profiles – Library Services

Library Staff profiles

Have you ever wanted to find out more about the people who work at Avery Hill and Stockwell Street Library? Of course you have! We continue our weekly profiles of the various staff you may spot or speak to at our libraries. Find out what they do, both inside and outside of working at the University of Greenwich!

This week, we profile our First Line Support Assistant at Stockwell Street library, Richard Carpenter:

Richard Carpenter

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

About a year and a half.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

To put it simply, I work within the IT Teams at the university to provide support for students and staff, but my day-to-day work often involves working with many different teams across the university.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

I love interacting with and helping members of the university community and any guests/visitors we get too. Every day is different!

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

Almost anything in the history section.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?

We are lucky in Greenwich to have so many excellent places to eat and I couldn’t pick a favourite place out of them all! In the summer, though, I love having lunch in Greenwich Park.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love watching and playing sports. I try to go cycling as often as I can.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

I don’t necessarily have favourites but I grew up reading the Harry Potter books. I listen to any kind of music, really, and I’ve always loved Mrs Doubtfire!

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

I’ve been to some amazing countries and places but still prominent on my list are: Barcelona, Berlin, New York, Washington DC, Mumbai, Sydney, Venice and Milan.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The ability to fly – it would make my journey in to work a lot quicker!

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

I have visited them all apart from the Queen’s House, some many years before I started working at the university! I must go again, and I would encourage everyone to visit them whilst studying or working here!

Library Staff profile

This week, we profile one of our Student IT Support Assistants at both Avery Hill and Stockwell Street libraries, Andra Dafinescu:

Andra Dafinescu

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I have been working at the library for about two months.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

My role is very intriguing! As I am based at both the Greenwich and Avery Hill campuses, I have the opportunity to work in different environments. It is mostly based on your customer service skills. Moreover, it helps you develop a sense of self-orientation, as you need to solve different enquiries in a rapid and efficient way.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

Mostly I enjoy the fact that you do not work alone. I like being a team player and I am glad that I am part of such a good group. Also, I enjoy the challenges that this job has: you have to be able to solve a different range of issues.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

The books related to economics, finance, banking and business (e.g. Freakconomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner).

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?

The Clock Gate (next to Cutty Sark DLR Station). I believe that place is perfect for a student!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I like to read all kinds of books (from history and geography to self-development and motivation). Also, I enjoy visiting different places around the city (museums, parks, etc.), going to different events (such as exhibitions) and going to the gym.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Book: The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Music: Eagles – Hotel California

Film: Interstellar (2014)

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

First place I would like to go is Los Angeles!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The ability to control all of the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

Yes!

Library Staff profile

This week, we profile one of our Student IT Support Assistants at Stockwell Street Library, James Myers:

James Myers

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I have worked at the university for a year and six months.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

My role is essentially the first point of contact for all students who need support with library IT services.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

The most enjoyable part about working in the library is the helpful and friendly team of both full-time staff and like-minded part-time student workers like myself. Their open and enthusiastic personalities really make it a joy to work at the university.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

I think the most interesting books in the library are the History books in the basement. Some of them date back many years, and so a lot can be learned from them.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?

My favourite place to have lunch in Greenwich is the Vietnamese restaurant called Saigon.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Outside of work I like to go longboarding in Greenwich Park with friends, swim, go to the gym, watch Netflix or go out to one of the thousands of bars in London itself.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Favourite book (currently) – The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape the 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss

Favourite music – Half Moon Run

Favourite film – Star Wars (hard to pick an actual movie out of the saga!)

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

I would love to visit lots of places, but I think that far-east Asia would be the most unique for me, so perhaps Thailand.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

If I could have any superpower I would pick telekinesis as it is most similar to the Force in Star Wars, and that would be awesome!

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

I have visited the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory. I see the Cutty Sark every single day so that is definitely next on my list!

Library Staff profiles

This week, we profile one of our Student IT Support Assistants at Stockwell Street Library, Janni Ball:

Janni Ball

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

Since October 2016.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

As a Student IT Support Assistant, I help students with some of the most common technical issues they might run across whilst doing their work. This consists of tasks such as connecting them to the wifi network, resetting their passwords; explaining how to use TurnItIn to submit their work; demonstrating the many ways they can search for library books and other resources online; assisting them with installing software on their personal devices; teaching them how to use the printers and plotters; and showing them how to find books on the shelves. We also monitor the group study rooms, tidying as needed and making sure the equipment is all in good working order. There are other tasks that we carry out on our shifts, but the aforementioned are the ones that come up the most on a daily basis.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

No two days are ever alike. I’m always meeting new people, learning new skills, and being presented with new challenges. Plus, I am surrounded by books! I’m studying English Literature, so for me it’s like the mother ship has called me home!

