EBSCO Open Day, Birmingham 2026

We’re delighted to invite you to the EBSCO Open Day, Birmingham, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with members of the UK library community. This event will provide a valuable space for discussion, collaboration, and sharing insights relevant to the evolving role of libraries

Register Now

Malmaison, Birmingham

1 Wharfside Street, B1 1RD, Birmingham, United Kingdom

11 March 2026

9.45 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Key Themes

  • Maximising research impact through smarter discovery and access
  • Student engagement through innovative digital resource models
  • Building inclusive and impactful content collections that reflect diverse needs
  • The future of libraries – where people, data, and technology converge
  • Empowering staff and users with strategies for discovery success and training
  • Artificial Intelligence in libraries – from natural language search to insights and research assistance
  • Rethinking acquisition and resource strategies in a changing landscape

Agenda

  • 9.00 - 9.30 | Registration & Refreshments
  • 9.30 - 9.40 | Welcome Address
    Claire Honeybourne | Director of Sales | EBSCO
  • 9.40 - 10.05 | Keynote Presentation: Navigating Library Trends
  • 10.05 - 10.20 | Empowering Library Staff and Users: Training Strategies for Discovery Success
    Richard Crookes | Senior Training Specialist | EBSCO
  • 10.20 - 11.00 | Panel: Library Leaders - Navigating Change
    Moderator: Claire Honeybourne | Director of Sales | EBSCO
    Panelists:
    - Sarah Pittaway | Director of Library and Learning Resources | Birmingham City University
    - Chris Awre | Executive Director Scholarly Services and University Librarian | University of Hull
    - Joanne Dunham | Deputy University Librarian | University of Leicester
  • 11. 00 - 11.20 | Break & Networking
  • 11.20 - 11.50 | Open Metadata, FOLIO Update and eReserve
    Carolyn Clini | EBSCO
  • 11.50 - 12.05 | Building Inclusive & Impactful Content Collections
    Richard Debenham | Regional Sales Manager | EBSCO
  • 12.05 - 12.30 | AI at EBSCO - Intro, Natural Language Searching, DynaAI, Accessibility
    Rebecca Arnott | Library Services Engineer | EBSCO
    Rita Alves | Implementation & Customer Success Manager | EBSCO
  • 12.30 - 12.45 | Developments in Systematic Searching
    Rebecca Arnott | Library Services Engineer | EBSCO
  • 12.45 - 2.00 | Lunch & Networking
  • 2.00 - 2.30 | Book Acquisition Strategy and Update
    Richard Smart | Sales Manager | EBSCO
  • 2.30 - 3.10 | Panel Discussion: Acquisitions and Collection Management
    Moderator: Richard Smart | Sales Manager | EBSCO
    Panelists:
    - Matthew Hunt | Head of Content & Open Research | Birmingham City University
    - Helen Adey | Head of Resources and Accessibility | Nottingham Trent University
    - Adele Beeken | E-Resources and Systems Librarian | University of Lincoln
  • 3.10 - 3.15 | Q&A - Closing Remarks
    Claire Honeybourne | Director of Sales | EBSCO

Register for EBSCO Open Day, Birmingham 2025