Tuesday 29 November 2016

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 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 Birds with 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.

Monday 28 November 2016

Library and Academic Skills Workshops 30/11/16

Come and drop by in B006 in Stockwell Street Library for our workshops on:

Research for Assignments 1pm & 4pm
Using Library Resources in Your Job Search 2pm &
Copyright and Digital Content 3pm



If you can't make it you can contact the Academic Skills Team by email: Study-Skills@gre.ac.uk or your Academic Support Librarian: http://libguides.gre.ac.uk/librarians for help.




Tuesday 22 November 2016

Library and Academic Skills Workshops 23/11/16

Come and drop by in B006 in Stockwell Street Library for our workshops on:

Assignment & Essay Writing 1pm & 4pm
Box of Broadcasts 2pm &
Tools for Referencing & Avoiding Plagiarism 3pm



If you can't make it you can contact the Academic Skills Team by email: Study-Skills@gre.ac.uk or your Academic Support Librarian: http://libguides.gre.ac.uk/librarians for help.


Monday 21 November 2016

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 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.

Tuesday 15 November 2016

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!

One of our two Academic Subject Librarians for Business, Ros Smith, is in the hot seat this week. She is based at the Stockwell Street Library.

Ros Smith

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?
6 months.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?
I support staff and students in the Business School.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?
Running training sessions and being on help desks.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?
Business books (of course!) but also the Social Sciences.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?
The Mogul (Indian restaurant) or Greenwich Market.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Theatre, cinema and gigs.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?
Too hard a question, but here goes! Book – I Capture the Castle by Dodie SmithMusic – Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings; Film – Sweet Charity.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
East Africa – to go on safari!

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

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?
Only the National Maritime Museum, to my shame.

Monday 14 November 2016

Library and Academic Skills Workshops 16/11/16

Come and drop by in B006 in Stockwell Street Library for our workshops on:

Introduction to Critical Thinking 1pm & 4pm
Mendeley Reference Manager 2pm &
Meet the Wellbeing Team 3pm



If you can't make it you can contact the Academic Skills Team by email: Study-Skills@gre.ac.uk or your Academic Support Librarian: http://libguides.gre.ac.uk/librarians for help.




Wednesday 9 November 2016

Library and Academic Skills Workshops 9/11/16

Come and drop by in B006 in Stockwell Street Library for our workshops on:

Delivering Presentations 1pm & 4pm
Using LibrarySearch 2pm &
Printers and Plotters 3pm



If you can't make it you can contact the Academic Skills Team by email: Study-Skills@gre.ac.uk or your Academic Support Librarian: http://libguides.gre.ac.uk/librarians for help.


Monday 7 November 2016

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 Karen Richardson, our Academic Subject Librarian for Computing, Mathematical Science and Creative Professions and Digital Arts. She is based at the Stockwell Street Library.

Karen Richardson

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?
I believe I’m getting close to my long service award, but can’t remember exactly as I started on short term contracts as a shelver.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?
I support students in Computing, Mathematical Science and Creative Professions and Digital Arts, as well as working with my colleagues to make sure the library as a whole runs smooth.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?
The light bulb moment when students suddenly get it all, and seeing them graduate.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?
Always a tricky one, just like what’s your favourite film… Wait! That’s question seven! I think most areas interest me, though I am drawn to the science and maths good reads that try to explain these subjects in simple and fun ways, such as How to Teach Your Dog Quantum Physics by Chad Orzel and How Long is a Piece of String by Robert Eastaway and Jeremy Wyndham.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?
I like the international food stalls in Greenwich Market and Noodle Time. If I’m short on cash, I go to the Student Union bar which also has pool tables!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Playing board games such Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne (not the family staples such as Monopoly). I also play in a brass band and do gardening when I can.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?
For books, historical fantasies (there’s a few about libraries), science-fiction and historical ones about World War II celebrating the ingenuity of people – if you think that is an odd mix… so do I! I like a lot of different genres of music so my decision is based on the ones I feel most compelled to sing along to, which seem to be either ABBA, Queen or Annie Lennox. Finally, films – I guess if I am to narrow it down, the Star Trek and Indiana Jones series and comedies with Cary Grant in them.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
Still on my list are Ethiopia, Jordan and Machu Picchu (before an earthquake hits).

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would like to fly. You can go from A to B in a straight line and it would make up for being short!

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?
I have been to the Observatory and the Museum, but not the Cutty Sark or the Queen's House, though I believe the latter has reopened following refurbishment and I am keen to see the new galleries!

New portal pop-ups - Stockwell Street Library



The new and improved portal has been launched! Have you checked it out yet?


If you would like help finding your way around the new portal layout and want to pick up some goodies whilst you're at it, then pop along to Stockwell Street Library; 11am-2pm, Monday 7th November to Thursday 10th November.

Saturday 5 November 2016

Get Your Viewing List

BoB is a great streaming resource to use to enhance your studies. Find out more at: http://libguides.gre.ac.uk/bob.

Friday 4 November 2016

Your new portal




From Monday 7th November the portal will have a new, updated look. To enable this work to take place there will be no access to the existing portal or Moodle over the weekend of 5th – 6th November.

The new portal will have a number of new features, it is cleaner and clearer and will be easier to find information and the links to the essential resources and systems you need to use.

IT and Library Services have worked with staff and students to create a clearer and more intuitive layout and to ensure all essential content is easily accessible. There will be a ‘Quick Links’ bar at the top of every page to provide access to key services with a single click and an improved search function to help you find what you need. The new portal also has a responsive design, so that it will work well whichever device you are accessing it from. 

During the week of the launch, library staff will be on hand in our campus libraries to help you use the new portal and find what you need.
We hope you like your new portal. Feedback can be sent to: portal.feedback@gre.ac.uk



Thursday 3 November 2016

Over 2 Million Broadcasts at Your Fingertips

If you're not using BoB to enhance your studies, you should be. Find out more at: http://libguides.gre.ac.uk/bob

Wednesday 2 November 2016

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 talk to Irene Barranco Garcia, the Collaborations, Compliance and Copyright Manager based at the Stockwell Street Library.

Irene Barranco Garcia

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?
I started working here in January 2006 as an Academic Librarian. Gosh! That is over 10 years! Time flies when you are having fun.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?
I look after students at Partner Institutions, home and overseas, promoting the use of all the information resources that we have in the library, mainly online. If students are aware of the huge range of resources we have, and know how to access them, this will have a huge impact in the quality of their academic work. I am also the Copyright Librarian, too. It sounds fab, doesn’t it?

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?
I enjoy working with students who want to succeed in their studies. They are passionate about knowledge and appreciate all the help we can offer them.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?
Any books about learning and teaching… fascinating!

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?
I love the noodle bars around Greenwich, but my current favourite place is Heaps for a bacon and avocado bap. Don’t tell anyone - it is busy enough as it is!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Shopping, shopping and more shopping. And going to the movies!

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?
That is the most difficult question ever. I am not too knowledgeable about music. I love what I love. I have to say Bon Jovi then. If I have to recommend a book I would say One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, but only if you are going to read it in Spanish. In English, I would recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. One film?! If I have to choose one, I would say Amelie.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
I am dying to go to Japan! Imagine… All that sushi… Cannot wait!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Reading minds… That would freak a few people out, wouldn’t it?

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?
Yes, I am pleased to say I have visited all of them several times. And I would add to the list The Painted Hall, although it is currently closed for an ambitious conservation project. Cannot wait to see it finished!