Jane Harvell, University Librarian and Director of the Library, Culture and Heritage Division has been appointed as the new Chair of Research Libraries UK (RLUK), following a membership vote. Jane has been appointed for a two-year term, having served for the preceding two years as Vice-Chair.

RLUK is a consortium of the most significant research libraries in the UK and Ireland. Sussex is a key member of RLUK as a leading research-intensive university, with internationally acclaimed archival, manuscript and rare book collections, and a strong track-record of advocacy and support for open research. The University’s Heritage Collections include archives of the Bloomsbury Group, the papers of Rudyard Kipling, and The Mass Observation Archive, amongst many other important collections, mostly relating to twentieth-century literary, political and social history.

RLUK convenes 39 research libraries, bringing together and representing their collective voice, advocating on their behalf, and supporting them as they face shared challenges. In Jane’s role as Chair she is a spokesperson for the association, lobbying for the importance of research libraries, and helpingto get their voices heard. She will also lead the creation of RLUK’s new strategy with focus on the challenges and opportunities presented to the research library sector by generative AI. The association also actively supports and works with global partners in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US, where the sector is facing huge challenges politically and financially.

Jane said: “Libraries have always worked collectively, pooled resources, and learned from one another, and that will be more important than ever over the next few years as we adapt in a changing sector with new opportunities and external challenges. RLUK is a vital body which supports the research library community to bring together our voices and assist one another, and it is an honour and privilege to serve as its Chair.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “Library services are essential to research and learning in universities, and are at the heart of research-intensive universities like Sussex. It is a wonderful achievement for Jane to have been elected to the esteemed position of RLUK Chair. Jane oversees exceptional research resources in Sussex’s own physical and digital Library spaces, which are places of study, inspiration and collaboration. Congratulations to Jane on her appointment: it is marvellous to see one of our most effective leaders using her skills and experience to support and further the interests of the wider sector at a time of great challenge to universities in the UK and globally.”

Jane has worked at the University for almost 20 years. The duties of Chair of RLUK will be undertaken as part of her continuing role as Director of Library, Culture and Heritage here at Sussex. If you would like any more information about the role please contact Jane on j.harvell@sussex.ac.uk.