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!