Diana Edmonds MBE is standing down from her role as National Libraries Director of charitable social enterprise GLL this April.
After 12 years at the helm of the not-for-profit’s library division – which she was instrumental in establishing – Diana is moving on to new projects but will continue to work as a senior consultant for GLL on an ad hoc basis.
Prior to joining GLL Diana was Assistant Director, Culture, Libraries and Learning at Haringey Council, where her work was recognised with an MBE.
She also established the recruitment and information company ‘Instant Library’ and worked internationally as a consultant in the oil & gas industry and rail sector.
Rebecca Gediking has been appointed as GLL’s new interim Head of Libraries and will take on responsibilities for overseeing the management and future direction of over 100 libraries located across the UK in Bromley, Dudley, Lincolnshire, Wandsworth, Wales and the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
With an MA in Library and Information Studies from University College London (UCL), Rebecca has a significant track record working in public libraries that stretches back two decades. She joined GLL in 2012 as a Children’s Library Specialist and has been instrumental in developing the organisation’s children’s and cultural services.
In 2019 Rebecca took on a new role within GLL as the Head of Bromley Libraries, Archives and Museum Service. She led the service through a significant period of change and has successfully seen book issues within Bromley rise above pre-pandemic levels, bucking the national trend.
Rebecca has worked as consultant, trainer and advisor on UK library programmes and has been judge and panellist for a number of national awards including the BBC 500 Words Competition and the Blue Peter Book Awards.
Diana Edmonds MBE said: “I have been privileged to work with a fantastic team over the past 12 years and am really proud of what we have achieved together. I am passionate about providing great library services that are loved – and well used by local communities. I wish Rebecca every success as she continues to build the service.
Rebecca Gediking, GLL interim Head of Libraries added: “I have been fortunate to have worked with and been mentored by Diana over many years. As GLL celebrates its 30th year of managing public services, I am delighted to be taking on the role of interim Head of Libraries and am excited by the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Peter Bundey, Chief Executive Officer for GLL said: “I’d like to pay tribute to the huge contribution that Diana has made to GLL’s library partnerships for over a decade. Our libraries division has established industry leading outcomes across service design, environmental agendas and seen significant growth in numbers of both library users and issues.
“Our 2022 annual user survey has shown our best satisfaction levels yet (97% good or excellent) after consistent year-on-year improvements. It is a fitting testimony to the impact of Diana and her leadership team across the UK”
“We are very fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience within our libraries management team and I am excited that Rebecca will play a central role in developing a future strategy for our libraries that continues to put local communities at the heart of what we do.”
Find out more about GLL Libraries at https://www.better.org.uk/libraries
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