Continuing the series about getting to know our lovely colleagues, next up is The Keep’s Karen Watson and FAB’s Jack Coull.
If you’d like to submit your answers to the Q+A, fill out the template and send it to library.innovation@sussex.ac.uk, or get in touch with the Blog admins – Kate, Kerry & Sam…
We’d like to include a brief biography before the Q+A. To help with this, 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 Brighton in the last century, went away to University in Hull for four years and then came back. I live at the top of a hill with my family. My parents and two of my five siblings live nearby, the other three are in Adelaide, Bristol and Portslade. Since University, I’ve worked in a printers, Ryman the Stationers and have done various roles in the Library since 2002.
What’s your favourite part of the library?
I used to spend a lot of time in the basement so I’ve got a soft spot for that area, so many doors in such a small space. Thinking about this question made me quite nostalgic for short loan and the old “current periodicals” area which was on the first floor to the left of the main staircase going up. The most recent journal was on display and then the rest of the current year was underneath the shelf which flapped up. It was a guaranteed “oooh” moment on the Freshers’ tours, but that might have been my own internal narration
My favourite part of The Keep (for balance) is the really big window and the view of the trees as you walk up the staff staircase.
Tell us about your journey into work.
I walk with the occasional train journey. Usually, I listen to podcasts and catch up with The Archers. I got noise cancelling headphones for Christmas and I make sure I walk at least to or from work everyday, it’s my time and I really like it.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard in the library?
One time Hilary Holt came out from the book stack near where I was shelving with a pair of pants that she’d found. Hilary had hooked them round the end of a book to avoid touching them and was holding them at arms length, waving them around like a flag. Hilary comes into The Keep most weeks so I’ll have to ask if she still remembers this.
Which book/film/album changed your life?
I read Anne of Green Gables for the first time about 2 years ago. I absolutely loved it. It took me completely by surprise. I’m scared to read it again or any of the sequels or prequals in case they are just not as good. It didn’t change my life as such but reading it was just a joy and finishing it was so sad. My daughter told me yesterday that she didn’t want to finish her book because it was so good and reading it again is never the same as that first time Whatever the book is, if it can inspire that feeling in you it’s a great book. (Also, my parenting work is done.)
What is the worst job you’ve ever done? (Careful…)
I worked for one shift at the cinema at Brighton Marina in 2000. The interview had been odd and the interviewer had been really shouting at someone just before I went in. My gut feeling was to walk out, but my mum was waiting in the car so that wasn’t an option. On my first shift I started at 6pm with no training except the person before me whizzing through the till functions in about 5 minutes. I was in a booth out the front and the microphone thing didn’t work very well. I had people shouting “Gladiator” at me for 3 hours. I didn’t go back and didn’t get paid but I kept the massive T shirt I had to wear.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
19th Century: Lunch with Victoria and Albert in Osbourne House and train rides with Isambard Kingdom Brunel (I’m taller than him). 1930s: Trespassing on Kinder Scout. Generally to a time when the streets were full of people not cars and all the railway branch lines were in operation, pre Beeching cuts.
How do you relax?
Tea and telly. I love music documentaries. My favourite is one about Factory Records. Hip Hop Evolution on Netflix is excellent and there’s some great stuff on BBC4. I love Queer Eye, obvs, because they make the world a better place. If you really need a boast, do watch the Imagine special One Night in 2012 about the making of the Olympic opening ceremony. It’s on BOB and it’s a wonderful record of a great time and all the volunteers that made it happen.
What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing. I’ve done my time waking up in the night with small children so I make sure I’m very good at sleeping now. What keeps me awake in the morning is the seagulls.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
It has been pointed out that Academy Award Winner Olivia Colman would be good.
I always wanted Carey Mulligan’s elfin crop hairdo from about 2014, so if she played me, I’d finally have my best hair.
We’d like to include a brief biography before the Q+A. To help with this, 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 grew up in Norfolk and moved to Brighton to study English at Sussex. I was a shelver here during my MA but started working full time in Frontline Services from this April.
What’s your favourite part of the library?
It’s not a part as much as a person. I would have to say Sean, he’s a constant source of intrigue and confusion. A couple of months ago he walked up to me and asked when was the last time I ate a Swiss roll and then walked off.
Tell us about your journey into work.
I wake up, crush two cups of coffee in about 15 minutes and get the train from Hove. Someone vomited a bit on my shoes the other morning and then kind of smiled at me in apology. It’s usually fine.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen or heard in the library?
Probably my old housemate Evan after he had spent three days straight without sleep writing his dissertation. I popped in to pick up a book on the third day and I found him shrouded in a corner on the first floor. His face had gone yellow and he kept telling me that his eyes wouldn’t close whilst hysterically laughing.
Which book/film/album changed your life?
Young Thug’s entire discography no discussion. I also remember Billy Connolly’s performance in Muppet’s Treasure Island having a big impact.
What is the worst job you’ve ever done? (Careful…)
I worked in a kitchen of a local pub when I was 15. Chefs are just awful, at least my experience of them isn’t good. I had to listen to this woman called Vicky who smoked about 40 Bensons a day being openly racist in the kitchen for hours on end whilst everyone laughed.
What do you feel most proud of, in your work here?
Being on Sean’s team for rounders. We lost but the team spirit was mad. Although, his bowling was poor at best on the day.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
To last Friday when Kate asked me if I would do this.
How do you relax?
I’m not a big relaxer generally. If I didn’t have a flatmate who suggested the benefits of soft furnishings then my flat would look pretty ‘cracky’. My room has often been described as a ‘pit’.
What keeps you awake at night?
If I have drunk too much tea then my bladder, apart from that I sleep like a tranquillised horse.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Lizzy said Timothee Chalamet with a tan but I would way prefer Steven Seagal for the moves and one liners – and the sheer class of acting talent.