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
6. Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy - The Secretary of State for Education - Bridget Phillipson (Hansard)
7. Knowledge Equity Network
8. Knowledge for all: University of Leeds Libraries Vision for 2030
9. 100 Black Women Professors NOW

All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:

1. Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
2. Research Impact Heroes with Ged Hall
3. Open Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
4. Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
5. Research talent management
6. Academic Failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
7. Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
8. Research co-production
9. Research evaluation
10. Research leadership
11. Research professionals

Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social

Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here)

Leeds Research Culture links:

1. Researcher Development and Culture Website
2. Our Concordat Implemention plans and progress
3. University of Leeds Research Culture Statement
4. University of Leeds Responsible Metrics Statement
5. University of Leeds Open Research Statement
6. University of Leeds Rsearch Culture Strategy - launched September 2023

If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: [email protected]