M25 SpeedMeet
Welcome to M25 SpeedMeet. Every month we meet someone working in an M25 member institution and ask them to tell us a little bit about themselves.
One of the three strategic themes of the M25 Strategic Plan is connecting and collaborating through our network. Our aim is to provide a regional network whose members offer multiple perspectives that can inform decision making, and facilitate opportunities for networking and joint working on shared issues. What better way to do this than to meet?
In past months, we’ve met the Senior Librarian at the British Museum, Library Assistants at the School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and The National Gallery, a Research Support Librarian at the Royal Veterinary College and the Director of Library and Learning Services at the University of Surrey.
We’re keen to meet even more members so if you’d like to feature in the M25 SpeedMeet, please contact m25libadmin@london.ac.uk.
September 2024: Laura Scullion
Who are you, where are you based and what do you do?
I’m Laura Scullion and I’m Events and Programmes Administrator at the M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries. I work closely with the cpd25 Task Groups on organising their programme of events and visits, and with the Consortium’s Operations Manager, Steering Group and Trustees on organising events and activities for members of the Consortium.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
The people! Everyone I work with: from the cpd25 Task Group members, to the Trustees and Steering Group, event attendees and presenters, trainers and colleagues are the loveliest, kindest bunch of people I’ve ever worked with. I like working for a small organisation too and the Consortium is such a nice community. The work itself is very varied and I feel as though I’m constantly learning.
What motivates you in your work?
Getting good feedback from the cpd25 events I help run. It’s great to hear how attendees have benefitted from an event. And working with such passionate, committed people is always a great motivator.
How has/can the M25 Consortium support you in your career?
The cpd25 programme of events has such a wide range of subject areas, and as I manage all the logistics of each event, I also get to benefit from the training – I’ve already learnt some sign-language, how to produce engaging presentations, and how to stay happy and positive in trying times! There are also loads of networking opportunities, particularly for members to share ideas and experiences.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I sing in a local choir. We sing covers of modern pop/rock songs. As I mainly work from home now, it’s great to get out and join a crowd of friendly people each week – plus it’s very informal and no audition was required! If I’ve had a tough day or feeling particularly tired, it always perks me up.
Complete the sentence: If I wasn’t working in a library I would be…because…
Well, I don’t actually work in a library but if I wasn’t working in my current role I would be working in a museum. I started studying for an MA in Heritage Management a few years ago but had to drop out due to personal reasons. I worked at the National Gallery for about seven years and loved the environment and culture.
Laura Scullion, Administrator (Events and Programmes) M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries, September 2024
Read more SpeedMeet interviews here:
Dave Puplett, Associate Director, Libraries and Academic Enhancement, University of Greenwich
Fiona Ainsworth, Head of Library and Archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Dianne Shepherd, The British Museum, Senior Librarian
Jill Howard, M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries, Operations Manager
Cliff Van Dort, National Archives, Kew, Head of Library
Camilla Churchill, British Medical Association, Library and Archive Lead
Chloe Carson-Ashurst, The National Gallery, Library Assistant
Birgit Fraser, Anglia Ruskin University, Assistant Director – Academic and Content Services
Sarah Pipkin, UCL – Outreach and Exhibitions Coordinator, Special Collections Library
Anna Gillis, Royal Veterinary College – Research Support Librarian
Rachel Geeson, Anglia Ruskin University – Assistant Director, Customer Services
Jennifer Domingo, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – Library Assistant
Emma Wisher, University of Essex – Assistant Director for User Engagement
Louise Ellis-Barrett, British Museum – Librarian Acquisitions and Projects
Paul Johnson, University of Surrey – Director of Library and Learning Services
Sara Burnett, Kingston University – Information Specialist
Robert Atkinson, Birkbeck, University of London – Director of Library Services
Laura MacCulloch, Royal Holloway, University of London – Curator
Rowan Williamson, UAL – Associate Director of Library Services and Support
Frances Willis, National Art Library at the V&A – Assistant Librarian
Robin Armstrong Viner, Courtauld Institute of Art – Head of Library Services
Adam Edwards, Middlesex University – Library Liaison Manager
Linda Coombs, Buckinghamshire New University – Library and Learning Resources Manager
Liz Pinel, Royal College of Nursing Library and Archive – Customer Services Manager
David Allen, Royal Society of Chemistry – Librarian
Russell Burke, LSHTM – Assistant Librarian
Verity Allison, St George’s, University of London – Journals and E-Resources Librarian