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.