Simon Wakeling

Simon Wakeling is Associate Head of School and Senior Lecturer in the School of Information and Communication Studies at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Australia's leading provider of library education. His academic journey includes a PhD from the University of Sheffield's Information School (2015), an MSc in Electronic and Digital Library Management, an MA in American Literature from Sheffield (2006), and a BA in English Literature from Durham University (1999).

His research focuses on equality of access to information through two main strands: scholarly communication and open access (OA), and the role of public libraries. His work includes the publication of the book Open Access in Theory and Practice (2021) and numerous articles examining OA practices, public library design, and school library history in Australia and New Zealand.

Wakeling's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on library science, particularly examining public library architecture, school libraries in Australasia, and open access publishing models. His work spans both theoretical explorations of the theory-practice relationship in information science and practical applications addressing community needs in library design and responses to crises like COVID-19.

• Executive Dean's Award for Teaching (2022) for 'Maximising student engagement and learning in a postgraduate Information Studies research methods subject through structured video content creation and enhanced teacher presence.'
• Associate Editor for Research Articles, Library and Information Research (2014-19)
• Committee member, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Libraries and Information Research Group (2016-18)

As an educator, Wakeling teaches research methods and data management courses, and serves as Course Director for multiple Graduate Certificates including Data Management and Audiovisual Archiving. His professional activities demonstrate strong engagement with the library and information science community through conference organization, editorial work, and collaborative research projects examining library trends and practices in Australia.