Rate My Professor Cate Bardwell

Cate Bardwell is the Deputy University Librarian at the University of Otago, serving in the University Librarian's Office located at the Information Services Building in Dunedin. She has held senior leadership positions within the University of Otago Library, including Acting University Librarian in 2020 and Associate University Librarian – Information Services. In recognition of her outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bardwell received the Award for Exceptional Performance by Professional Staff. During the lockdown, she ensured the continuity of essential library services for research continuity and students engaged in online learning. She coordinated preparations for the Quality Assurance Unit Library Review by completing a successful self-review ahead of schedule, represented the University Librarian on key committees focused on research, and maintained high staff morale through resilient, decisive, and compassionate decision-making amid prolonged acting duties due to international travel restrictions.

Bardwell plays a pivotal role in advancing research support and scholarly communication at the University of Otago. As a member of the eResearch Advisory Group and a nominee to the Committee for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching, she contributes to institutional strategies enhancing research capabilities. She co-presented 'Leapfrogging to the Future: Transforming Otago’s Research Landscape' at eResearch Australasia 2023, detailing initiatives to modernize the institutional repository OUR Archive for improved workflows, open access compliance with MBIE and Universities NZ policies, enhanced visibility, and integration with systems like ORIS for longitudinal research analytics combining bibliometrics, HR data, and outputs. Additionally, she co-authored 'Library Services in a National Research Information Framework' presented at IATUL 2017. Internationally, Bardwell serves on the IATUL Special Interest Group on Management of Research Information (SIG MaRI), has chaired the Australasian and New Zealand Rapporteurs and Engagement Group (ANZREG), and acts as the primary contact for the University of Otago in the NZ ORCID Consortium. Her efforts support researchers through guides on ORCID iDs, online profiles, networks, and open access to boost scholarly impact and discoverability. She is also involved with the Digital Humanities Hub and library liaison services for academic staff.