Emilia C. Bell (they/them) | Hear my name.
I am a non-executive director, LIS professional, and PhD candidate who is passionate about inclusive and impactful leadership that drives positive change for individuals, communities, and organisations.
My research is at the intersection of knowledge production, open scholarship, and libraries in local and global contexts. My doctoral research explores open knowledge diplomacy, and explores the role of Australian university libraries in supporting open and collaborative approaches to scholarship on climate change.
My professional experience has included participating in the Australian Parliamentary Library Internship program in 2019 as an LIS student and working as Coordinator (Evidence-Based Practice) at UniSQ Library. I’m currently Manager, Research and Digital Services at Murdoch University Library. I publish and present on evidence-based practice, research and open knowledge, and inclusive leadership.
In 2023, I received a governance scholarship for leaders with disability as part of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Disability Leadership Program and completing the Foundations of Directorship course. In 2024, In recognition of my contributions to the field, I was awarded the ALIA Metcalfe Award.
I currently serve as a Board Director for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) (2024-27) and Ballet Without Borders (2025-present). Additionally, I am a co-founder and President of the Alliance for Neurodiversity and Disability in GLAMR Professions Australia Inc. (ANDPA) (a not-for-profit and charity organisation). I also co-hosted the GLAMR Disability in Dialogue podcast, facilitating conversations about accessibility and inclusion in the GLAMR sector.