The Rylands
The University of Manchester Library Awards, known as ‘The Rylands’ were presented as part of the Library’s Annual Conference event in June 2023.
Award categories
1. Above and Beyond Award
For an individual or group that has shown the most initiative and desire to go above and beyond the duties of their role.
Winners
- Grant Collier
- Dominic Marsh (Highly Commended)
Nominations
| Nominee(s) | Directorate | Nominated for |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Laws | FSP | Mark's commitment to his job and the University is exceptional, going above and beyond by ensuring safety, helping colleagues, and demonstrating dedication. |
| Steph Dyson | CP | Steph is the unsung hero of the Rylands, consistently going above and beyond in maintaining the building, pushing for better training, and creating effective cleaning schedules. |
| Vicky Flood | CS | Vicky's expertise in Inter-Library Loan processes has been invaluable in merging teams, ensuring a smooth transition, and maintaining high standards of service. |
| Isabel Sebastian | RDH | Isabel's exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders has been crucial in successfully delivering complex projects. |
| Charlotte Hoare, Tom Higgins, Ourania Karapasia, Jo Castle, Helen Scott | Various | Despite numerous challenges, tight deadlines, and significant demands, the team has displayed unwavering professionalism, flexibility, dedication, and enthusiasm, ensuring the successful launch of the Library's first digital edition. |
| Christine Stahl | CS | After 47 years of dedicated service, Christine deserves recognition for her lifetime contribution to the Library, especially during the Together23 Library staff conference. |
| Justin Parker, Helen Charles, Helen Monagle, Phil Reed | FSP | This collaborative team consistently goes above and beyond, managing complex business data while achieving desired outcomes and maintaining the Library's reputation. |
| Projects and business analysis team | RDH | With their diverse skills and professionalism, this small yet impactful team embeds project and operational management skills, ensuring strategic priorities are met. |
| Gemma Smith and Nick Campbell | FSP | These Engagement Librarians excel in their roles, providing exceptional support, intelligent data usage, and proactive collaboration, resulting in positive feedback and strategic advancements. |
| Martin O'Dwyer, Jai Vaghela, Jocelyn Wright and Alison Walker | RDH | Martin, Jai, Jocelyn, and Alison have shown exceptional dedication and creativity in deploying digital technology in the new Crawford House Staff Hub. |
| Shona Forbes | CS | Through her initiatives and collaborations, Shona has streamlined workflows, improved identification processes, and enhanced reporting, benefiting the Teaching Collections Team, Library colleagues, teaching staff, and students. |
| Special Collections Reading Services Team | CP | This team delivers exceptional service, mastering new technology and providing a personalised reading room experience for remote users worldwide. |
| Lindsay Wilson | RDH | Lindsay's outstanding performance in digital Library development, creative skills, project management, and contributions to successful campaigns make her a worthy nominee. |
| Mark Laws | FSP | Mark consistently puts in a tremendous effort, excelling in supporting colleagues, delivering high-standard customer service, and contributing to projects and events. |
| Amber Greenall Heffernan | CP | As Visitor Services Supervisor, Amber's skills and positive attitude have improved team operations, making her a valuable asset. |
| Stephanie Dyson | CP | Steph's work ethic, dedication to conservation cleaning projects, and core responsibilities as a BC assistant make her an exemplary member of the Building Care Team. |
| Ciaran Talbot | RDH | Ciaran's attentiveness to improving all aspects of the Library and his commitment to his role and team make him a valuable contributor. |
| Kristian Scott | RDH | Kristian's attention to detail, ability to handle urgent requests, and advocacy for accessibility make him highly esteemed across the Library and beyond. |
| Lindsay Turrell | FSP | Lindsay's hard work, knowledge, support, and dedication to her role in the Customer Services Team make her a standout colleague. |
| Lindsay Turrell | FSP | Lindsay consistently delivers excellent customer service, contributes positively to the team, and is a pleasure to work with. |
| Olivia Walsby and Isabel Sebastian | Various | Olivia and Isabel successfully managed the Crawford House project and exemplified collaboration, professionalism, and representation of the Library's values. |
| Digital Support Staff team | RDH | Despite staffing challenges, this team has worked exceptionally hard to provide outstanding support to the Library's student body. |
| Mark Elson | RDH | Mark's calm approach, coordination, and leadership were instrumental in delivering outcomes for a major national project. |
