Welcome to a new series of blog posts about ‘♪ getting to know you… ♪’, our fantastic University of Sussex Library staff.
First up we have Amy and Maria – a big thanks to them for being the first to take part.
We’d love for this to be a regular feature and so if you’d like to answer the Q+A’s for the blog, please get in touch with the blog admins – Sam, Kate or Kerry.
Q+A – Amy Waldron
Could you tell us, in a couple of sentences, where you’re from, where you live now, and a little bit about your working life so far…
I was born in Wigan and then grew up and went to school in Enfield, just inside the M25. I’ve lived in Brighton since 1998 and have worked at Sussex since 2003, mostly in IT Services.
What’s your favourite part of the library?
Any part that supplies caffeine.
Tell us about your journey into work.
A finely-honed battle plan involving nursery, school, the Lewes Road and a travel mug of strong coffee.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard in the library?
The sound of the book scanner that lives near my desk. It took me months to work out what was making the noise, like air being let out of a rather sad balloon.
Which book/film/album changed your life?
I don’t know about life changing but a bootleg Keb Darge mix tape from Camden Market https://www.kebdarge.com/ circa 1997 was certainly significant.
What is the worst job you’ve ever done? (Careful…)
Temping for a loan company. Vile.
What do you feel most proud of, in your work here?
It’s early days but Adam is coping well with my random conversational segues. Oh, and dogs.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
2010, to tell myself that things will get better.
How do you relax?
With difficulty and trashy audio books.
What keeps you awake at night?
My children, and failing that, angst.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
A young (ish) Barbra Streisand.
Q+A – Maria Menezes
Could you tell us, in a couple of sentences, where you’re from, where you live now, and a little bit about your working life so far…
I was born in India, Mumbai. I came to the UK when I was 4 years old with my sister and grew up in Horsham, West Sussex. I worked most of my life in London in the Private Sector and have worked for the University since 2008 – in the Library since 2010.
What’s your favourite part of the library?
The Information Hub – this is where it all happens
Tell us about your journey into work.
I get the No. 25 bus from The Level. It takes me 20 minutes to get in for 8am. Great time to get the bus as I can always get a seat. Unfortunately the BACCA pupils are rather over enthusiastic first thing in the morning!!
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard in the library?
Everything is strange here. The strangest thing though is “Sean and Grainne sitting up a tree – KISSING”
Which book/film/album changed your life?
How to Kill a Mockingbird – so poignant but humour as well.
What is the worst job you’ve ever done? (Careful…)
My first job here at the University – I wont name and shame
What do you feel most proud of, in your work here?
I feel proud of overseeing the Rota!!
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
The Tudor times – I adored Tudor history and the jewels
How do you relax?
With a G&T or two – no really – love having friends and family round or going for a meal
What keeps you awake at night?
I live in a student part of Brighton and Friday/Saturdays (and occasionally some Sundays) are quite raucous
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Halle Berry – I think we look alike