In Memoriam: Liam Green-Hughes (1974-2026)

In memoriam for Liam Green-Hughes (1974-2026), Technical Lead, British Library Labs

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the unexpected passing of Liam Green‑Hughes, Tech Lead for British Library Labs, who died on 30 January 2026, aged 51, following a sudden and devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Liam joined the British Library in May 2024, bringing with him a strong university IT background from his years at the University of Kent and The Open University. His enthusiasm for digital research, AI, and especially 3D digital environments made him an indispensable presence within the Library’s digital and research communities. Always ready to help, to share his expertise, and to spark exciting new conversations, he quickly became someone colleagues relied on and admired.

His dedication to openness and knowledge sharing extended well beyond the Library. It was especially evident in his engagement with LIBER’s Digital Scholarship and Digital Cultural Heritage Collections Working Group, where he was an active and valued member. Those who worked with Liam will remember not only his impressive technical skills, but also his kindness, curiosity, and gentle humour. He approached every collaboration with warmth and generosity, making him a colleague people trusted and truly enjoyed working alongside.

Andy Corrigan, Co-Chair of the LIBER Digital Scholarship and Digital Cultural Heritage Collections Working Group, fondly remembers:

In addition to the pleasure of working with Liam as part of the LIBER DSDCH Working Group, I was lucky to spend time with him on a research project visit to the British Library. It’s always a humbling experience when someone takes time-out from their own busy schedule to help you, but Liam’s genuine interest and generous spirit in listening to and discussing my thoughts and ideas, as well as sharing his own, was a privilege. Despite not knowing him for long, Liam was testament to a warmth and depth of character that can be an inspiration to us all, not just in our work, but in our approach to life going forward.”

For Liam, technology was never simply about innovation—it was about making the world more accessible. This commitment shaped his work throughout his career and most recently in the way he shared knowledge generously across institutions. His widely used LIBER DS Topic Guide APIs: A Starter Guide for Librarians for instance remains an invaluable resource for professionals navigating the technical landscape of digital scholarship.

Liam’s loss is felt deeply throughout the British Library, the LIBER network and across the many communities he enriched. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

Nora McGregor

Digital Curator, Digital Research Team, The British Library

 

Andy Corrigan

Digital Library Coordinator, University of Cambridge Libraries & Archives