Kathryn joined Northumbria in 1999 as Senior Officer,
Enquiry Services, leading the front line enquiry service in the University
Library. She worked in several roles across the library, expanding her remit to
include student IT enquiries, information and study skills development, support
for learning, teaching and research before being appointment to the role of
University Librarian in December 2019. She submitted the successful application
which saw the whole Library team shortlisted for Outstanding Library Team, THE
awards 2020.
Kathryn has worked with
colleagues across the University, supporting TNE developments, NSS action
planning, leading the work to develop and maintain the Preparing to Study
Guide, and most recently contributing to the discussions around AI and academic
integrity. She is an advocate for professionalism in learning and teaching
within HE and acts as coordinator for Professional Support Services staff who
wish to attain fellowship of AdvanceHE at Northumbria.
Before joining Northumbria, Kathryn graduated from Leeds
University and undertook her professional training at Newcastle Polytechnic.
She has worked in public, specialist and academic libraries, including some
time with BBC Scotland. Immediately prior to moving to Northumbria she worked
for 10 years in the Library of the Department for International Development
where she introduced the first Public Enquiry Point in the 1990s.
kathryn.smith2@northumbria.ac.uk
