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 Academic Services Librarian for Law and Criminology, Literature, Language and Theatre at the Stockwell Street Library, Rachael Hartiss:

Rachael Hartiss

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?

I’ve just reached my 16-year anniversary.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?

I am the librarian who supports the Department of Law and Criminology, and the Department of Literature, Language and Theatre. My job is predominately to make sure the resources needed are in place, to help the students use those resources and develop their research and information skills. I also liaise with staff and students in the departments I support, to make sure they are aware of developments in our library services and gather feedback to help improve things.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?

I like the variety of the job – no two days are the same! The thing I probably enjoy the most is helping people.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?

Books on child development.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH TO EAT/HAVE LUNCH?

I have too many lunches at my desk, but I love the sushi from the market!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Spend time with my little boy. He’s just the best!

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?

Book: The Quiet American by Graham Greene

Music: Dance music with a good vocal

Film: Despicable Me – this is not really my favourite, but it’s all I get to watch (I have a 3-year-old!)

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

My last holiday was in Bognor, so anywhere with a bit of sun would be good!

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

Don’t think it counts as a superhuman power, but time travel would be a good thing to be able to do!

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?

Yes, to the Cutty Sark (pre-fire), National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory. The Queen’s House – not that I can recall, although I may have gone on a school trip there once!