| CP Collections Assistants | CP | This team has worked diligently to support the use of collections in teaching, events, and exhibitions, managing increased activity and contributing to improvements. |
| Gemma Henderson | CP | Going above and beyond her role as CP EPER Coordinator, Gemma has led the support for online and hybrid events, overcoming challenges with determination and patience. |
| Pamela Morris and Deborah Morrissey | DotUL | These team members provide excellent support, solving issues, and serving as a friendly first point of contact for Library and external colleagues. |
| Linda Pover | CS | Energised team leader, efficient in managing responsibilities, and goes above and beyond to assist and advise. |
| Grant Collier | CP | Exceptional support for map collections, handling projects, events, film production, teaching blog creation, and promoting the map collections. |
| John Hynes | RDH | Inspiring leadership in challenging circumstances, maintaining high-level service delivery, and showcasing Manchester's work and metrics expertise. |
| Olivia Walsby and Isabel Sebastian | Various | Leading the development of a game-changing workspace in Crawford House, facilitating collaboration in post-pandemic work. |
| Student Digital Support Service team | RDH | Tireless dedication in resolving a major technical problem, restoring critical services and supporting teaching needs. |
| Lianne Smith | CP | Exceptional Archivist and Library Manager, creating systems, prioritising users, and displaying exceptional interpersonal skills. |
| Reader Services Team | CP | Consistently proactive and inspiring in helping readers and colleagues, going above and beyond assigned responsibilities. |
| Julianne Simpson | CP | Technical expert and public engagement supporter, training colleagues, troubleshooting AV issues, and participating in events. |
| Ourania Karapasia | CP | Driving improved discoverability and data sustainability in digital collections, promoting best practices and advancing skills. |
| Mehvish Ali | CS | Supportive team member, encouraging development, and leaving a positive impact on colleagues with her kindness and reliability. |
| Lee Wolstenholme | CP | Outstanding Visitor Services Team member, goes above and beyond for visitors and colleagues, bringing treats and maintaining morale. |
| The Digital Support Services team | RDH | Resolving persistent technical problems, ensuring smooth operation of services, and supporting teaching and learning. |
| The Digital Support Services team | RDH | Integral to space and technology projects, adapting technology delivery, supporting hybrid work, and delivering important changes. |
| Dave Goulding | CS | Helpful and passionate colleague, goes the extra mile in providing tours, DJ sets, and support to colleagues. |
| Kathryn Miller | FSP | Invaluable in her split role, excelling in organisational skills, communication, team support, and fostering good working relationships. |
| Christine Stahl | CS | Dedicated cataloguer, committed to high standards, with a positive attitude and embracer of new responsibilities. |
| Crawford House project team | Various | Creative and adaptive leadership in the Crawford House project, transforming the space into an inspiring and functional environment. |
| Dominic Marsh | CP | Inspiring leader, handling pressures, supporting teams, staying late, and serving as a liaison for the Rylands Next Chapter project. |
2. Creative Approach Award
For an individual or group that has demonstrated unusual levels of creativity or innovation in their role or on a project.
Winners
- Open Research Tracker team
- Imaging team (Highly Commended)
Nominations
| Nominee(s) | Directorate | Nominated for |
|---|---|---|
| Open Research Tracker team | RDH | Innovative tool supporting open research principles, freely available for adoption and adaptation in the sector. |
| Olivia Walsby | CS | Creatively transformed a tired space into an inspiring environment, collaborating with colleagues and exceeding expectations. |
| Laura Earnshaw | FSP | Cares about staff and students, creates a nice working environment, supports new starters, and delivers creative ideas. |
| Jack Hardman, Alessia Benedetti and Ceri James | CP | Developed and launched an updated core program of public engagement activities, engaging over 1800 visitors. |
| The Imaging team (Rylands) | CP | Implements a creative approach to digitising special collections, problem-solving, and supporting innovative research with advanced imaging techniques. |
| Fred Breese | RDH | Showed creativity and innovation in overseeing the Open Research Accelerator Fund and developing informative videos and case studies. |
| AIU RACE Centre team | CP | Takes a creative and user-centered approach to engagement sessions, going beyond providing access to archives. |
| Carlene Barton | FSP | Creative problem solver and collaborator, revolutionising reporting and contributing to the design and delivery of TLS services. |
3. Inspirational Action Award
For an individual or group that has taken a course of action or responded to a situation that has inspired others to think or act differently.
