When: Tuesday 2 December, 14:00-15:30 (GMT), 15:00 – 16:30 (CET/SAST), 16:00 – 17:30 (EET), 09:00 – 10:30 (EST), 22:00 – 23:30 (AWST/CST)
Where: This will be a virtual event held via Zoom.
Click here to register for this event
**Due to spam registrations we have hidden tickets behind an access code. Please enter access code rluk345 on the order form and it will allow you to proceed with registration.
Who should attend: This event is open to all, you do not need to work for an RLUK institution to attend. Colleagues involved in library space management or spatial redesign and capital builds are particularly encouraged to attend.
RLUK’s Space Programme is a series of events and resources to explore and support colleagues around spatial redesign and capital-build projects. The programme provides a forum through which colleagues can share their knowledge and experience in a collegiate and supportive environment.
Embedding EDI principles in research library spaces and practices
This event explores how research libraries are embedding principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the design of spaces as well as in the practices that shape user experience and engagement. As central hubs of academic and community life, libraries are reimagining their environments to reflect diverse perspectives, foster belonging, and ensure accessibility for all users. From inclusive design principles in building layouts to the creation of welcoming study environments and sensory-friendly zones, libraries are increasingly prioritising inclusivity as a core part of their mission.
The discussion will showcase examples from the research library sector and beyond where EDI principles have been embedded in everyday practice—through collaborative partnerships, co-designed spaces, and initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices and broaden participation. Speakers will reflect on how design and practice intersect to create environments that support equitable access to knowledge and strengthen community connections. By sharing experiences, challenges, and innovations, this event highlights the evolving role of research libraries as inclusive spaces that advance learning, wellbeing, and social justice.
Speakers:
- Sophie Wonnacott, Library Services Manager, University of Exeter
EDI: Creating Culture & Embedding Practice
Dr Helen Ross, Assistant Director, Durham University Library and Collections
Maria Carnegie, Head of Customer Services, Durham University Library and Collections
Durham University Library & Collections has been central to our institution’s developing EDI policies and processes over the last two years. With the appointment of a new PVC EDI in 2023, there has been a renewed focus on EDI across the institution, and Library and Collections have benefitted from support to pilot new departmental governance structures, appraise our spaces through a sensory mapping exercise and rethink our induction and staff engagement processes, including developing a new staff cultural survey. Staff across the department have led elements of this work, helping embed these activities at all levels, and empowering staff to lead cultural change.
Helen Ross has been Assistant Director at Durham University Library and Collections since Sept 2021, leading across areas including Finance, HR, Health & Safety, EDI, partnerships and events & cultural project management. Prior to this, Helen worked for 3 years across culture and public libraries at Durham County Council, having previously worked in the commercial creative sector for 20+ years for companies including Northern Film & Media, Sunderland Culture, Warner Bros, Columbia Tristar and Sony.
Maria Carnegie is Head of Customer Services at Durham University Library and Collections, working across libraries and visitor attractions, with a remit that includes building management, user experience and making spaces safe, inclusive and welcoming for everyone. She is current chair of the department’s EDI Working Group. Her background includes public libraries, FE (working with students with learning disabilities), HE and the third sector.
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Belonging by Design: EDI in Exeter library spaces
Sophie Wonnacott, Library Services Manager, University of Exeter
Sophie will talk through changes made over the last two years to the physical spaces at the university of Exeter. She will also share about the thinking behind engaging with stakeholders, decision making and end results.
Sophie Wonnacott is the Library Services Manager at the University of Exeter, bringing experience from a wide range of management and leadership roles across the education, hospitality, and retail sectors. Throughout her career, Sophie has remained passionate about community, carrying this into her spare time, where she can often be found pitch side volunteering at junior RFU rugby matches.
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Neurodiversity and Document Storage: it’s the little things that matter
Tom Radley, Document Services Manager, The National Archives & RLUK/TNA Professional Fellow 2024-2025
Tom will talk through the background research and results of his TNA/RLUK fellowship. What he did, how he did it and what impact the toolkit has generated will have on staff in the future. Hopefully highlighting how it’s the very small things that we might not consider that could make a huge difference to peoples lives.
Tom Radley grew up in County Durham and Gateshead before moving south in his late teens. He studied Archaeology at the University Of Reading graduating with a 2:2. He has worked for The National Archives since December 2013. While there he co-founded TNA’s neurodiversity network and has led on several projects relating to neurodiversity. He is currently on secondment from Document Services where he worked in the repositories to the Internal Comms and Engagement team and the Inclusion team. He has both ADHD and Dyspraxia.
About RLUK’s Space Programme
This meeting is part of RLUK’s Space Programme, a series of events and resources to explore and support its members around spatial redesign and capital-build projects. The programme provides a forum through which colleagues can share their knowledge and experience in a collegiate and supportive environment.