Anna Semmens, Director of Library Services
Meet Anna Semmens, Director of Library Services. In this profile Anna tells us about her priorities as she starts her new role as Director of Library Services, her role in helping the University achieve its Strategy 2030 and more about her favourite places to visit at our Queen Mary libraries.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a New Zealander and a very proud librarian. I have worked across the library sector for the past two decades, most recently at the Royal College of Nursing as their Head of Library and Museum.
Congratulations on your new role as Director of Library Services, can you tell us more about this role and what you want to bring to it?
I have the frankly fantastic job of leading Queen Mary’s libraries in all aspects, the three sites and our large and ever-growing digital collections. I bring a strong student focus with me, an understanding of the sector and a passion for making collections come alive. I think the library is amazing, and we need to connect with the University at all points to find new ways of helping students and staff in their teaching and research to utilise our offer.
Are there any key projects you are currently working on that you’d like to highlight?
We are looking to introduce a new library services platform which will bring everything into one place and significantly improve the student library experience. We are excited to be launching our new Centre for Digital Collections in the new academic year. Planning is well underway for our REF submission in 2029. I’ve been reviewing our NSS score and identifying ways to improve particularly by encouraging great use of our reading list software and more academic outreach. Finally, we are preparing for the new academic year and welcoming our students by refreshing our study spaces across all the libraries and continuing our work in restoring our heritage buildings like Whitechapel Library.
What do you see as your role in helping the University achieve its Strategy 2030?
The library is the heart of university life, so my role is to ensure the library has what the University needs to achieve its teaching, research and student life strategic goals. My role means making sure we are working with academics to ensure we have the resources they need for teaching and research and that we are developing new services which meet their needs. We are reviewing our sustainability impact and continuing to strive to make sure the library is a fully inclusive space both online and in person. Also, I am lucky enough to have the archive as part of my role and I’m excited about finding ways to share our fascinating history with our local community.
What’s your favourite place on any of our campuses?
Obviously, I have to say the libraries! All three sites are wonderful in their own unique ways, if you haven’t visited let me know and I will organise a tour. Special mentions include the futuristic lift at Whitechapel, the mezzanine at West Smithfield and the view from the 4th floor at Mile End towards the Olympic Park.
Do you have any hobbies, pastimes outside of work?
I’ve recently gotten very into yoga and can be found running extremely slowly in south London as well as volunteering at a local school and a nursery.