Kathryn Smith, University Librarian
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.
