Library Research Services Team

Amanda Boll (Head of Library Research Services)

I joined Newcastle University in 2003 following roles at Sunderland and Durham University Libraries. My jobs at Newcastle have included Metadata Librarian, Head of Technical Services and my current position is Head of Library Research Services, based in the Philip Robinson Library. With my colleague Steve Boneham, I am also co-lead of the Open Research Project within the Research Culture Action Plan.

Steve Boneham (Open Research Officer: Training and Development)

My role, as Open Research Officer: Training and Development, is advocacy, training and support for open research practices, covering the full research cycle from inception to dissemination. The scope of this work means I work closely with all colleagues in our team, as well as with others across the university and in the wider sector. A major part of my role as lead in the UKRN open research programme, a five-year programme of work across a consortium of universities to accelerate the uptake of open research practices through training, sharing effective practice, and improving how institutions recognise and reward open research practices. Within this programme I manage UKRN's accreditation of training and a growing community of practice for trainers. Together with Amanda Boll I also co-lead on the Open Research Project to help make our research culture more open and transparent. I also setup and run the annual University open research awards.

Jack Burns (Open Research Co-ordinator)

As the Open Research Co-ordinator for Library Research Services, I support the University research community, in particular the promotion of institutional and funder open access policies. I facilitate communication about open access routes and pathways with researchers, assisting them in navigating the available options. Currently, I am championing the University’s Research Publications and Copyright policy, providing information about rights retention and open access to ensure seamless integration into publishing workflows, while also monitoring funder compliance in our institutional repository.

Louise Charlton (Library Assistant)

I joined Newcastle University in 2016, having worked for Northumbria University since 2002. Within Library Research Services, I support researchers using our repositories. I provide admin support, such as adding and managing publication records, and adding publication information and full text to the University's institutional repository to ensure eligibility for the REF. I also provide support and guidance for data.ncl, the University’s data repository.

Natalie Clark (Library Assistant)

As part of the Library Research Services team, I provide support in making publications open access in our institutional repository in line with institutional and funder policy, I assist researchers with queries about the REF and conduct bibliographic checks ensuring outputs are compliant and eligible. I also provide guidance on data.ncl, the University’s research data repository, including obtaining DOIs for data access statements, improving metadata, licencing options for data and code, and reviewing datasets to ensure they meet funder requirements and the FAIR data principles.

Holly Farn (Library Assistant)

In the Library Research Services team, I support PGRs and academic staff navigate the world of Open Research and repository management, ensuring our academic outputs are accurate, accessible, discoverable and well maintained—vital principles of openness. I am also the team REP for the library Marketing & Communication group, crafting eye-catching flyers and inventing games that captivate and educate at every scholarly event.

Heather McKenna (Open Research Officer for Open Access)

I am the Open Research Officer for Open Access. I help academics navigate the publishing landscape, in relation to open access, institutional policies, funder requirements and the variety of routes and options that we support. I also provide general advocacy and training with the aim of making the publications of our authors free to read and reuse. Prior to this role I worked in academic publishing for over 10 years, so have experience from both sides of the page.

Bogdan Metes (Open Research Officer for Research Data)

I started working for Newcastle University in 2016 and supported education and research across all three faculties. Currently, as the Open Research Officer for Research Data, my role is to proactively engage with researchers and provide advocacy and training for open research practices. I review data management plans, manage uploads to data.ncl, Newcastle University’s research data repository, train research staff and students on responsible data management throughout the research lifecycle, as well as liaise with other Professional Services colleagues and teams to provide a holistic service.

Diana Wright (Senior Library Assistant)

I am part of the Library Research Services team, providing support and advice to Newcastle University’s researchers. Among other things, I can help with: using the university's research management system, including adding and managing publication records; adding publications information and full text to the University's institutional repository and generate DOIs for your work; understand and navigate funder and REF open access requirements, including advice about licences and copyright.