Rate My Professor Mike Wall

Mike Wall is the University Librarian at the University of Otago, leading the library services within the Academic Division. Appointed on 1 March 2021, he brings extensive experience from his 26-year tenure at the University of Bristol, where he held multiple roles in library operations, followed by his position as Deputy University Librarian at Durham University. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to enhancing library user experiences, a passion sparked during his undergraduate studies in sport science, where varying library qualities during research prompted his entry into the field after initial work in public and hospital libraries.

At Durham University, Wall collaborated on student-focused initiatives, such as piloting eating spaces in the library to address shortages, participated in mentoring programs at the RLUK Members' Meeting, and advocated for improved academic ebook access by signing open letters on fair publisher pricing. Since joining Otago amid COVID-19 challenges—including border exemptions, managed isolation in Auckland where he and his wife Wendy contracted and recovered from the virus—Wall oversees the library's support for research, teaching, and community engagement, partnering with academic and professional staff. He participates in the Library Services Committee, serves as an elected Board Director and Deputy Board Chair for CAUL, contributes to its Content Procurement Committee, and has supported projects like the new institutional research repository.