open research sector from the perspective of a non-Russell Group institution. I am always happy to share my opinions and provide some constructive challenge, and I consciously ensure I include every voice at the table. In my previous role at the University of Salford, I was a representative on University Council where I contributed regularly to the oversight of the institution, including being part of recruiting the new VC. I am well-networked across the open research sector, and my active leadership in EDI could also bring a wider ethnic minority network into UKSG.
How will you contribute to advancing UKSG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
I am a sector leader in EDI, as well as my lived experience as an ethnic minority and neurodivergent woman. I set up Diversity in Libraries of the North (DILON), which has been supported by UKSG for some time, and I have recently been part of a small group setting up a new network for ethnic minority library workers through SCONUL. I have been a mentor to ethnic minority women for several years and am passionate about opening the door for the next generation and creating a more equitable sector. I speak regularly about racism and allyship, including the ALN conference keynote, and shared an inclusive recruitment checklist that has been implemented across multiple institutions such as Lancaster University. I am also committed being a better and proactive ally, such as supporting trans rights and pushing my workplace to offer improved support and accessibility. Equity is my absolute core value and something I see reflected throughout the UKSG ethos.
Claire Grace, Head of Content & Licensing, The Open University
Why would you like to join the UKSG board?
I have been a member of the UKSG board since I was last elected in 2022. I feel that I have really only scratched the surface of being able to contribute to all the varied areas of work that UKSG undertakes. This includes my current role as Webinar Officer where I have been speaking to people who have put forward suggestions for future webinars and topics of interest and arranging speakers. There is a lot more to do here to develop webinars that are of interest to all UKSG members. There are ideas in the pipeline that I would like to bring to fruition. There is also a lot of work to do to ensure that UKSG continues to represent all its members in quite difficult times through holding its unique and respected position. I am particularly interested in developing plans that support our initiatives to encourage people in the early stages of their careers and from different backgrounds to feel confident to get involved with UKSG.
Tell us what you will bring to the board
I feel that my knowledge and experience both as a librarian and as someone with a long history of working with publishers and suppliers ensures that I maintain an awareness of and support the needs of all UKSG members. This is what makes UKSG the unique organisation it is and I very much want to continue to be involved in its work.
How will you contribute to advancing UKSG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
We have a huge list of possible initiatives already drawn up through a piece of consultative work. It is so important that we prioritise that list and develop plans that encourage greater diversity within UKSG membership so that everyone can feel represented by the organisation in real and practical ways. I very much want to be part of the ‘doing’ and to encourage others to take part too as we are going to need people with expertise and the willingness to volunteer to help in concrete initiatives that make a real change.
Beth Montague-Hellen, Head of Library & Information Services, Francis Crick Institute
Why would you like to join the UKSG board?
UKSG has been transformative for me. Through UKSG activities I have found my place and been welcomed into libraries and scholarly communications. I strongly believe in its mission to bring together publishers and libraries in finding solutions to today’s problems and in supporting the careers of those working in these fields. I’m excited about the direction that UKSG is going, particularly in improving inclusion for all.
Having been involved with UKSG in a range of capacities including as a speaker, a conference attendee, an award winner and an author in the society journal, Insights. I would like to give back to the society as thanks for these opportunities. I would also like to support the board in making sure that these same opportunities are available to as wide and diverse a range of people as possible.
Tell us what you will bring to the board
As the head of a library in a research institute I would bring a different viewpoint to the trustees. We have different drivers to both universities and publishers but are equally as passionate about research communication.
On a personal note I bring the voice of researchers as well as librarians, having been a university researcher for 10 years before retraining as a librarian, and now conducting research in the LIS sphere. In both publishing and libraries, we can often find ourselves too far away from the communities we serve and I would endeavour to uplift this viewpoint in the organisation.
I am enthusiastic and passionate about the mission of UKSG to find the space between publishers and libraries where we can come together to find solutions, and as a member of the board I would direct this energy to helping UKSG continually grow.
How will you contribute to advancing UKSG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion?
I have spent my career working on pushing forward the joint causes of equity, diversity and inclusion, as a researcher, a librarian and in a personal capacity, and I would continue to support UKSG to do so. Recently, I have been researching and writing a book on “Practical Tips on EDI for Libraries” and many of the ideas brought up will help UKSG to be as open and welcoming to all as possible. Prior to this I have worked on projects including community building efforts, conferences supporting minority groups and efforts to improve hiring practices.
As the co-chair of CILIP’s LGBTQ+ Network I would like to work towards a more joined up agenda towards equity in the scholarly communications sphere to make sure that we are pooling resources and ideas effectively and to ensure that we are not leaving people behind.