An Interview with the New Librarian

In this post, we are delighted to welcome Ms Cummings, the school's new librarian, who very kindly took the time to answer some of the book blog's questions. 

What are your first impressions of SPS and Paulines?
What lovely people!

Have you always been a librarian?
My first career was as a Transport Manager for a big parcel company. Then I decided to retrain and went back to university, got my librarianship qualifications and started working in university libraries. I moved into school libraries when I lived in China.

What school were you working at before this, and what was their library like? which books were borrowed most?
Most recently at Harrodian where they borrowed a lot of science fantasy and horror books. Before that at a British school in Shanghai where they loved Robert Muchamore’s Cherub books.

Did you always want to be a librarian?
No – although I have always loved books, I love knowing strange facts, and I love helping people so really, librarianship is perfect.

What did you study?
Management Science at UMIST – very useful, not very exciting.

What's the best/worst thing about being a librarian?
Helping people find that bit of information; that book or whatever that is perfect for their needs. Whether that’s a thriller to read for fun or a fact about frogs for an essay. The worst bit is people who fold the corners of the page.

What's the best/worst library you've ever worked in, and why?
The best is here at St Paul’s, obviously!

What was your favourite book when you were five?
Chicken Licken.

What's your favourite fiction/non-fiction book nowadays?
Fiction would be Patrick Susskind’s Perfume; non-fiction is The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan, which everyone ought to read. And I’m loving Empire by Rebecca Gablé on Audible.

Have you ever written anything/wanted to be a writer?
No – I’m a reader not a writer.
 
What's your favourite plot device in a story?
I love a clever plot twist.

If you had an unlimited budget, what would you add to the library?
Another floor. Or a wing?

Would you recommend using the library as a resource over the internet?
Use both but remember, libraries and librarians can help you get started and support you along the way, using both paper and internet resources. Good information has a value and libraries pay for it, free information may not have the same accuracy. Famously the humourist Alan Coren would go into Wikipedia to make his date of birth wrong every time someone corrected it!

Are there any books you don't think the library should buy?
Textbooks – sorry. We want a broad, stimulating collection not just required reading.

Why aren't you allowed to wear PE kit in the library?
To keep it clean and as a matter of respect for everyone else studying.

How can you make sure there's enough space for everyone in the library at lunchtime?
That is difficult sometimes because we do get very busy but we do our best to make sure everyone can work who wants to. If you’re struggling to find a space tell us and we’ll try to help.

Why doesn't the library have digital editions of magazines we can borrow?
We do have some so please come and talk to us and we’ll see if we can help. Also, remember your public library may also have digital magazines. Richmond Borough libraries are great.

Is the best thing about the new library really the view?
The people, the lovely working environment and the collection. And the view.

Does the milk go in first, or the tea?
Yorkshire tea; not too bothered about the order, but it does have to end up brown.

Many thanks to Ms Cummings for taking the time to answer our questions, and thanks also to the pupils and staff who supplied them.