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

I am a huge Shakespeare nerd, so anything in that genre, as well as most Early Modern Literature. I also have a newly-renewed passion for crime fiction/detective novels. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has long been a favourite, and I’ve recently been introduced to some others on my course, such as Raymond Chandler (go and read The Lady in the Lake right now!).

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?

I quite enjoy a yummy lemon chicken at Noodle Time in Greenwich when I can squeeze it into the weekly budget now and then. In nice weather, I prefer getting a takeaway from somewhere and just finding a nice spot in Greenwich Park to sit and enjoy being outdoors.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Outside of work anduniversity?! It’s been a long time since I’ve had a life outside of those two…! I am a theatre fan, so I enjoy seeing a good play from time to time. In winter months, I do a bit of knitting. I am into Marvel comics, and try to keep up with some of my favourite characters when I have the time. I enjoy drawing and colouring when time allows as well. Mostly, I just like to walk around London as much as I can and soak in as much atmosphere and history as possible. I have also been known to put on a chicken costume and strut around Greenwich for kicks. It’s very freeing…

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

That’s like asking a parent to pick a favourite child! I can’t pick just one of each. I’d have to say that one of my favourite books of all time is Guests of the Sheik by Elizabeth Warnock-Fernea. One of my favourite movies of all time is The Princess Bride. My favourite TV show is one that ran for five years in the USA called Chuck (it’s no longer on Netflix, but you might find it on YouTube or Amazon) – it’s hilariously wonderful! As for music, it depends on my mood – I’m quite eclectic. Anything from classic rock, to post rock, to indie, to 80’s new wave, to classical. Just no country… and limited rap (unless it’s old school like Run DMC).

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

In addition to someday seeing the rest of the UK (this deprived American girl has only been in London), I would like to travel to Iceland and see the Northern Lights!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I would like to have the superpower of healing. I would go around healing sick and injured people and animals. Would I get a cool cape for that, or would I just be one of those incognito superheroes doing good deeds on the down-lo? Hmmm…

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

Sadly, I have only been to the National Maritime Museum. The Queen’s House has been closed for much of the time I’ve been living here, having only recently reopened. I do want to see the other two, just have to find the time.

Library Staff profiles

This week, we profile our two Graduate Interns, Alex Taliadoros and Crina Duchi, who are based at our Stockwell Street Library:

Alex Taliadoros

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I have worked for the library for three months now. Time flies when you’re having fun!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

I am currently employed as a Video Producer under the Graduate Internship. My role is to create promotional videos to further promote the library and its amazing services.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

I would say the most enjoyable thing about working in the library is the vast amount of information and resources available to me. For any topic or personal interest, there is always something to discover and explore.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

For me I find the filmmaking and creative art books the most interesting as I am from a media related background. There are a variety of self-help filmmaking books which are great, but also a lot of books on current filmmakers who know how to create the best films in the business.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?

There are so many places to eat so it’s very hard to choose, but Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Byron do great burgers! In terms of locations to go and chill, I love Greenwich Park!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I like to watch films at the cinema as much as possible. I am also a big football fan so try to watch as many Premier League games as possible in my free time.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Book – The Godfather by Mario Puzo

Music – Anything that makes me tap my feet

Film – A tie between The Godfather:Part II & Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

Anywhere in America as it’s so vast and every state is so different! Also parts of Italy!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Flying, for sure! I like the idea of getting out of difficult situations and moving freely in the skies.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

I have visited every attraction in Greenwich as I studied here as a student. I would definitely recommend the Royal Observatory – the views of London are stunning!

Crina Duchi

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I have worked in the library for three months.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

As an intern, my main project was working on a promotional video for the library. I was involved in concept development, writing, planning, filming, and editing.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

The people I am working with are very nice and there is a relaxed atmosphere despite having different tasks and deadlines. While working on the video project, it was great to have so much creative freedom.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

I always gravitate around the film section of the library. I mostly choose books about cinematography.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?

