Working in a library can sometimes require being comfortable with working in solitude, and it is not always easy to feel connected to other information professionals across the field during the day-to-day running of a library. Something that can help with this is conference and networking days to get together with other librarians and discuss issues relevant to the library sector.

Frequently I get asked who uses our Library. I don't think that most people asking me this are those who would dismiss the value of a research library with over 200,000 volumes for theology and philosophy in London. Rather, I believe that they are thinking along the lines that for most other libraries people might have used are different; such libraries might have a more obvious, narrow user base, or community: think either of university libraries (provding resources to the specific staff and students at an institution), or public libraries (offering services and materials to people living in a relatively clear, geographical area).

We just got a Yo-Yo desk in the Library. You can either use one of our computers on that desk, or use your own laptop/netbook: sit or stand at this desk, as you need to. Of course, some people just…