M25 Consortium Annual Conference 2026 – Sunshine through the rain: celebrating our successes
Join us at the M25 Consortium Annual Conference 2026
Tuesday 9th June, Online
10.00am-12.45pm & 1.30-3.30pm
Conference Theme
Our theme for 2026 is “Sunshine Through the Rain: Celebrating our Successes”
Libraries continue to deliver outstanding services for their users during these challenging financial times. We are taking the time at our online Conference to hear from voices across the sector. We will share achievements, staff wellbeing initiatives, projects, and activities that have provided some sunshine through the rain: whether small or large – they all make a difference.
Speaker, Facilitator and Contributor Biographies
Programme
Our programme will be updated regularly as we add details of our Presenters.
Outlines of Conference presentations
MORNING SESSIONS 10.00-12.45; 13.30-13.45
10am Welcome from David Archer, Chair, M25 Consortium
10.10-10.30 Keynote Presentation: “Truth, trust and democracy: the role of the House of Commons Library and good information in the UK Parliament”
Keynote Speaker: Martin Reid, Director of Library Services, House of Commons Library
10.30-10.45 Questions to the Keynote Speaker, chaired by David Archer
10.45-10.55 Lightning Talk One: “Plant Potting Project”
Presented by Susan Hill, University of Surrey
10.55-11.05 Questions to Susan Hill, chaired by Camilla Churchill, BMA Library & Archive Lead
11.05-11.15 Lightning Talk Two: “Saving money, reducing waste and sharing knowledge – Senate House Library’s partnership with the Internet Archive for the preservation of withdrawn stock”
Presented by James Cook, Senate House Library
11.15-11.25 Questions to James Cook, chaired by Camilla Churchill
11.25-11.40 BREAK
11.40-12.00 Sharing the Sunshine
We will be sharing examples of positive initiatives and activities that have taken place across all member libraries, however big or small. Even if you cannot attend on the day, contribute your good things here: https://padlet.com/kingstonuniversity/m25-consortium-of-academic-libraries-conference-2026-sharing-we82yzmfnvmbg1vh
Chaired by Sara Burnett, Kingston University and Helen Curtis, Oxford Brookes University
12.00-12.10 Innovation Fund Update: Introducing your open-access library excellence framework resource
Presented by Carly Ramirez-Herelle, University of Bedfordshire
12.10-12.15 Questions to Carly Ramirez-Herelle and Steve Briggs, chaired by Michelle Wake
12.15-12.30 Presentation: Plugging The Gap: Learning Experiences in UCL LCCOS
An examination of the steps taken over 20 years to support the specific development needs of the LCCOS (Libraries, Culture, Collections and Open Science) community at University College London, from the annual staff conference to an innovative Aspiring Managers programme. Presented by Aanchal Bhatt and Kate Cheney, UCL
12.30-12.45 Questions to Aanchal Bhatt and Kate Cheney, chaired by David Archer
12.45-13.30 LUNCH BREAK with online Mindful activity at 13.30
13.30-13.45 A Mindful Pause.
A short session of easy and accessible mindfulness practices to help reset for the afternoon
Led by Jem Shackleford, Mindfulness teacher and trainer (optional)
AFTERNOON SESSIONS 13.45-15.30
13.45-13.50 Welcome back
13.50-14.00 From overwhelm to action: developing a sustainability toolkit
An introduction to the M25 Sustainability Toolkit, exploring how shared, practical resources can support libraries to move from sustainability overwhelm to action.
Presented by Jessie McLean, M25 Sustainability Group co-Chair
14.00-14.05 Questions to members of the Sustainability Group including co-Chairs Jessie McLean and Eloise Carpenter and M25 Steering Group representative, Michelle Wake; chaired by David Archer
14.05-14.15 Diversity Group Update
Presented by Davina Omar, University of West London and Cliff Van Dort, The National Archives
14.15-14.20 Questions to the Diversity Group, chaired by David Archer
14.20-14.25 Five minute mini break
14.25-14.35 Lightning Talk Three “Pause Point at Kingston University”
Presented by Joanne Cawkwell, Kingston University
14.35-14.45 Questions to Joanne Cawkwell, chaired by Paul Johnson, University of Surrey
14.45-14.55 Lightning Talk Four “The Next Chapter Challenge – University of Surrey Library and Learning Services” This year marked our first Library competition, The Next Chapter Challenge—an innovation initiative inviting students to propose ideas to enhance the Surrey student experience, with a cash prize. As a pilot, it aimed to empower students to shape services and work in partnership with library staff.
Presented by Catherine Batson, University of Surrey Library
14.55-15.05 Questions to Catherine Batson, chaired by Paul Johnson
15.05-15.20 Closing the Conference: “The Art of Being Brilliant”
Dr Andy Cope from Art of Brilliance Andy specialises in positive psychology and the science of human flourishing
15.20-15.25 Questions to Andy Cope, chaired by David Archer
15.25-15.30 Closing remarks and thanks from David Archer
15.30 Conference Ends
Join us for a post-Conference in person event
Visit to Senate House Library & Exhibition: English Print Revolution: Caxton & Beyond
5-6pm, Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU
Conference delegates will have priority booking. Bookings now open, please book your place via the event page:
Visit to Senate House Library – M25
Registration and Booking
All member institutions are entitled to two free delegate places (registration essential) and can book additional places.
Fees:
| DELEGATE TYPE | FEE | DATES |
| Free member places – two per institution | £0 | 24 February-5 June |
| Additional Member Places | £35 | 24 February-5 June |
| Non-member places | £70 | 24 February-5 June |
| Group bookings of 3 and above | £5 discount per person, (not applicable to student tickets nor first two free places) | 24 February-5 June |
| Students | £10 | 24 February-5 June |
Invoicing: Paid bookings will be invoiced after the Conference from 15 June.
Group bookings: 3 or more paying delegates will receive a £5 discount per person if they book as a group. Please fill out one form per person and add a note to the form in the PO number box to state ‘group booking’. Please also email cpd25@london.ac.uk with the names of the group members so we can identify you when we receive your booking forms. Any queries about group booking should be sent to cpd25@london.ac.uk. The Group discount does not apply to students or member representatives using their free places.
Student rate: If you’re studying and working at an M25 library please use the member registration form and write ‘student’, as well as your job title, in the designated box. Proof of student status may be required.
Conference Bursaries: There are two free places available at Conference. Find out more here Staff Development Award Scheme. Closing date extended to 23 April 2026.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation is free until 23:59 on 26 May 2026. Cancellations after this date will be charged 50%. No-shows on the day will be charged 100%.
Electronic CPD attendance certificates can be provided on request. Please request via cpd25@london.ac.uk
Please contact cpd25@london.ac.uk or M25libadmin@london.ac.uk with any questions.