Cheryl Gardner

Senior Library Manager (Student & Academic Services)

United Kingdom

Professional Overview
Cheryl Gardner is a seasoned library and information management professional with over 15 years of experience in the academic and public library sectors. As the Senior Library Manager (Student & Academic Services) at The Open University, she oversees the delivery of high-quality library resources and services to support the institution's diverse student population and faculty. Cheryl's expertise spans academic liaison, collection development, user experience design, and workforce management.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Senior Library Manager (Student & Academic Services) at The Open University since 2021, Cheryl is responsible for leading a team of librarians and library assistants to provide seamless access to digital and physical resources, as well as personalized research support. Under her guidance, the library has expanded its ebook collection by 20% and implemented a new integrated library system to enhance the user experience. Cheryl has also spearheaded the development of a comprehensive information literacy program to help students develop critical research skills.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Cheryl held various positions within the academic library sector, including Academic Liaison Manager at the University of Northampton and Academic Librarian at the same institution. She also gained valuable experience in the public library domain, serving as a Locality Librarian and Customer Service Librarian at Leicestershire County Council. Throughout her career, Cheryl has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development, serving as a Development Officer at CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.

Academic Background
Cheryl holds a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from the University of Sheffield, where she specialized in academic librarianship and digital curation. She also possesses a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature from the University of Warwick, where she graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Academic library management and operations

• Collection development and resource acquisition

• Information literacy instruction and curriculum integration

• User experience design and service delivery

• Workforce planning and team leadership

Professional Impact
Cheryl's contributions to the library and information management field have been widely recognized. She has presented at national and international conferences, sharing her insights on best practices in academic library services and the integration of emerging technologies. Cheryl has also published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the advancement of the profession.

Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strong academic background, and proven track record of leadership, Cheryl Gardner is a respected library and information management professional. In her current role at The Open University, she continues to drive innovation and excellence in the delivery of library services to support the institution's academic and student communities.