A visit to the Sidney Martin Library, University of the West Indies
17/04/2023

In March a member of our Library Services staff, Alex, visited the Sidney Martin Library, at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados. She describes her visit:
“I was given a very warm welcome and felt privileged to be shown around the Library by the Chief Officer Librarian, Judith Toppin. Judith took time out of her busy schedule to show me some of the special collections in the Library including lots of beautiful artwork. I went at just the right time, as this year is the 60th anniversary of the campus.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I arrived there, I instantly felt at home. The view from the Library was stunning. It captured both the campus and a wonderful sea view, as the sunshine lit everything up. The similarities between our libraries was plain to see. We have the same self service kiosks, the same welcome desk area for enquiries, catalogue search areas, the same travelling shelves, microfiche machines with their carefully tendered filing cabinets and much more! Of course, as expected, lots and lots of lovingly shelved books and a vast range of online items. Oh, and how could I forget students working hard in the library – I even noticed one taking an opportunity to rest their head on their desk for a quick nap!
“I also met a professor at the University Book Shop as I stopped to buy an obligatory campus t-shirt. He told me that he did his Masters and his PhD there, and now he lectures there – another glaring similarity to Cranfield. He also advised me that cricket is the only sport on the Island of Barbados and encouraged me to visit the cricket ground, which of course, I did!
“I took some Cranfield merchandise with me as a thank you gift and, as you can see, great minds think alike; Judith presented me with some Cave Hill Campus goodies in return.”

Alex and Judith exchanging University merchandise

The view from the Sidney Martin Library

Self-service kiosk looking very familiar!

Book shelving

Artwork in the Library

Artwork in the Library
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