In Volume 15 we speak with Beth Hewitt from Falmer Library, University of Brighton.

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Word of the Week

Chrestomathy
A collection of selected literary passages (usually from a single author); a selection of literary passages from a foreign language assembled for studying the language; or a text in various languages, used especially as an aid in learning a subject.

The Interview

What’s your role in the library?
Information Adviser at Falmer Library, University of Brighton.

Favourite book?
I don’t actually read that much (yes, I know). I’m a fan of comedy writing so it would have to be a P.G Wodehouse. Code of the Woosters is pretty near perfect.

Favourite magazine?
Private Eye.

If you could change one thing in the library world, what would it be?
Prohibitively expensive subscriptions.

How do you think libraries are going to change in the next decade?
It’s hard to generalise as different libraries are facing very different challenges. In a decade how many more public libraries will have closed? On a more positive note, I think we’ll see library spaces used in a more innovative way which give equal weighting to the environment and access to resources.

If you weren’t a librarian, what would you do?
 I actually have no idea. In all likelihood something else in Higher Education.

Any hidden talents?
Most of them are. I am able to memorise long lists of information so if you ever need an American state capital or the areas of the shipping forecast in an emergency then I’d have you covered.

Any questions for me?
What’s your favourite joke?

I bought my friend an elephant for his room. He said, “thanks!” I replied, “Don’t mention it.”

Sorry not sorry about that joke… Thank you Beth for taking part!

Are you a librarian? Would you like to participate? Get in touch with the team at institutions@exacteditions.com