If it’s sunny I usually go to Greenwich Park, by the Thames or Greenwich Market.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I like to explore London and take photos, watch movies/TV series and go on bike rides.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Since it’s so hard to pick, I will choose recent favourites!

Book: The Spanish Ballad by Lion Feuchtwanger – sad but interesting insight in the mix of cultures and history of Spain.

Music: The Blacklist soundtrack – a TV series that I really liked and just caught up with.

Movie: Logan – the first movie that I saw at BFI Imax.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

As I travelled quite a bit around Europe, I would love to visit other continents now. Top choices are Australia, Asia (Japan) and South America.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Being able to fly would be amazing! Can’t do that so I would be happy to try sky diving and flyboarding instead.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

I haven’t been inside Cutty Sark yet, but I have visited the rest several times. My favourite is the Royal Observatory.

Library Staff profiles

This week, we profile the Academic Services Librarian for Law and Criminology, Literature, Language and Theatre at the Stockwell Street Library, Rachael Hartiss:

Rachael Hartiss

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I’ve just reached my 16-year anniversary.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

I am the librarian who supports the Department of Law and Criminology, and the Department of Literature, Language and Theatre. My job is predominately to make sure the resources needed are in place, to help the students use those resources and develop their research and information skills. I also liaise with staff and students in the departments I support, to make sure they are aware of developments in our library services and gather feedback to help improve things.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

I like the variety of the job – no two days are the same! The thing I probably enjoy the most is helping people.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

Books on child development.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?

I have too many lunches at my desk, but I love the sushi from the market!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spend time with my little boy. He’s just the best!

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Book: The Quiet American by Graham Greene

Music: Dance music with a good vocal

Film: Despicable Me – this is not really my favourite, but it’s all I get to watch (I have a 3-year-old!)

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

My last holiday was in Bognor, so anywhere with a bit of sun would be good!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Don’t think it counts as a superhuman power, but time travel would be a good thing to be able to do!

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

Yes, to the Cutty Sark (pre-fire), National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory. The Queen’s House – not that I can recall, although I may have gone on a school trip there once!

Library Staff profiles

This week, we profile the Senior Academic Services Librarian at Avery Hill Library, Barbara Gallagher:

Barbara Gallagher

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

23 years! I came on a six-month, part-time, term-time only contract when my children were eight, five and three. I was extremely part-time for the first eight years and then started working full-time, all-year round, 15 years ago. I’ve never looked back!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

Ensuring the smooth running of Avery Hill Library on a day-to-day basis. I work with a small but perfectly formed team who will always go the extra mile to help our students and academic staff.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

Helping people who come into the library and don’t know where to start. It’s a great feeling when they go on their way with the information/books they need and a new-found confidence.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

I am interested in the Psychology books but I mostly borrow the fiction.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?

In the summer, I love the outdoor cafés in Greenwich Parkand they do a rather nice afternoon tea in the Fan Museum, but you need to book! I also like the food in Greenwich Market.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I do a few fitness classes, swimming and dancing (mainly on the kitchen floor, dreaming I am a professional tap dancer – well, we all have some impossible dreams, don’t we?!).

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Where do I start?!

I’m in a book group with 10 others and read at least one book a month. I love different genres such as the Nicci French psychological novels, Lee Child’s thrillers, Jane Austen, Samuel Pepys, Peter Ackroyd, Zadie Smith, Ian McEwan, plus a spot of chick-lit now and again! Favourite children’s books which I revisit are Tom’s Midnight Garden, The Secret Garden and When Marnie Was There.

As for music, I like all sorts – Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Black Sabbath, plus stuff on Classic FM. I want to have Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd played at the end of my funeral!

I love old black and white movies such as Rebecca and Brief Encounter. I also enjoy vintage musical films like High Society, Top Hat, Singin’ In The Rainand Some Like It Hot. I’m a huge fan of Apocalypse Now which I think is one of the best anti-war films ever made. Little Miss Sunshine is a film I can enjoy anytime. It has some very serious themes but is also highly entertaining – go on try it! You’ll be laughing one minute but you’ll also need a hanky!

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

As an old gal, I now have a bucket list and visit a new country every year. Cuba is quite high on my list but I’ll give the cigars a miss!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Powers to stop people feeling depressed would be fantastic – mental illness causes so much misery.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

Yes, all of them – I think Greenwich is an amazing place!