Winners
- John Hynes
- Mike Roughley (Highly Commended)
Nominations
| Nominee(s) | Directorate | Nominated for |
|---|---|---|
| Curatorial Practices Building Care team | CP | The Building Care team's conservation cleaning work at the Rylands has transformed perceptions, preserved artefacts, and uncovered new insights. |
| Charlie Goss | FSP | For being a true inspiration. |
| John Hynes | RDH | Exemplary leadership in challenging circumstances, maintaining high-level service delivery and showcasing Manchester's work and metrics expertise. |
| Finn Hobin (Jackson) | FSP | Dedicated to creating a brighter and easier work life, organising events for colleagues and fostering a non-judgmental atmosphere. |
| Building Care and Operations Team | CP | Transformed the perception and use of the Rylands building through conservation cleaning, showcasing expertise and making new discoveries. |
| Mike Roughley | FSP | Inspirational team player, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge in My Learning Essentials and the Business Data Team. |
4. Social Responsibility Award
For an individual or group that has made a successful contribution to furthering the University’s social responsibility goals and / or has made a difference to a particular section of the community, the environment etc.
Winners
- Jocelyn Wright
- Inbal Harding (Highly Commended)
Nominations
| Nominee | Directorate | Nominated for |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Hastings | CS | Friendly, community-oriented, and improves staff experience and well-being through various initiatives in the Main Library. |
| Jennie Blake | FSP | Student-focused advocate, secured financial support for students, challenged norms, and made a positive impact. |
| Inbal Harding | CP | Fantastic engagement with the Sikh community, digitisation efforts, and increased accessibility of Sikh collections. |
| Jocelyn Wright | RDH | Proactively addresses environmental impact of digital equipment acquisition, challenges delivery practices, sets an example for sustainability. |
| Jennie Blake | FSP | Strong advocate for student financial support, instrumental in the Library's involvement, and sector-leading response. |
| Jocelyn Wright | RDH | Challenges old practices, addresses environmental concerns, and actively seeks improvements. |
| Inbal Harding | CP | Crucial connection with the Sikh community, accessibility initiatives, and critical approach to collections. |
5. Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative Award
For an individual or group that has made a significant difference in promoting EDI within the Library and / or beyond.
Winners
- Esther Miller
- Jane Gallagher (Highly Commended)
Nominations
| Nominee | Directorate | Nominated for |
|---|---|---|
| Esther Miller | FSP | Scoped, planned, and implemented the Library's support for the Hidden Disabilities Scheme, demonstrating exemplary work in the EDI Working Group. |
| Amin Hussain | RDH | Leading voice in the EDI Working Group, introducing inclusive practices in digital services and fostering wellbeing and EDI within the team. |
| Jane Gallagher | CP | Outstanding leadership in EDI, raising the profile and embedding it in all aspects of the Library's work. |
| Esther Miller | FSP | Showed outstanding leadership in implementing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme in the Library, overcoming challenges and receiving praise from the EDI Directorate. |
| Esther Miller | FSP | Coordinated and led a Library sign language group, bringing staff together to practice and develop their sign language skills. |
| Esther Miller | FSP | Scoped, planned, and implemented the Library's support for the Hidden Disabilities Scheme virtually single-handedly, providing opportunities for staff and users to be recognised and supported. |
| Abigail Harrison-Henshall | RDH | Demonstrated commitment and initiative to improve EDI, addressing systemic problems and advocating for underrepresented talent. |
| Mark-Taylor Hutchinson | CP | Contributed to initiatives promoting LGBTQ visibility, highlighted the sunflower scheme for hidden disabilities, and ensured inclusivity in special collections. |
| Esther Miller | FSP | Successfully implemented Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme in Library, praised by EDI Directorate as exemplary. Overcame challenges with tenacity. |
| Esther Miller | FSP | Single-handedly implemented Library's support for Hidden Disabilities Scheme, fostering inclusivity. Exemplary member of EDI Working Group. |
6. Scholarship Award
For an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to sector thinking and practice by presenting, publishing or otherwise sharing their work.
