• Janette Watson, Engagement Manager (Faculties and Collections)
• Anna Theis, Teaching and Learning Services Manager

This session outlines how the Education, Experience and Strategic Insights (EESI) Directorate is working in partnership with Student Support Hubs to develop a clear, sustainable and needs‑led Library offer. It highlights how an agreed cross‑team service framework has improved clarity of roles and enabled more consistent experiences for Hub staff and students. The session shares how this approach is now embedded into service delivery, alongside further recommendations to support continued development.

• Fariha Agha, Teaching, Learning and Students Intern
• Olivia Shaw, Student Team
• Kiera Higgens, Student Team 

Growing scholarship demonstrates the value of peer-supported learning and leadership, yet peer-support and student initiatives informed by widening participation priorities is largely underexplored. This presentation highlights student groups leading social justice education, support and work experience opportunities to develop student experiences, particularly for those from widening participation backgrounds. Organisations including the Peterloo Institute, Uniamigos and the 93% Club innovate, fill gaps in and work alongside university provision to support equitable opportunities for students. However, these projects can only remain permanent and tangible when student partners are involved in institutional strategy and are supported through regular funding. Only this way can valuable projects sustain themselves beyond the student term and remain part of the unique opportunities that higher education providers can provide space for. 

• Kathryn Sullivan, Head of Metadata and Discovery

Seventeen colleagues from across the Library recently completed Carbon Literacy Training - equivalent to a full day dedicated to understanding our carbon footprint and, crucially, what we can do about it. At the end of that training, every single person made two pledges. Personal commitments. Thirty-four promises to act differently.

That matters. Pledges made publicly, by Library colleagues create momentum – and momentum creates change. As the Library Environmental Sustainability Steering Group, our commitment now is to make sure those pledges don't gather dust - and that this doesn't stop at seventeen.

• Jane Bailey, Teaching and Learning Librarian (Alliance Manchester Business School)
• Léa Anderton, Teaching, Learning and Students Co-ordinator
• Michael Roughley, Teaching, Learning and Students Co-ordinator

This presentation outlines a collaborative initiative between the Library and academics at Alliance Manchester Business School  to raise awareness of the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certification and increase student engagement.

The project tackled practical barriers to participation by embedding the BMC as an optional, Library-supported activity that was promoted within degree programmes. By connecting academic learning with real-world financial and data skills, the initiative introduced students to Bloomberg terminals and provided an industry recognised certification. This was made possible through tailored workshops and targeted guidance delivered by the Teaching, Learning and Students business data service area.

• Maya Sharma, Head of AIU Race Centre
• Antonia Canal, Collections Engagement Officer
• Lianne Smith, Curator (RACE Centre Collections)

This presentation will draw on examples of work at the RACE Centre and Education Trust, to illustrate how ethical partnership and collaboration is essential in addressing contemporary challenges in divided times.

• Sophie Coulthard, Conservator

This talk explores the conservation of a 2300-year-old illustrated Book of the Dead in ten parts, measuring over 8.5 metres in length. Although well preserved for its age, the scroll’s scale and condition presented challenges. A black burial residue along the top border had historically caused layers of papyrus to adhere and break when unrolled. Earlier interventions added complexity, with fragments glued to glass, misaligned or loose, and glazing cracked over time. Working with an Egyptologist, treatment focused on stabilising fragile areas through separation and realignment of fragments. This included the use of linings and bespoke framing to enable safe display in the exhibition Lives and Literacy in Ancient Egypt.

• Emily Tan, Exhibitions Manager
• Stephanie Seville, Exhibitions and Public Engagement with Research Coordinator
• Gemma Henderson, Exhibitions and Public Engagement with Research Coordinator
• Julia Rouillard, Exhibitions and Public Engagement with Research Assistant
• Jack Hardman, Exhibitions and Public Engagement with Research Assistant
• Ricci Liu, Visitor Services Assistant

The John Rylands Library welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year. The EPER team run daily, drop-in activities to enhance visitors’ experience. In small groups you will explore three activity stations to experience how we use special collections to engage the public through our free daily programmes. This is your chance to share what you think about what we do, and to help us to improve and test out new ideas for visitors.

This is aimed at our library colleagues who don’t always get the chance to see what we deliver.

• Engaging the Public with Special Collections (Eventbrite)

• Pete Morris, Software Developer

Will AI replace your job as it gets smarter? Or will you replace AI as the honeymoon period wears off?

