1. ‘Backwards to the future’ or ‘Digital
transformation’ - some retirement
reflections
Presented by:
Jon Purcell. University Librarian
Date 27th
April 2017

2. ∂
My favourite definition of a
University
A University is …
“a number of anonymous
buildings gathered around the
University Library”

3. ∂
View of Durham Cathedral from Owengate

4. ∂
View of Durham City from the train station

5. ∂
Where I’m from?
• Durham University – England’s 3rd oldest University, est. 1830
• Russell Group, Research Intensive broad subject range University
• Best known as a Collegiate University (16 colleges), highest proportion of student
participation in sport, first UK university to have international campuses (Ghana and
Barbados in C19th, a ‘poor man’s Oxbridge’
• Currently responsible for the University Library (3 main sites) unique and distinctive
special collections, 3 Museum collections, University Art Collection, Open Access
publishing, Copyright, Cultural Engagement
• Career pathways have included 2 Local Authorities Libraries (8 years), 3 FE Colleges
(11 years) and 4 Universities (19 years) = 38 years!
• Still a member of CILIP (joined 1979) , active involvement in ARLG, RLUK Board
Member and Treasurer

6. ∂
So, what keeps me awake at night?
• Doing more with less
• Impact of TEF
• Influencing up, down and across
• Digital futures
• The future of Librarianship (and the Library!)
• Adaptability (Survival of the Fittest
• Student Engagement
• Cultural Engagement
• Research Engagement
• Professional education and training
• Brexit

7. ∂
Reflections on change
• Change is not as rapid as we sometimes think
• Adaptability and flexibility characterise our services
• RAE – Relevance / Alignment / Engagement
• Demonstrate value – KPIs, Metrics, Benchmarking
• Advocacy and PR – capitalise on success
• Partnerships – academic, Prof Services, Shared Services, Hubs
• Creativity – constant evolution, revolution, re-engineering
• Take risks – be brave!
• Champion engagement
• Take on difficult challenges (OA, RDM, IPR)
• Prove your indispensability - be a value rather than a cost!

8. ∂
38 years on am I still positive?
Yes I am!
• Significant investment in Library buildings
• We are the information professionals
• We are a core academic service
• We actively support research, education and the student experience
• We are flexible, adaptable and embrace change
• We are adept at shared/collaborative/partnership working
• We are valued as a trusted, neutral, well managed service
• We have been doing ’customer care’ for decades
• I am impressed with the calibre of staff delivering excellent services
• As a former LIS External Examiner the profession is in good hands
• Based on these two days, I am even more positive!

9. ∂
Concluding thought!
The best way
to predict the future
is to invent it

10. ∂
Concluding thought!
The best way
to predict the future
is to invent it