With a first degree in modern languages, my passion for language remains pivotal to all my work: researching information, writing content and digital publishing.
My career in information management spans academic, research and public libraries, not-for-profits, foundations and publishing in roles including information manager, consultant, researcher, editor, translator and publisher in diverse sectors, cultures and disciplines.
I have mother tongue English, French and Hebrew, a working knowledge of Dutch (plus Italian, German and Yiddish for cataloguing).
My original career plan to teach French was revised early in my career: I realized I enjoyed the challenge of irregular French verbs but sadly my students did not agree.
I returned to graduate research at Brunel University London and worked in information services with posts including Information Manager and Policy and Development Officer at SKILL: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (UK); Information Resources coordinator at World Ort Union, an international NGO and Grant Program Manager at British Library Research & Development.
Born in Nottingham (UK), I grew up in London where I graduated with first degrees in modern languages and social sciences from the University of London, followed by social science research methodology at City University, London and graduate research at Brunel University exploring cross-cultural perspectives on disability and social exclusion in faith communities.
My working experience includes interpreting at mental health tribunals, services to housebound readers in a multi-cultural municipal public library authority, administration for Cultural Attache at an African embassy, admin roles in export, pharma and health sectors and translation.
Away from my desk, I am a silk painter: www.silkwormstudio.co.uk
Sylvia Simmons has knowledge of many areas of the library and information world in the public and private sector. She is a respected consultant and practitioner who is able to relate theory to practice and vice versa. As Project Manager, she showed her ability to work to deadlines, organize and manipulate data, and gain the co-operation and respect of researchers from disparate backgrounds, demonstrating her inter personal and professional skills.
Bob Usherwood, Emeritus Professor, Librarianship and Information Studies, University of Sheffield,UK
Consultant: Review of Public Library Service, England and Wales (DCMS Department of Culture, Media and Sport)
OUR PARTNERS
Grey Literature Network Service
InfoEthicsUK collaborates on areas of shared interest with Greynet International
Grey Literature and Information Ethics share common concerns within then digital information economy. Grey Forum
(onsite and online courses, seminars and workshops) where Grey Literature provides common ground for information professionals in the process of knowledge transfer.
Website credits
Concept and content:
(c) Sylvia Simmons 2024
DEsign and graphics: Sara Fuksman; Daphna Fuksman
IT support: John Routledge and John Webster, Digital Doctors, Y Fuksman
web hosting: Ionos Uk
Digital Doctors
https://www.digital-doctors.co.uk
Professional, jargon-free technical support for all our digital needs: seamless connectivity with the reassurance that our hardware and software is up to date and secure.
