Librarians and HRECs: Where Our Expertise Makes a Difference (Thu 13 Aug 26)

by Rob Penfold | Jun 2, 2026 | Events

This session explores the diverse and evolving roles health librarians play in Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) from formal committee positions to advisory, governance, and quality‑improvement functions.

Speakers will share real‑world perspectives on how librarian expertise strengthens ethical research practice and supports researchers across health and academic settings.

⏲️ When: Thursday August 13th – 1-2pm (VIC/NSW/TAS/ACT/QLD);  12:30-1:30pm (SA/NT); 11am-12pm (WA); 3-4pm (NZ)

🗺️ Where: On Zoom – link sent day prior

💸 Cost: ALIA members – Free; Non-members $30 (another reason to consider HLA Membership)

⌨️ Register:  ALIA HLA: Librarians and HRECs: Where Our Expertise Makes a Difference

🦉 Who:

Daniel McDonald – Librarian, Darling Downs Health, Editor, JoHILA.

Kathryn Ritchie – Health Sciences Librarian, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service. Secretary (Interim) CQHHS HREC.

Nikki May – Manager Library Projects and Planning, SA Health Library, Co-Convenor AEBPLI.

Joanna (Asia) Dziedzic – Research Data Librarian, Charles Darwin University.

Daniel McDonald has been librarian for Darling Downs Health since 2006. He has twice received the HLA digital innovation award, and in 2021 was named Queensland Library Achiever of the year. He is editor of the Journal of Health Information and Libraries Australasia, and host of the podcast Shoosh. He is currently acting chair of the Darling Downs Health Human Research Ethics Committee.

Last Friday he conceded four goals 😄 at Friday night football ⚽, but did get his hands to three of them. He yells at his kids too much, but also gives them chocolate milk 🍫. The two may be linked. 

Kathryn Ritchie is a Health Librarian at Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CQHHS) in Rockhampton, committee member of the Australasian Evidence Based Practice Librarians’ Institute (AEBPLI), UQ Research Fellow, and CQ HREC Secretariat/Co-ordinator. Kathryn blends her clinical insight and research expertise to empower healthcare professionals. Kathryn is dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice, supporting clinicians in discovering and applying the best available evidence through the design and execution of systematic type search strategies, and guidance in the development of quality and research projects.

Nikki May is a Library Manager with the SA Health Library Service (SAHLS).  She is responsible for the Research, Reference, Training, and Outreach library portfolios.  As a part of the SAHLS management team Nikki’s role is currently focused primarily on strategic planning and service improvement projects. Nikki is also co-convenor of the Australasian Evidence-Based Practice Librarians’ Institute.

Joanna Dziedzic is Research Data Librarian at Charles Darwin University, where she leads research data management services and provides expert advice to the Human Research Ethics Committee as a committee member. Joanna has worked in academic libraries across Australia and Europe, with experience in scholarly communication, repositories, copyright, and research data. Her interests include First Nations data governance and data management planning

🏄 ALIA Competencies:

CA6 – The health environment, communities and stakeholders

CA7 – Health research

View HLA Competencies

🐛 Health Professional Development Scheme (HPDS)

This session contributes 1.0 hours towards CPD.

View details on the HPDS

🎞️ Recordings

This event will be recorded and sent to attendees following the session.