Library Chat at Pub Meet-up

The venue was a cosy, friendly local pub; perfect for a cold, winter evening.

Over drinks, the conversation flowed.

The three university subject librarians and operations manager gave their different views on a number of topics. The topics we discussed were:

·          the university campus relocation and expansion

·          increase in librarian’s teaching hours

·          the student induction programme

·          the impact of more international students

·          signposting public library and university library services

We agreed it would be mutually beneficial to work more collaboratively to improve the student induction process. This would mean public librarians/university librarians being better informed about each others user/student registration process.  

I had an informative conversation with the Art and Design librarian. I discussed two of our library events: the MA creative writing group and the knitting group. I proposed that our libraries collaborate to put on an art display and I put in a good word for our library’s knitting display. 

As a consequence, the Art and Design librarian expressed interest in visiting the library to see the knitting display.


This evening's meet-up has been a valuable opportunity. I have contributed to the exchange of views and represented and promoted our public library services. Furthermore,  I have gained a useful insight into the challenges facing university libraries at this present time.