Jill Benn is a strategic higher education professional with significant experience in the leadership of libraries. She is currently the University Librarian at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Jill is proud of her Aboriginal heritage, as a descendant of the Noongar Ballardong people.

Jill has played a pivotal role for several successful initiatives at UWA including new library spaces and the establishment of new research and education services. In addition to her work within the libraries at UWA, Jill has provided leadership across the University as the elected professional staff member on UWA Senate, on a range of University Committees, through University Reviews and in Crisis Management. Jill’s strategic open and consultative communication style combined with her ability to provide effective leadership and strive for positive change, has resulted in the reshaping of services and the implementation of significant transformation. She is focused on partnership and engagement as a key development strategy. Her commitment to high quality support of learning and student experience is recognised through the award of Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA).

Jill is highly engaged in governance and directorship nationally and internationally and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In addition to her role on UWA Senate, Jill is the current Chair of the Council of Australian University Librarians Board and is Co-Chair of the Research Data Alliance Council. Jill is passionate about leadership and developing others and was appointed as the Director of the CAUDIT Leadership Institute, a program for high potential IT and Library professionals, in April 2022.