University Librarian
- Email Address
- simon.bains@abdn.ac.uk
- Telephone Number
- +44 (0)1224 273384
- Office Address
- School/Department
- Digital & Information Services
Biography
I have been the University Librarian at Aberdeen since 2019. Prior to that I was Deputy Librarian at Manchester, and briefly Interim Library Director. I have also held leadership posts at the University of Edinburgh and the National Library of Scotland. I have worked as a professional academic librarian since 1995 and have held positions in six universities. I have particular interests in open research and scholarly publishing and in the role of academic libraries in supporting the wider community.
Open Research
In 2021/22 I wrote a series of blog posts on the subject of being open to all in our research publishing.
Memberships and Affiliations
- Internal Memberships
-
I represent the University Library as follows:
- Senate
- University Research Committee
- University Education Committee
- Digital Strategy Committee
- Information Governance Committee
- PGR Committee
- External Memberships
-
I represent Aberdeen on:
(Currently honorary secretary)
I represented Scottish universities on:
(2020-2026)
I was a panel member on the (UoA33) in 2025.
I am co-chair of the 2026-2028