More Than A Library

(A Personal Reflection)

The past couple of months, Aristotelis has been working in the library as a student placement. We have been delighted to have him and before he leaves, he has left a reflective piece on his time at the library. Take it away Aristotelis:

The word library conjures a different image for different people. For some it is a place of refuge, for others a place of knowledge, and for students all of the above and many more.

For years, my experience with academic libraries was primarily as a student, meaning a quiet place to study, relax, and occasionally check out a book. I have been guilty of underutilising the very same sector I always knew I wanted to work. With a new deadline always on the horizon, a new project ready to take off, an idea ready to be conceived, as students we always need help, even if many times we are too proud, afraid, or anxious to ask for it.

While doing my placement at Napier’s University Library, I had the opportunity not only to work with some of the most amazing and passionate people, but also to peek behind the curtain of an academic library; and what I saw, was a place of wonder. From the lovely faces at the front desk, to cataloguing, acquisitions, collections, and troubleshooting to the more confusing but equally important finance and budgeting decisions, your librarians are working tirelessly and silently to accommodate and help you on your journey as students.

So yeah, it is not just a library, it is more than that. It is one of the few places that actively wants you to succeed, to grow, to learn, to have the necessary foundations to face your future and the challenges that come with it. It is not just a place to prepare you for your next (and for many of you the first) steps into the job market, but also a place to cultivate an array of skills that you can apply at every facet of your life. A safe space in which there are no stupid questions.

 So, take advantage of your library, take advantage of what they offer, the advice, the workshops, the knowledge, the experience, the wisdom. Now that you are students and still have the opportunity to do so.

And always remember, for any and all questions you might have ask your friendly on duty librarian; they are here to help you!

by Aristotelis Sourlis

Interested in a student placement at Napier library, you can read about Rebbecca’s work with Heritage Collections 

Or you can contact us