Linda Thornely (SFHEA) is an accomplished academic librarian and educator with over two decades of experience spanning school and university sectors. Currently serving as School Librarian at Western Sydney University, Linda is renowned for her strategic leadership in research support, curriculum innovation, and academic literacy development. She has led transformative initiatives including the Academic Skills Pocketbook—WSU Pressbooks’ most accessed resource—and contributed to the university-wide rollout of the RefQuest game to enhance referencing skills and academic integrity.

Linda’s portfolio includes pioneering scalable literacy modules, spearheading the 3MT program to achieve record-breaking student engagement, and contributing to national conversations on Open Educational Resources and NTROs. Her collaborative ethos has supported HDR students, and fostered inclusive learning environments. As a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, she mentors emerging professionals and contributes to sector-wide leadership through the STEM LibANZ committee.

Linda holds a Master of Applied Science (Library & Information Management), a Diploma of Teaching (Primary), and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. Her work is globally recognised, with resources accessed across Australia, the US, and Vietnam. She is committed to empowering learners and advancing the role of libraries in higher education