Winners
- AIU RACE Centre
- Tony Richards (Highly Commended)
Nominations
| Nominee(s) | Directorate | Nominated for |
|---|---|---|
| Nilani Ganeshwaran, Phil Reed and Carlene Barton | Various | Hidden treasures in the Library, deserving recognition for their impactful teaching of the Carpentry skills program. |
| Tony Richards | CP | Exceptional senior photographer, pioneering advanced imaging techniques, and receiving prestigious awards and invitations. |
| AIU RACE Centre team | CP | Sector-leading research on EDI, actively embraced by the heritage sector and influential organisations. |
| The Research Metrics Team | RDH | Groundbreaking methods, insights, and commitment to sharing knowledge, enhancing research assessment practices. |
| Phil Reed | FSP | Outstanding contributions to Digital Scholarship, publications, workshops, and expertise benefiting the HE sector. |
7. Outstanding Newcomer Award
For the individual member of staff who has joined the Library since July 2022 and made an outstanding initial contribution either on a particular project or by visibly embracing our University’s core values.
Winners
- Amber Greenall-Heffernan
- Ria Sunga (Highly Commended)
Nominations
| Nominee | Directorate | Nominated for |
|---|---|---|
| Amber Greenall-Heffernan | CP | Brought a positive attitude, revamped the shop with bespoke and themed items, and brightened everyone's day. |
| Steven Hartshorne | CP | Steven has become an invaluable team member since joining the Library, forming strong relationships, giving presentations, leading initiatives, and demonstrating unwavering support. |
| Ria Sunga | FSP | Ria has made a remarkable impact since joining the Library, quickly understanding her role, delivering projects with exceptional pace and quality, and establishing herself as a confident and enthusiastic team member. |
| Molly Crabtree | FSP | Molly deserves recognition for her outstanding contributions and dedication to the Library. |
| Amber Greenall-Heffernan | CP | Amber has transformed the Rylands retail facility with her flair and commercial expertise, improving the shop's appearance, product range, and resolving challenges to increase income and customer satisfaction. |
| Jinyan Li | RDH | Jinyan has made significant progress in supporting eTextbooks and Purebooks applications, contributing to their improvement, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements and open research initiatives. |
| Amber Greenal-Heffernan | CP | Amber, as supervisor of the Rylands shop, has efficiently managed all aspects, implemented effective processes, introduced new product lines, resolved support issues, and continually contributed to service enhancements. |
| Samuel Simpson | CP | Samuel's exceptional performance in training and diligent work as a photographer for the Envisioning Dante project is enhancing the project's outcomes through the generation of high-quality image data. |
| Bonnie McGill | FSP | Bonnie has embraced the Library's values as a newcomer, supporting colleagues, providing teaching cover, and actively contributing to continuous improvement and innovation with a calm and supportive approach. |
| Amber Greenall-Heffernan | CP | Excellent communication, operational understanding, and collaboration skills make her a valuable asset to the Visitor Services Team. |
| Ethan Pollock | CP | Dedicated, knowledgeable, and delivers exceptional customer service, enhancing the visitor experience at the Library. |
| Samantha (Sammie) Barker | FSP | Significantly reshaped and improved the TLS team, implementing equitable processes and establishing valuable connections. |
| Amber Greenall-Heffernan | CP | Inspirational dedication, positive influence, and remarkable retail achievements make her an invaluable team member. |
| Bonnie McGill | FSP | Valued member of the team, brings a fresh approach, offers expertise, and contributes to continuous improvement. |
Recipients for the following award categories have been selected by Library Executive Team.
Enriqueta and John Rylands Staff Member of the Year Award
For the individual member of staff that has made the most significant contribution to the Library this year by visibly embracing our University’s core values.
Awarded to
- Olivia Walsby
Enriqueta and John Rylands Team of the Year Award
For the Team that has made the most significant contribution to the Library during the course of the year by visibly embracing the University’s core values.
Awarded to
- Building Care and Operations
Enriqueta and John Rylands Outstanding Professional Contribution Award
An external award to be presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the sector / profession either on a particular project or throughout their career to date.
Awarded to
- Chris Banks