Committee

Co-Chair: Hello, I’m Joanne Fitzpatrick, Research Data Manager at Lancaster University library and I’m diagnosed autistic. In 2023 I was named as one of the CILIP 125 list of emerging leaders in the library and information sector, and I founded NLISN alongside Andy. I continue to be delighted that so many skilled and competent individuals are here and willing to support each other to make working life better for ourselves. At the very least I hope you can network with other like-minds and that this helps you carry on being talented library and information staff.

Co-Chair: Hi everyone, I’m Andrew Walsh and I’m a Development Manager at Academic Libraries North, National Teaching Fellow, independent trainer and speaker. I’ve only relatively recently started to divulge my neurodivergence and I’m please to have helped Jo make this project happen and to put it on a firmer footing as NLISN. Until recently I worked at a Higher Education institution in the North of England.

Secretary: Hi, I’m Amelia Haire and I’m currently a student at UCL studying for a master’s in Library and Information Studies, with a special interest in neurodivergent information literacy. I also work as a Library Assistant at Senate House Library. I have recently been diagnosed as Autistic and ADHD and have found being involved with other neurodivergent individuals an incredibly inspiring experience already as I navigate my own neurodivergence and support others. 

Treasurer: Hi, I’m Melanie Peters-Turner and I’m the Systems Librarian for The University of Law. I am based from home in the North-West of England, but cover all our campuses in the UK. I am thrilled about the opportunity to help others learn from my experiences as an adult diagnosed autistic, and to guide other Library Services in helping us to excel as I knew we can.

Website: Jez Cope helps researchers and librarians make the most of technology, with a focus on research data and software. He is currently Data Services Lead at the British Library, where he is responsible for enabling researchers to get DOIs for their outputs through the UK DataCite Consortium, and for the Library’s overall approach to data and datasets in the national collections.  He is passionate about learning & teaching, good software engineering practice and making technology accessible to a more diverse range of people. He holds an MSci in Mathematics and Computing and a PGCert in Higher Education, is a certified Carpentries Instructor and a Fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute.

Website: Hello! I’m Kelly Whittard (she/her). I’m Reading List Librarian at the University of Bath.

I will be working on the website design and maintenance with Jez Cope. I have recently been diagnosed as Autistic and I’m really looking forward to working with and learning from other neurodivergent Library staff. I’m excited to be involved with this project and to see how NLISN will grow.

Social Media:

Hello folx, I’m Stacy (she/her) and I’m currently a systems librarian in a Government Library.  Working between the office and my home in the North West, I’ve worked in a variety of libraries over the past 14 years, including School Libraries, Research institutes and HE. I’m interested in promoting diversity and protecting the rights of library staff, which go hand in hand to create an inclusive and effective library environment for staff and users. Outside of the library I am big fan of folk music and customs and can be found dancing in clogs.

Events: Hello everyone, I’m Susan O’Sullivan – a Learning, Teaching and Research Librarian at Birmingham City University.
I prefer visual representations; can usefully employ my potentially different perspective and I am able to apply my problem-solving skills. When not working, my interests include silversmithing (plus other artisan crafts) and volunteering at an award-winning local community cinema and arts centre which aims to address issues for example,  relating to social isolation – by providing an opportunity for people to connect.

Events: Kirsty Fife (they/them) is Lecturer in Digital Information and Curatorial Practice at Manchester Metropolitan University’s iSchool. Prior to their current post, they completed a PhD in Information at UCL whilst teaching across Popular Music and Information Studies courses in the UK. They have a professional background working as an archivist for organisations including the National Science and Media Museum, UK Parliamentary Archives and Hoxton Hall. In their spare time, they are active as a DIY cultural organiser, musician and zine maker.

Research/Resources Liaison: Hello, I’m Marc Cohen and I am Head of Library Resources and Collections at Queen Mary University of London. I am autistic as are two of my children. I am excited by the creation of a group to support people who are neurodivergent in the library sector and help them use their unique talents.

Research/Resources Liaison: Hi there, I’m Victoria Williams. I’m currently a librarian at an independent school in the South West, but have also worked in HE and public libraries over the course of my career. Like many autistic women, my neurodivergence wasn’t picked up early in life, so I’ve been on a bit of a journey of discovery over the last few years. I’m really passionate about making the workplace and education more understanding and accepting environments for neurodivergent people, so I’m really happy to be a part of this committee.

Buddying: Greetings, all – I’m Caroline Ball. I’ve worked in the past as a lecturer in publishing and a copyright and licensing advisor, and I’m currently academic librarian at the University of Derby. I’m one of the co-founders of the #ebookSOS campaign and I’ve also been a trustee of WikimediaUK for the past three years. I was diagnosed with ADHD-C several years ago, which came as more of a relief than a surprise! I really hope that I and the NLISN community can help to support, guide and encourage neurodiverse colleagues across the library sector, and I look forward to meeting you all!

Buddying: Hello all! I’m Laura Green and I’m a Library and Student IT Adviser in Lending Services at Leeds Beckett University Library. My AuDHD affects every part of my life and I’m looking forward to liaising with other ND library people and seeing what we can do support all ND colleagues.

Buddying: I’m Charlotte Taylor and I’m a Clinical Librarian at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. I’ll be overseeing the NLISN Buddying Scheme with Caroline Ball and Laura Green.  I’m passionate about the positive impacts of neurodivergent professionals supporting each other and I’m excited to help create a safe space for us to share our experiences.

Special Projects: I’m Maria King and I currently work as the Subject Librarian for the School of Health and Social Care and the Department for Teaching and Learning at Edinburgh Napier University. I also leads on inclusion work within the library around accessibility, particularly on improving teaching practices for accessibility, and overall library support for neurodivergent students, bringing my lived experience as a neurodivergent person to my work in this area. I have also delivered workshops and keynotes on these topics for both library, wider professional services, and academic staff both internally and externally including at the LILAC and International Network of Inclusive Practices (INIP) conferences.

Sectors: Oliver Jenkins is a school librarian in a secondary through school for ages 11-18. He’s been in his job for 6 years and is enthusiastic about making his library not only a place of reading but also a welcoming and safe space for all. He is incredibly open about his Autism with students and aims to act as proof that Autistic people do have future opportunities and can work in fulfilling jobs. Oliver is Chair of CDEG’s Community, Diversity and Equality Group.