Throughout the 20th century, the Turing Test was seen as the gold standard for determining whether an AI had met or even exceeded human intelligence. But many recent AI models have easily passed this test, and yet they somehow just don't 'feel' human. Are these models now truly more intelligent than humans, or is perhaps the test a relic of a past no longer applicable?

In this session we'll pit humans against AIs, to see if each can convince the other of who they really are. Can an AI spot a real human from a human-mimicking AI, and can a human spot a real AI from an AI-mimicking human?

Answer simple but profound questions designed to delve into what truly defines humanity, and see how long you can stay in the game before you get called out!

• Generative Guess Who? (Eventbrite)

• Paul Ralphs, Assistant Library Experience Manager (Training)

This breakout session will give you the opportunity to explore the Staff Learning and Development (SLD) Hub. We’ll share how the Hub was shaped by colleagues across the Library and how it can support your wellbeing, growth, and career development whatever your current role. 

There will be dedicated time to pause, reflect, and explore—whether you follow the guidance provided or simply browse what interests you. This will be a supportive, informal space where you will learn about the Library’s approach to staff learning and development as well as discover new opportunities which will hopefully leave you feeling inspired to take your next step!

• Pause to Reflect (Eventbrite)

• Antonia Canal, Collections Engagement Officer
• Tia Harriott, RACE Centre Library Assistant

Find out more about the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre team’s approach to creative collections engagement. In this session we will spotlight our recent learning and experience of trialling creative engagement activities with a range of audiences. Through recent case studies, we will demonstrate how creative activities can enhance access to and understanding of collections.  Colleagues taking part will be supported to share your experience and ambitions for utilising creative engagement in your role at the Library. Together we’ll collectively share good practice for collections engagement.

• Creative Collections Engagement (Eventbrite)

• Tia Harriott, RACE Centre Library Assistant 
• Lydia Street, Library Experience Co-ordinator

In challenging times, it is important to take time to think about how we come together to overcome adversity. Community is hugely important in our lives and for our wellbeing, offering a sense of belonging, purpose, and support.

Reflecting on the themes of Togetherness, Community and Solidarity, join us for a mindful zine-making workshop. Make space for creative exploration and contemplation about what these themes mean to you in the current climate. Go at your own pace and create something meaningful to you.

• In This Together: Making Space Through Zines (Eventbrite)

• Liam Sullivan, Systems Support Analyst (Library Systems)
• Beth O’Donoghue, Systems Assistant (eResources)
• Wing Sze Cheng, System Support Assistant (Digitisation)

Join the AI Knowledge Exchange team for a relaxed, hands-on play session designed for beginners. We’ll start with a short introduction to the AI Knowledge Exchange programme, sharing what we’ve been exploring across recent sessions and how colleagues are already using AI in their work. From there, you’ll have the chance to experiment with Copilot and other large language models in a supportive group environment. Guided prompts will help you explore key features, compare experiences, and learn from others. No prior knowledge is needed, just curiosity. Please bring a laptop. You’ll also be able to try the Library Search: Research Assistant AI and get a sneak peek of the Next Discovery Experience.

• AI Knowledge Exchange (Eventbrite)

• Michael Douglas, Business Intelligence Analyst

Do you have any questions or queries about how to use Power BI? Have you wanted to develop your knowledge on how to use it, or just give it a try but there’s not yet been a need in terms of your work responsibilities?

If so, please come down to this friendly drop-in hosted by Mike Douglas of the business planning team.

I’ll be demonstrating the Library Planning App, the Library’s one stop shop of reports and data visualisations of a wide array of Library data, and also available to help with any troubleshooting or teething issues, or if you have any more nuanced questions. All abilities and levels of knowledge very much welcome!

• Power BI (Eventbrite)

• Padma Inala, Teaching and Learning Librarians
• Abigail Harrison-Henshall, Open Research Specialist

As part of a Library-wide rollout of an inclusive recruitment toolkit, this interactive session introduces the resource to colleagues at any role or grade, especially those new to recruitment or keen to get involved.  

In small groups, participants will explore the toolkit, discuss how it supports EDI practice, work through short “what would you do?” scenarios, and build confidence to contribute to future recruitment activity. The session also offers time to review key sections, ask questions, and share feedback to support ongoing implementation.  

By demystifying recruitment and widening participation in selection panels, the workshop aims to empower more colleagues to volunteer, be involved and develop good practice to strengthen consistency and fairness across Library recruitment.  

There will also be an opportunity to learn more about volunteering as an inclusive recruitment advocate, supporting recruitment panels with inclusive practice knowledge.

• Small Steps, Big Impact (Eventbrite)