November 3, 2025

1985 – 2025 – 40 Years of NAG – Spotlight on the Chairs – Past & Present

Interviewed by Heather Sherman – Executive Committee Member

Name: Karen Carden

Job Title: University of the Arts London (UAL) – Resources & Systems Manager

NAG Exec: 2009-2014

NAG Chair: 2013-2014

To begin with, tell us more about your career in libraries?

I didn’t look for a career in libraries, and started off as a library shelver when I was an undergraduate student (£2 an hour – given I was the last generation to get a full grant, this was all beer money). I actually went on to do an MA and started a PhD in medieval history before realising there were no jobs in academia. I got some good teaching experience during that time and worked as a university hall of residence warden for a while. During that period I carried on working in libraries in various roles and just fell into it. I’ve worked in six UK HEIs and one commercial setting – and that commercial employer paid in full (paid study time and all costs covered) for a library qualification which set me up for the future really, so I’ve been very lucky. Employers have included the University of Westminster, King’s College London, Imperial, London South Bank University and the University of the Arts London (UAL) where I work now as Resources & Systems Manager.

UAL is not a typical library, what’s special about working in an arts library?

It is a bit special, and that’s why I’ve stayed so long. Our subject areas mean that the printed book retains much of its importance for our students, and its brilliant to be surrounded by creative young people – although you never know quite what is around the corner.

How did you first become involved in NAG and what were your earliest memories?

My earliest actual NAG event was in 2006 – at the NAG Acquisitions School in Lytham St Annes. I remember jogging (jogging!) on the seafront in the rain. Happy days when I still had working knees. I was co-opted to the Committee in 2009 at the Chester conference and was initially on the committee as part of the academic library group, then Secretary, Vice Chair, Chair and then Secretary again, before stepping down in May 2014. I’ve got lots of lovely memories – some of which are in a reflections piece I did for Taking Stock (Summer 2014 – Vol.23 / No.1).

NAG’s been in existence for 40 years, why do you think it’s still valuable to libraries?

I think NAG endures because it adds value to people’s work. The attraction for me was the chance to work with public and other librarians alongside suppliers and other sector-actors for the common good, in a safe non-commercial environment with brilliant colleagues. Training and conferences are top quality, and all of that has only got better. I’m so pleased to see it thriving with the next generation.

Sustainability initiatives in libraries is something that’s very important to you, please tell us more about the work you’ve been doing.

Yes – this is important to me and always has been. Alongside local things like responsible recycling and not covering books in plastic, I’ve been on consortia tender working parties and part of the stakeholder scoring for the responsible procurement elements of these tenders for many years.

I’m on the Book Industry Communication (BIC) Green Supply Chain Committee (representing all library stakeholders) and this committee includes publishers, printers and industry bodies with a focus on the print and e supply chain from idea to manufacture to disposal, guidance to commercial members, environmental accreditation and standards mapping and international alliances. I also Chair the BIC Library Committee which has a remit including interoperable standards (for things like EDI, supplier metadata and RFID) along with green issues and accessibility within the book industry. 

BIC has done a lot of sector-wide work on the carbon footprint of print and digital products, played back to groups of stakeholders in various ways.

I’m also involved in a new initiative with SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) and the UK HE consortia which is planning a round table with suppliers to academic libraries about sustainability, with the aim of improving environmental sustainability data and reporting, through connection and collaboration.

You’re involved in a number of committees and working groups, what would be your advice to other library professionals to encourage them to get involved?

My advice is to get stuck in. It’s good for professional development and confidence, but also just good really. People need people to thrive. Preferably face to face and in person.

When you are not working, what would do you enjoy doing for relaxing and enjoyment?

I like friends, French red wine, being outdoors, books, film/TV (especially ScandiNoir), museums, galleries and eating out.