Up to 3,000 people pass through doors of Boole library every day

LIVERPUDLIAN Coral Black says that herself and her fellow Corkonians speak the same language.

“We all talk fast and furiously!” she says, laughing.

“And if we find we can’t communicate, language will find a way.”

Coral, a graduate of the University of Liverpool started in her new role as UCC’s University Librarian on April 11, 2023.

“Everyone has been generous with their time and very welcoming,” she says “It has made settling much easier for me.”

Why did Coral, who has travelled and worked all over the world, choose to make her home in Cork?

“It was because of the job,” she says.

“I worked overseas in New Zealand and Australia for 12 years and I was looking for an opportunity to move closer to home and at the same time live and work in a new country. It was also an exciting adventure!”

Coral is familiar with adventure.

“When I moved to the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, I started two weeks after the earthquake and needed to lead the team to get the library back up and running again, offering a service with no buildings (for the first few months). 

It gave me a crash course in emergency management, and I lived in a high-vis for many months.

She is used to being kept on her toes.

“Of course, in Australia knowing that you could come across a deadly snake on campus at any time kept me on my toes!”

Ireland and Cork appealed to Coral.

“My mother is from Dublin,” she says. “I have a connection with Ireland through my childhood memories.

“My husband Ian and I love getting out and about, walking through the parks and along the beaches. We also like the Irish pubs! Culturally, we like to broaden our horizons.”

Coral, who is a sports lover, was appointed to her role in UCC Library following an international search process.

“Taking the job was a combination of the reputation of UCC and the Library,” says Coral.

It offered Coral new challenges.

“And the scope of the role coming off the back of the move away from Information Services. 

I felt this would be both exciting and challenging in equal measures. In addition, leading the team to build a new Library plan to support the aspiration and vision of the University.

Why did Coral have an ambition to work in the library?

“I kind of fell into this career when I Ieft school at 18 back in Liverpool. I always thought being a librarian could allow for travel, so I looked for opportunities,” she says.

Coral was hooked from the get-go.

“My first job as a library assistant was at the then Liverpool Polytechnic in their Science and Engineering library. I was hooked from the start!”

Why was that?

“Reflecting on why that is, I think it is being involved in something that helps others to succeed and every day seeing the value you bring. In addition, being able to work with a team of highly creative, client focused, innovative people, is very satisfying.”

The University library plays many roles.

“I see the library as having a very important role,” says Coral, who runs the library service. “Delivering a range of information and digital skills programmes and opportunities that help students build vital employability skills and confidence.”

To this end, the library provides many important elements.

“We provide information resources, predominantly in e-format, embedded within their CANVAS programs vital to their academic success.”

UCC library is accessible to everyone.

“The library meets the needs of researchers, students and the public,” says Coral. “Programmes delivered to the public include collections and exhibitions.”

The library is always buzzing.

“The Boole Library, for instance, is a very busy space,” says Coral.

“Up to 3,000 people pass through the doors every day. There is a 24/7 facility, recording spaces, podcast spaces, group spaces, exhibition spaces and chill-out spaces. Students come here to connect.”

The University Library is a special place.

“It is a refuge and a sanctuary,” says Coral. 

It is friendly and welcoming and inclusive. The staff here support people on their university journey. The library is safe, a place to chat and connect.

The physical space of the library provides a happy hub for people with a particular goal.

“Through our physical spaces, the library provides a place for traditional study, to meet and collaborate, for play and experimentation. It is a recognised safe space, a place where all are welcome and feel a sense of belonging,” says Coral.

“We value and rely on our strong partnerships with our colleagues across the University.

Coral is a people-person.

“I like dealing with the students, talking to academic colleagues and my colleagues in the library. I meet with the student body here and talk to other librarians in Ireland and in the UK.

“Librarians are typically interesting people,” adds Coral. “We enjoy being part of a close network.”

They are also very knowledgeable.

“Librarians have expertise in all aspects of open access and scholarly publishing more broadly,” says Coral.

Worldwide, they have been leading advocates for the importance of open research, championing the benefits to the researcher, the University and to society.

Is Coral a reader?

“Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money to buy books,” she says,

“I was 11 when I got my first library card.

“I was a public library user, and I could see the value that the library brings.

“Right now, I’m reading Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I like to read biographies as well.”

Reading is all about enjoyment.

“We have a decent fiction collection here at the library,” says Coral.

“It is good to remind students about the enjoyment reading brings.”

Reading can also be a refreshing alternative to social media.

“Focusing on reading books in our digital world can be good,” says Coral.

“All our information is bite-sized and instant. A book lends itself to providing hours of enjoyment and it’s subject matter provides accurate information.”

Coral has enjoyed her first year in Cork.

“It has been a great experience so far.”