Committee

Co-Chair: Hello, I’m Joanne Fitzpatrick, I am the 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 National Teaching Fellow, independent trainer and speaker and author of various books, articles, etc on Information Literacy, Playful Learning, Neurodiversity, Fairy Tales and whatever else pops into my head. Until recently I worked at a Higher Education institution in the North of England and at Academic Libraries North as Development Manager but then ran away to the seaside instead. Currently writing a book with Amelia, keep an eye out for it in 2027!

Secretary: Hi, I’m Amelia Haire and I’m one of the Librarians at QA Higher Education. I have experience working in Specialist, Public and Academic libraries. I completed my MA in Library and Information Studies at UCL in 2024 with a special interest in Neurodivergent Information Literacy (I have since given talks and published an article on the topic). I was diagnosed as Autistic in 2023, and ADHD in 2024. I love working in this inclusive space with other neurodiverse librarians, and I hope that our committee can help you in whatever way we can.

Treasurer: Hello all! I’m Laura Green and I’m a Customer Service Officer for Library and Learning Services at Leeds Beckett University Library.. I’ve worked in libraries for 14 years and have a PGDip in Information and Library Studies. When I’m not at work I catalogue archive television for an organisation that finds lost AV, and spend time with my cat. 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.

Development Coordinator: Hi, I’m Maria Bishop. I’m a Reading Lists Library Officer at the University of Sussex, where I’ve worked for the last 9 years. Before that, I worked as a patents associate and a research scientist. I am also working towards CILIP Chartership.

As co-chair of the ND staff network at Sussex, I’ve enjoyed working with ND colleagues and sharing my experience of chronic illness and AuDHD to support people navigating support systems.

I am looking forward to working with neurodivergent library professionals and helping to coordinate the development of NLISN’s training and coaching.

Research Co-ordinator: Hi, I’m Marsha Farrington, I am a Library Assistant at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership at Callington Road Hospital, Bristol.

I am a trained Librarian and previously worked creating and running libraries and archives in the Highways Agency, and Audit Commission.

I have also worked for various charities over the years.

I am ADHD, late diagnosed with a co-morbidity of Depression from living undiagnosed for 50 years, I also have Dyspraxia.

Away from work I live on a boat with my cat Ninja and play the Banjolele very badly!

I am the Research Co-ordinator for NLISN.

Partnerships Coordinator: Hi everyone, I’m Dan Herbert, Library Buildings Development Manager at Queen Mary University of London. I’ve worked in higher education libraries since 1991, having previously spent several years working in public libraries.
I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia in my 50s, largely as a result of developing ME/CFS and no longer being able to mask the challenges we are all familiar with.

A key part of my role at Queen Mary involves developing supportive and inclusive study spaces that meet the needs of a diverse student community. I’m passionate about creating environments where everyone can thrive and feel welcome.
I am delighted to be joining the committee and look forward to working with colleagues across the sector, supporting our members, and helping to promote greater understanding and inclusion for neurodivergent library and information professionals.

Online Team: Hello! I’m Kelly Whittard (she/her). I’m Reading List Librarian at the University of Bath. I have worked as a Librarian in Higher Education for the past 11 years, and before that worked in school libraries and a monastery library.

I will be working with the Online Team, looking after the website and newsletter. I am diagnosed 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 help NLISN grow.

Online Team: Hello, everyone! My name is Abigail and I work as a library administrator and operations administrator at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). I have been working in UWE’s library services for almost five years now and have recently completed my PG Diploma in Library & Information Services Management (University of Sheffield). In terms of my ND traits, I have general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and recently identified as being on the autism spectrum.

I am the website and online content coordinator for NLISN, managing the output of blog posts, opinion pieces, case studies and more for the official website. Feel free to get in touch if you have any ideas or suggestions for website content!

Online Team: Hello, I’m Stacy (she/her) and I’m a systems & access librarian for a Government Library. I work between my office and home in Greater Manchester. I’ve worked in libraries for the last 14 years and have previously worked in Special Collections, School Libraries & Academic Libraries. I’m interested in promoting diversity and engaging library users through collections and of course meta-data.

I run the socials for NLISN and I also sit on the CILIP LGBTQ committee.

Events: I’m Maria King and I currently work as an Educational Developer at the University of Leeds. I have previously worked in Academic/Subject Librarian roles at three other UK universities. I have previously led 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.

Events: 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!