60 seconds with… Sue Craig

Sue is the University Librarian, and is responsible for the overall management of seven libraries across the six UWS campuses. Her role is to ensure delivery of high-quality library services in consultation with the UWS community and in line with the University's strategic directions.

“Our libraries are spaces for social, cultural, and technological gatherings, places where staff and students can collaborate and work with trained professionals who understand the broader issues and contexts of information and resources via a range of formats and technologies,” says Sue. “Our focus is on the development and delivery of excellent information services and resources across all University sites and networks, improving the community’s understanding of current and future information and research environments, and promoting the Library’s expertise in exploiting these environments to the fullest.”

How long have you worked at UWS and what’s the best thing about working here?
I am a “newbie”, having started in mid-February this year after moving down from Queensland. The best thing for me has been meeting the wonderful staff of the various Libraries and finding such a wealth and depth of experience and enthusiasm for what they do. In an ever-changing higher education landscape, it’s exciting to be working with other University departments to progress the blended learning initiatives.

Which campus are you based on?
I am based on Werrington South, but aim to visit the other six library sites on a semi-regular basis.

What is your favourite place on one of the UWS campuses and why?
It’s early days for me – but thus far my favourite place is the outside terrace area of the coffee shop on Werrington South, looking across to the Blue Mountains. This is an area that brings back many childhood memories.

When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing?
Most recently, all my spare time has been spent seeking and now moving into a new home. However, normally you would find me out for a run or lifting weights at the gym. Moving back to Sydney has also allowed me to reconnect with family members.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Initially a ballet dancer – until my mother wisely advised that my brain would last longer than my dance abilities. So I chose secondary school teaching; then teacher-librarianship before moving across to higher education.

What was your first job?
An aerobics instructor – this helped to pay for my car and kept me fit while being paid!

What has been your greatest success?
I don’t really subscribe to the concept of “greatest success” – life brings many successes and failures, both personally and professionally, and I think each of them teaches you something to move you forward. Having said that, my children are the source of my greatest pride and, of course, I have achieved many and varied successes in the workplace – all of which have led me to this role at UWS!

If you could go to just one country in the world for a vacation, which country would it be and why?
My favourite destination is the UK – because my son lives there! I miss him a lot and save all monies and holidays to get there to see him and my lovely daughter-in-law. We then visit Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

What is your favourite book, movie and/or album?
Being a librarian I don’t have a “favourite book” – it depends on the purpose. For leisure, a good mystery; for some family history research, I read about convict days of Australia, Scotland and Ireland; for work… too many! Albums – again, tastes are varied and changing: seventies to noughties…

If you could invite anyone to dinner who would it be and why?
My dearly departed Nanna – I would love a chance to speak to her and hear her real stories around the family history I have pulled together.