It’s Friday again! Time for Volume 4 of Interview with the Librarian. This week we have the pleasure of speaking with Loraine Forde of Glasgow Clyde College.
Trivia
(Firstly, I’ve just enabled comments on our posts… oops! So please feel free to post answers in the comments section).
Last week’s question —Name the Draconian librarian who guards Hogwarts Library.
Our office’s resident Harry Potter expert, Ellie, was quick on the draw to correctly guess Madam Irma Pince.
This week’s question — Which library houses the mysterious Devil’s Bible?
It’s a big book!
The Interview
Job title?
Library Manager in a further education library with three sites spread across Glasgow.
What’s the best part of your job?
Buying books, lots and lots of books. And seeing them arrive is like Christmas over and over again (even when they are online).
Favourite book? Favourite magazine?
I read the Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and Junky by William Burroughs on my Kindle every year. They both make me laugh a lot. Private Eye is my magazine of choice. Also makes me laugh.
I’ve read Junky, but really must get round to reading the Bell Jar, it’s been on my reading list for far too long!
What will the library of the future be like? (In one sentence)
It’s all about people, technology and information with some stylish furniture thrown in.
I’m picturing curved sofas with integrated bookshelves in the back, spindly reading lamps on every desk and glass, lots of glass.
Most common query in the library?
Where can I collect my prints?
Answer: log in to any of the 4 printers and release your job.
Coffee or Tea?
About a gallon of black tea daily (really.)
What job would you do if you weren’t a librarian?
I used to be in social work but being a librarian is a 1000 times better.
Should the library be quiet or a place for discussion?
It can be both if it’s designed well enough and the staff are willing to move people along to the right place.
Thanks again to Loraine!
We have a new set of questions at the ready! Would you like to participate or nominate a colleague?
As always, you can reach me at tom.rodenby@exacteditions.com
Leave a Reply