We are pleased to invite members to become involved in implementing the 2016-19 Strategy: Collaborating for change.

If you are from a SCONUL Member Institution and interested in taking part in one of the groups described below, please provide a brief statement explaining your interest and what you feel you would bring to the work by Wednesday 21 October 2015. To get a better idea of the expectations and level of commitment required, please see this Description of group membership responsibilities. Please send statements to Lori Bailey (Lori.Bailey@sconul.ac.uk).

There are opportunities for participation in the following groups:

The Transformation Strategy Group: This group will focus on programme 1, the vision for the development of the academic library and librarian. This work will explore and shape how the key functions and form for the academic library will be transformed over the next decade. We are looking for members from a broad range of institutions with strong communications skills and a good understanding of the external factors influencing change in the sector. The chair of the Transformation Group is Oliver Pritchard, University of Sunderland; the Vice-chair is Judith Keene, University of Worcester.

The Collaboration Strategy Group: This group will focus on programme 2, the national digital library for UK Higher Education. This work will provide a vision for shared library services and build on work which has already been undertaken. This group also has strong ties with Jisc and other partners in developing shared services. The Chair of the group is John Tuck, Royal Holloway, University of London; the Vice-chair is Kate Robinson, University of Bath.

Leadership Capacity Task & Finish Group: The group will focus on programme 3, leadership capacity building across the sector. The work of this group will be completed as an 18-month project. We are looking for members who feel strongly about the subject and have an interest in creating a set of structures and tools that will best equip librarians to act as strategic leaders in their institutions and in the sector more widely.  The Chair of the group is Alison Baud, Bath Spa University; the Vice-chair is Jo Norry, Leeds Beckett University.

The Content Strategy Group: This group will focus on programme 5, campaign on the cost of content, which is intended to maximise access to content at the lowest possible cost. This work requires group members committed to influencing long-term and permanent change in the scholarly communications market and able to work effectively with external partners and stakeholders. A solid overview of the challenges of the current market and a confidence to advocate on behalf of the sector will be essential. Note that the group will not focus on the detail of individual negotiations with publishers. The Chair is Kitty Inglis, University of Sussex; the Vice-chair is Liz Jolly, Teesside University.

Communications Advisory Group: Strong communications and advocacy are key to delivering each programme of work described in the SCONUL Strategy. This group will provide strategic oversight, advice and support to the Strategy Groups and the Board in ensuring improved visibility and understanding of the library’s essential role in delivering institutional missions. We hope to recruit directors who are strong in communicating the complexities of the library’s value clearly to external, non-expert audiences. In addition, we would be interested in hearing from those with specific marketing or communications expertise. The Chair is Pete Ryan, Canterbury Christ Church University.

If you are interested but unsure about the level of commitment, do be in touch with the SCONUL office or the chair of the particular group to discuss.