Library Staff profiles

This week, we profile the Head of Library Services at Stockwell Street Library and Avery Hill Library, Ginny Malone:

Ginny Malone

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I started working at Avery Hill Library in January 1988. I was periodicals librarian and subject librarian for Special Needs Education and Theology.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

I manage a great team of people making sure Library Services and Academic Skills supports our users to reach their potential, and become confident users of the fantastic resources that are available to them within the University.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

The fact that most of the time the library team are concentrating on helping students. Though we do have to enforce library rules, and sometimes we are made to feel like the “noise police”, but that is because we are trying to make the library a place where everyone can study!

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

At Stockwell Street, I love the displays of Folio books which are on the second floor. Many of them are architecture and landscape and have stunning illustrations. At Avery Hill, they have started a collection of books for small children and, again, the art work in some of them is just gorgeous

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?

Heaps Sausage Shop just round the corner from Stockwell Street Library – you get 10% off if you show your University ID card! Great coffee, as well.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I like spending time with friends, listening to music, eating delicious food and drinking good wine.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Book – I am struggling to say just one so will exercise my rights as Head of Library Services to pick two! Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Music – Blue by Joni Mitchell.

Film – Christmas is coming so I expect to wallow in It’s A Wonderful Life which I watch once a year at least. I love the scene where Clarence the Angel (2^ndclass!) is showing George Bailey how awful life would have been if he had never been born. It shows his wife, Mary, instead of being a happy housewife with lots of kids, would have become the town librarian – the horror of it! It’s made to seem like a fate worse than death!

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

Anywhere that can guarantee a good show of the Northern Lights!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

To please everyone.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

I haven’t been to the Cutty Sark in its new incarnation, and I also need to revisit the Queen’s House now it is open again.

Library Staff profiles

This week, we profile our User Services Manager at our Stockwell Street Library, Hélène Mallauran:

Hélène Mallauran

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I’m getting close to my long service award. I started in 1998 as a Circulation Assistant on a temporary contract when I was 23…

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

My job consists of focusing on the user experience, customer care, service design, marketing and production.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

Supporting students throughout their student life. I love to see students in their graduation gowns, about to go to their ceremonies and it’s even better when I find out they have a job.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

I love the novels!

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?

I like the food stalls in Greenwich Market especially the sushi one!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Outside work, I like to keep fit. I also like to meet friends and have a nice chat over dinner.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

For books, I love Jane Austen and the way she gives us good insights into the lives of early nineteenth century women. My favourite is Emma. I like a lot of different genres of music. I love old French music such as Édith Piaf, Jacques Brel and Barbara but I enjoy modern music too. At the moment, I am listening to Andrew Bird. I love old films. Hitchcock films are probably my favourites, such as Psycho with Anthony Perkins, or Notorious with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, or The Birdswith Tippi Hedren.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

Still a few places I would like to visit – Peru, Australia, New Zealand and Japan (for sushi, of course)!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Flying, of course! I love travelling so if I could fly, imagine where I could go! If I could have a second superhuman power that would be invisibility – disappearing when you want…

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

I have visited all of these places – I live nearby and always take family and friends to them when they come to visit. I love taking them at the Greenwich Meridian line in the evening, and seeing the green laser light marking the Meridian line shining out from the Royal Observatory.

Library Staff profiles

This week we profile the Director of Information and Library Services at the university, Paul Butler.

Paul Butler

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

Over 20 years, although in a number of different roles. I’ve been doing my current job for around three years.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

I’m the Library (and IT) Director.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

Providing high quality spaces, resources and services which really make a positive difference to student learning.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

All of them (of course!), but I have soft spot for architecture books.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?

Tei Won Mein noodle bar for lunch and I also really liked Café Sol for Mexican food and cocktails with friends, before it sadly closed down.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Play and watch football, and spending time with friends and family.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Book – I like historical fiction, so books from authors such as Hilary Mantel, Conn Iggulden, Simon Scarrow and Bernard Cornwell. Music – all sorts ranging from the 1980’s onwards. I recently saw The Cure live at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. They were fantastic! Film – Pulp Fiction.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

I’ve travelled a fair amount and I’d like to visit lots more places, but I’d particularly like to stay in a log cabin in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

To fly. Total freedom.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

Yes, particularly when my children were small – they loved the Museum and Observatory. We also spent many a Sunday morning walking around Greenwich Park, feeding the ducks and visiting the playground. The Painted Hall and Chapel are both stunning spaces to visit as well.