About

A photo of Emilia, a white non-binary person. They have short dark brown hair, are wearing professional clothes, including a brown coat with a red, orange, and pink shirt underneath. There is a building and tree behind them.

Emilia C. Bell (they/them) | Hear my name.

I am a non-executive director, LIS professional, and PhD candidate who is passionate about inclusive and impactful leadership that drives positive change for individuals, communities, and organisations.

My research is at the intersection of knowledge production, open scholarship, and libraries in local and global contexts. My doctoral research explores open knowledge diplomacy, and explores the role of Australian university libraries in supporting open and collaborative approaches to scholarship on climate change.

I publish and present on evidence-based practice, research and open knowledge, and inclusive leadership.

My professional experience includes participating in the Australian Parliamentary Library Internship program in 2019 as an LIS student.

In 2023, I received a governance scholarship for leaders with disability as part of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Disability Leadership Program and completing the Foundations of Directorship course. In 2024, In recognition of my contributions to the field, I was awarded the ALIA Metcalfe Award.

I currently serve as a Non-executive ALIA Board Director (2024-27) and as a Board Director for Ballet Without Borders (2025-present). Additionally, I am a co-founder and President of the Alliance for Neurodiversity and Disability in GLAMR Professions Australia Inc. (ANDPA), and co-hosted the GLAMR Disability in Dialogue podcast, facilitating conversations about accessibility and inclusion in the GLAMR sector.