In Volume 12 we speak with Kate Devaney from the University of Reading.

Word of the Week

Avatar — derives from a Sanskrit word meaning “descent,” and when it first appeared in English in the late 18th century, it referred to the descent of a deity to the earth. In the age of technology, Avatar has developed another sense — it can now be used for the image that a person chooses as his or her “embodiment” in an electronic medium.

The Interview

What’s your role in the library?
I am the Collections Services Manager so I am responsible for our Acquisitions and Cataloguing Teams.

Favourite book?
Too hard to pick just one — it would have to be between Catch-22, Wuthering Heights or 1984.

Favourite magazine?
I’ll read whatever is lying around!

If you could change one thing in the library world, what would it be?
To see more material made Open Access.

How do you think libraries are going to change in the next decade?
I think libraries are generally good at adapting and being aware of user needs. I can see more collaboration between institutions and users to deliver services that are relevant and reflective of changing user requirements.

If you weren’t a librarian, what would you do?
Probably something related to psychology/counselling. Or forensic science.

Any hidden talents?
Alas, no — well none that I have discovered yet….

Unless your hidden talent is hiding talents…

Many thanks again to Kate!


Would you like to participate or nominate a colleague?
As always, you can reach me at tom.rodenby@exacteditions.com