Vacant - Chair

This role is vacant.

Vacant - Secretary

This role is vacant.

Beth Houlis - Treasurer

I am a Scholarly Communications Librarian at Northumbria University where I lead on research data management and oversee our Institutional Research Data Repository. I’m committed to advancing open and accessible research and helping researchers manage their research data responsibly.

Since March 2020, I've served as the Treasurer for CILIP North East. Being on the committee has allowed me to connect with like-minded people, engage with other library sectors and develop new skills such as event organisation and promotion.

Prior to embarking on a library career, I graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in History. I focused on Late Medieval and Early Modern women and ultimately wrote my dissertation on England’s witch trials.

Outside of work, you will usually find me with my nose stuck in a book, looking for new recipes to try or hanging out with my two cats, Reggie and Nina. I’m also partial to countryside walks, especially if they finish with a pub lunch and a pint!

Melanie Wood - Professional Registration support Officer

I have been responsible for Newcastle University’s rare book collections since 2003. I served on the CILIP Rare Books and Special Collections Group (RBSCG) Committee 2012-2022, first as Fundraising Officer and then Hon. Secretary.

I have a strategic lead for teaching and following successful completion of the Certificate in Advance Studies in Academic Practice, was recognised as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2016. I have also held the role of tutor on the University of Dundee’s distance learning module, Understanding and Managing Rare Books. I have been a Chartered librarian since 2005 and have regularly Revalidated. In 2021, I achieved CILIP Fellowship. I am a CILIP Professional Registration mentor and now CILIP Professional Registration Support Officer too.

Outside work, I have an interest in photography and particularly landscape astrophotography so, on clear nights, can be found in remote locations, at unsociable hours. I also enjoy hiking and have completed several long-distance trails.

Vacant - Equality & Diversity Champion

This role is vacant

Suzie Williams - Newsletter Editor

I am the Academic Liaison Librarian for the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University of Sunderland. Having been Secretary for a number of years on this CILIP North-East Member Network committee, I am currently the Newsletter Editor. I am also a CILIP Professional Registration mentor and have previously been on the CILIP Academic and Research Libraries North-East committee as a regular member, Secretary and Chair.

Being on a regional CILIP committee means you get to know like-minded library and information professional in your local area. You can learn about other libraries and sectors, which often benefits your day-to-day work as you share experiences and good practice. Whilst on CILIP committees I’ve been involved in many activities including publicity and promotion, committee development, and organising and speaking at events. Developing my professional networks is a personal highlight of committee membership

Leanne Young - Digital Champion

I am the Distance Services Librarian at the University of Sunderland with additional responsibility for Academic Liaison with Tourism, Hospitality and Events.

I've worked in libraries for 21 years. While I was a library assistant I completed my MA in Library & Information Management (in 2006) and soon after got my current job. I completed a PG Cert in Teaching and Learning in HE in 2009, became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE) and in 2013 I completed Chartership.

I was previously a member of the North East ARLG group where I organised several professional development events. I recently stepped down as Chair of CILIP North East after 4 years and I am now our Digital Champion. Being a committee member through CILIP has been a great way for me to develop new skills and meet other information professionals. I use she/her pronouns.

Sean Howley - Social Media Officer

I am currently studying for an MSc in Information Science (Library Management) at Northumbria University, with a view to forging a career in academic librarianship in the future. I have worked in academic publishing for over a decade, having received my first degree in English Literature from Northumbria, and currently volunteer at a local public library in my spare time. I’m looking forward to gaining practical and professional experience that will stand me in good stead career-wise during my time at CILIP, and am hoping to put the knowledge I have gained from my studies and career in publishing to good use. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and generally exploring the countryside.

Amy Austin - Student & New Professionals Representative

I’m Amy and I’m a Collections Coordinator at Northumbria University where I manage the procurement, licensing and renewal of online and print resources. I’ve previously worked at Northumbria University as a Reading Lists Assistant, at the University of Bath as a graduate library trainee, and in a sixth form library.

Before I started my library career, I studied Classics at Newcastle University, graduating with an MA in 2019. I’ve recently returned to the classroom (albeit via a distance) and am currently studying for a postgraduate library qualification with Aberystwyth University, due to complete late 2026.

When I’m not in the library (either for work or for leisure), I can be found at my sewing machine or on a walk somewhere in the countryside – usually Northumberland or the Lake District. I also love visiting stately homes and gardens, and watching a good period drama!

Pronouns: she/her