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 and most recently leading the
project to develop the Introduction to Northumbria Blackboard module to help
students with their transition into HE.
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
