Education: school in Stoke-on-Trent, England. 1961-65: University of Keele (BA English and philosophy). 1967 : Postgraduate diploma in librarianship and information science. 1995 NUI, Maynooth MA in adult education. 1996: Open University Masters in education.

Married to: Dr Peter Jordan Children : Eugene 32, Patrick 22 and Francesca 19.

Interests: French cinema, history, food and wine.

Holidays: Combining holidays with international conferences the European Access Network conference which took place in Santiago, Spain in September.