The M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries is a collaborative organisation that works to improve library and information services within the M25 region and more widely across the East and Southeast.

The Consortium has 55 member institutions, comprising Higher Education, national, museum and other scholarly libraries. Its aim is to provide services and resources for the benefit of library staff, learners and researchers.

Find out more about the M25 Consortium © Royal United Services Institute

Use the links below to view the programme for the Annual Conference 2023, apply for a Bursary Award, and view the Annual Report 2020-21. 

COVID-19 Notice

During Covid-19 M25 Consortium activity, with the exception of Access25, continues as normal and staff are available to deal with any queries. Events are mainly online at present, with some in-person events and visits.

© The Horniman Museum

Benefits of M25 Membership

  • cpd25

    The Consortium’s staff training and development programme provides a variety of training events and library visits that cover the diverse aspects of library and information service provision.

  • Buddying Scheme

    The Buddying Scheme may be of interest to those members not yet in Jisc's Library Hub looking for informal support from a peer organisation during the transition. The ‘buddy’ institution will offer informal advice, tips, and support where needed.

  • Access25

    Access25 is a mutual access scheme for the benefit of postgraduate research students and staff in libraries belonging to the M25 Consortium of Academic Libraries.

  • Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

    The Consortium has fourteen individual resources for members' use.

  • Networking Event

    An informal drinks reception, usually in January, to help staff at Member libraries build their professional networks.

  • Annual Conference

    Members and non-Members are invited to a one day conference in late Spring. Conference papers are welcomed from all Members.

  • Directors' Briefings

    The Consortium provides half-day Director-level Briefings on 'hot topics' within the library sector.

  • Participation in Groups

    Being an M25 Consortium member allows the library’s staff to stand for positions on the main governing Steering Group and its other Working Groups and Task Groups.

  • Staff Development Awards

    Staff in Member libraries can apply for a competitive bursary to support their professional development.

  • Task & Finish groups

    These gather case studies and generate resources for the M25 community concerning important and relevant issues in the sector.

  • SpeedMeet

    This is an opportunity for staff from member libraries to introduce themselves to the membership and wider public on the M25 website.

  • Mentoring Scheme

    New for 2021-22. The Consortium is developing a regional mentoring scheme for non-senior staff. Staff are encouraged to sign up as a mentor or apply to be a mentee.

  • Curator and Exhibitions Network

    New for 2021-22 the Curator and Exhibitions Network supports individuals working in M25 Member libraries with curatorial responsibilities or holding curator roles within the library service. The aim of the network is to share experiences, best practices and to act as a professional support network.

cpd-logo

cpd25 is the Staff Development and Training programme of the M25 Consortium

cpd25 aims to:

  • provide staff development and training for all levels of library staff
  • provide value for money training services for all consortium libraries
  • foster good practice amongst members and to facilitate the exchange of experience

Read more about cpd25

Join the cpd25 mailing list

Twitter

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    Jan 01

Follow @M25_CONSORTIUM

M25 Steering Group

The M25 Consortium is governed by a Steering Group comprising elected Representatives from our member libraries.

Find out more

Sponsor the M25 Consortium

From time to time there is the opportunity for companies to sponsor the M25 Consortium. This is usually in connection with one or more of our events, when there is the opportunity to engage with our members. The M25 Steering Group approves a policy every year regarding sponsorship, and the differing levels of engagement that can be offered.

Find out how to Sponsor the M25 Consortium

Members’ area

The Members’ Area is an online resource for every member of staff in M25 Consortium libraries.

Use the Members’ Area to access:

  • Business continuity resources
  • Virtual learning and development opportunities
  • M25 Voucher details

…in a convenient, welcoming, and easy-to-use environment!

© University of Kent