Rate My Professor Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Otago and a Diploma in Librarianship from Victoria University of Wellington. He is an Associate of the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (ALIANZA). His career with the University of Otago Library dates back to at least 1998, when he was listed in technical services at the Hocken Collections, as per the library's annual reports. Through the early 2000s, he contributed to library operations in various capacities, including roles noted in reports from 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004. During this period, he served as Treasurer of LIANZA's Research Special Interest Group, Chair of the LIANZA Otago/Southland Regional Committee, and a member of the Anglican Diocese of Dunedin Archives Committee. University calendars from 2007 to 2023 consistently list him as G. Mark Hughes with his qualifications and role in facilities planning.

In his current position as Facilities Planning Coordinator in the Māori and Strategic Development section of the University of Otago Library, Mark Hughes manages library infrastructure projects. He chairs LIANZA Murihiku, the Otago-Southland branch. In March 2026, he played a pivotal role in obtaining LIANZA permissions to digitize and release for free the historical documentary 'Half a million books: one family and the libraries they use,' preserving a piece of library history related to holdings between the University and public libraries totaling around half a million books. He emphasized the thrill of sharing this resource and noted the modern shift allowing remote global access to library materials. Additionally, Hughes serves as Secretary for the Friends of the Hocken Collections, handling agendas, minutes, and coordinating public events such as lectures on Māori writing inspirations, the four great Dunedin exhibitions, and talks by figures like Dr Royden Somerville KC on existential risks. He has supported professional development, including Te Tōtara implementation for the library management team's workforce capability, and served as a contact for the 2022 Professional Staff Conference.