Headed to the library? The Library Student  Experience Team are the people waiting to help you at the service desk (and online!) and support students (and staff) to make the most of our brilliant library services. 

We caught up with Antony Groves, Student Experience Senior Manager at the Library, about working with his fantastic team. 

What do you find most exciting or fulfilling about your work at Sussex? 

One of the most fulfilling things about working in the Library Student Experience team is being able to directly support members of the Sussex community.  

On just a single day that might mean helping people at the Library Service Desk; answering questions through our online chat; delivering information literacy training to students; or creating library cards for alumni so that they are able to keep using us.  

What does being part of the Sussex Community mean for you? 

It means being a part of something bigger, and working in the library really makes you aware of that. The Library is a space for the whole Sussex Community, welcoming and supporting all members, from applicants through to academics. 

What is something unique or interesting about your department?  

The Weekend & Evening team are an important part of Student Experience and I’m always impressed by this small, dedicated group who are able to keep library services running for a third of our staffed hours. They are unique in the type of support that they provide to the Sussex community outside of core hours.  

Are there any projects or initiatives you're currently involved in that you'd like to highlight?  

Wealways have something exciting planned. One of the team recently converted  the Library Wellbeing Space  into a hub for Neurodiversity Celebration Week. We have also just started a digital accessibility project that should make it easier for everyone to use our  online resources and, with colleagues from across campus, we’re helping create AI (Artificial Intelligence) guidance for students ready for revision week and the assessment period. 

Are there any misconceptions about your department or role that you'd like to clarify?  

We are more than just books! Staff from across the library work together to provide a wide range of services. 

Can you recommend any campus resources or clubs that have been particularly meaningful to you?  

The University’s pagan chaplain works in our team and has run meditation sessions in the Meeting House that are highly recommended! 

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about your team that people might not know?  

One of our team will be appearing as a contestant on the ITV show ‘The Chase’.