Monday 27 March 2017

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 one of our Student IT Support Assistants at Stockwell Street Library, Janni Ball:

Janni Ball

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?
Since October 2016. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?
As a Student IT Support Assistant, I help students with some of the most common technical issues they might run across whilst doing their work. This consists of tasks such as connecting them to the wifi network, resetting their passwords; explaining how to use TurnItIn to submit their work; demonstrating the many ways they can search for library books and other resources online; assisting them with installing software on their personal devices; teaching them how to use the printers and plotters; and showing them how to find books on the shelves. We also monitor the group study rooms, tidying as needed and making sure the equipment is all in good working order. There are other tasks that we carry out on our shifts, but the aforementioned are the ones that come up the most on a daily basis. 

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?
No two days are ever alike. I'm always meeting new people, learning new skills, and being presented with new challenges. Plus, I am surrounded by books! I'm studying English Literature, so for me it's like the mother ship has called me home!

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?
I am a huge Shakespeare nerd, so anything in that genre, as well as most Early Modern Literature. I also have a newly-renewed passion for crime fiction/detective novels. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has long been a favourite, and I've recently been introduced to some others on my course, such as Raymond Chandler (go and read The Lady in the Lake right now!).

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?
I quite enjoy a yummy lemon chicken at Noodle Time in Greenwich when I can squeeze it into the weekly budget now and then. In nice weather, I prefer getting a takeaway from somewhere and just finding a nice spot in Greenwich Park to sit and enjoy being outdoors. 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Outside of work and university?! It's been a long time since I've had a life outside of those two...! I am a theatre fan, so I enjoy seeing a good play from time to time. In winter months, I do a bit of knitting. I am into Marvel comics, and try to keep up with some of my favourite characters when I have the time. I enjoy drawing and colouring when time allows as well. Mostly, I just like to walk around London as much as I can and soak in as much atmosphere and history as possible. I have also been known to put on a chicken costume and strut around Greenwich for kicks. It's very freeing… 

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?
That's like asking a parent to pick a favourite child! I can't pick just one of each. I'd have to say that one of my favourite books of all time is Guests of the Sheik by Elizabeth Warnock-Fernea. One of my favourite movies of all time is The Princess Bride. My favourite TV show is one that ran for five years in the USA called Chuck (it's no longer on Netflix, but you might find it on YouTube or Amazon) – it's hilariously wonderful! As for music, it depends on my mood – I'm quite eclectic. Anything from classic rock, to post rock, to indie, to 80's new wave, to classical. Just no country... and limited rap (unless it's old school like Run DMC). 

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
In addition to someday seeing the rest of the UK (this deprived American girl has only been in London), I would like to travel to Iceland and see the Northern Lights!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would like to have the superpower of healing. I would go around healing sick and injured people and animals. Would I get a cool cape for that, or would I just be one of those incognito superheroes doing good deeds on the down-lo? Hmmm...

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?
Sadly, I have only been to the National Maritime Museum. The Queen's House has been closed for much of the time I've been living here, having only recently reopened. I do want to see the other two, just have to find the time.

Wednesday 22 March 2017

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 two Graduate Interns, Alex Taliadoros and Crina Duchi, who are based at our Stockwell Street Library:

Alex Taliadoros

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?
I have worked for the library for three months now. Time flies when you’re having fun!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?
I am currently employed as a Video Producer under the Graduate Internship. My role is to create promotional videos to further promote the library and its amazing services.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?
I would say the most enjoyable thing about working in the library is the vast amount of information and resources available to me. For any topic or personal interest, there is always something to discover and explore.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?
For me I find the filmmaking and creative art books the most interesting as I am from a media related background. There are a variety of self-help filmmaking books which are great, but also a lot of books on current filmmakers who know how to create the best films in the business.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?
There are so many places to eat so it’s very hard to choose, but Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Byron do great burgers! In terms of locations to go and chill, I love Greenwich Park!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I like to watch films at the cinema as much as possible. I am also a big football fan so try to watch as many Premier League games as possible in my free time.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?
Book – The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Music – Anything that makes me tap my feet
Film – A tie between The Godfather:Part II & Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
Anywhere in America as it’s so vast and every state is so different! Also parts of Italy!

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Flying, for sure! I like the idea of getting out of difficult situations and moving freely in the skies.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?
I have visited every attraction in Greenwich as I studied here as a student. I would definitely recommend the Royal Observatory – the views of London are stunning!


Crina Duchi

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY/LIBRARY?
I have worked in the library for three months.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE IN THE LIBRARY?
As an intern, my main project was working on a promotional video for the library. I was involved in concept development, writing, planning, filming, and editing.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE LIBRARY?
The people I am working with are very nice and there is a relaxed atmosphere despite having different tasks and deadlines. While working on the video project, it was great to have so much creative freedom.

WHICH BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY DO YOU FIND MOST INTERESTING?
I always gravitate around the film section of the library. I mostly choose books about cinematography.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN GREENWICH/AT AVERY HILL OR IN ELTHAM TO HAVE LUNCH?
If it’s sunny I usually go to Greenwich Park, by the Thames or Greenwich Market.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I like to explore London and take photos, watch movies/TV series and go on bike rides.

FAVOURITE BOOK, MUSIC AND FILM?
Since it’s so hard to pick, I will choose recent favourites!

Book: The Spanish Ballad by Lion Feuchtwanger – sad but interesting insight in the mix of cultures and history of Spain.
Music: The Blacklist soundtrack – a TV series that I really liked and just caught up with.
Movie: Logan – the first movie that I saw at BFI Imax.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?
As I travelled quite a bit around Europe, I would love to visit other continents now. Top choices are Australia, Asia (Japan) and South America.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERHUMAN POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Being able to fly would be amazing! Can’t do that so I would be happy to try sky diving and flyboarding instead.

HAVE YOU VISITED THE CUTTY SARK, NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND QUEEN’S HOUSE?
I haven’t been inside Cutty Sark yet, but I have visited the rest several times. My favourite is the Royal Observatory.

Thursday 9 March 2017

New HS Talks Business & Management Video Releases

These are the new releases in the Business & Management collection by HS Talks. Access is via the Online databases and academic journals link in the Search the Library portlet on the My Learning/Learning Support page in the portal.


What makes for a great team?Prof. J. Richard Hackman – Department of Psychology, Harvard University, USA










Risk management and big dataMr. Scott Baldwin – eBay, USA










AmorePacific and the magic of Korean beautyMr. Martin Roll – Venture Republic, Singapore

Tuesday 7 March 2017

HS Talks Business & Management New Series Analsying Financial Statements

These are the new releases in the Business & Management collection by HS Talks. Access is via the Online databases and academic journals link in the Search the Library portlet on the My Learning/Learning Support page in the portal.


Introduction to financial reportingDr. David Bond – UTS Business School, Australia










Recording accounting entriesDr. David Bond – UTS Business School, Australia










Cash vs. accrual accountingDr. David Bond – UTS Business School, Australia










InventoryDr. David Bond – UTS Business School, Australia

Monday 6 March 2017

New HS Talks Business & Management Video Releases

These are the new releases in the Business & Management collection by HS Talks. Access is via the Online databases and academic journals link in the Search the Library portlet on the My Learning/Learning Support page in the portal.



Leadership teamsDr. Ruth Wageman – Harvard University, USA









How families took control of change: Jamie Oliver’s school dinnersMr. Anthony Greenfield – Consultant, Resolve, UK








How Kelon and Haier innovated to attract the local Chinese marketDr. Xiaobai Shen – Edinburgh Business School, UK