In our first episode of 2026 Nick talks to Josh Sendall about his career in academic libraries, culminating in his recent appointment as Acting Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds.

In a wide ranging conversation Josh discusses the importance of research libraries and how 'openness' is deeply aligned with both his own and university values, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how libraries have always adapted to new information technology.

Josh reflects on his rapid career trajectory that has benefitted from "planned happenstance" and shares some of what he has learned along the way.

His advice to others? Understand your values, know your value, and seek roles that align with personal purpose.

Episode highlights:

1. Josh sees leadership as service — to students, researchers, and the wider civic and cultural mission of the university
2. He emphasises vulnerability, humanity, and continuous learning as essential leadership traits
3. Josh’s career demonstrates planned happenstance — being curious, taking opportunities, embracing non‑linear progression
4. Josh’s lived experience informs his strong leadership in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to address systemic challenges - underrepresentation in academia and attainment gaps
5. He advocates for equity, not just equality, to ensure fairer participation in HE and knowledge creation.
6. While AI can perpetuate existing underrepresentation in the knowledge base, open research can contribute to the democratisation of knowledge creation

Links:

1. Library Homepage | Library | University of Leeds
2. the Brotherton Collection of Manuscript Verse
3. Digital Libraries Infrastructure Project (DLIP) posts on the Library blog
4. Mitchell, K.E., Al Levin, S. and Krumboltz, J.D. (1999), Planned Happenstance: Constructing Unexpected Career Opportunities. Journal of Counseling & Development, 77: 115-124. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1999.tb02431.x
5. Dare to Lead Hub - Brené Brown