Mary Dansie, BA (Hons) English Literature 2016

Full Name: Mary Dansie
Graduation Year: 2016
Course Studied: English Literature
Job Title: Central Library Manager
Employer/Organisation Name: Nottingham City Council
What are you doing now you have graduated from the University of Lincoln?: Having project managed and launched Nottingham’s new Central Library, I now manage the day-to-day operations, overseeing our front-line team, orchestrating partnerships, managing events, and overseeing the Local Studies and Business & IP Centre services. My teams’ goal is to curate an exceptional library experience for our community in Nottingham – and be a tourist destination for those visiting the city. Whether it’s borrowing a book, utilising a computer, delving into council services, or attending our regular activites and special events – there’s something for everyone.
How did your time at the University of Lincoln support your career?: Studying English Literature means you’re likely a book enthusiast – a handy trait if you don’t mind being surrounded by them in your workplace. I enjoyed the variety of books and stories in our course, learning how to digest information, form opinions, and express myself clearly in essays and seminars. Interestingly, I never thought about working in libraries. Early on, I put my communication skills to use in marketing and events, relationship building, and programme management jobs.
What are the best parts of your job?: I take great pride in the extensive offerings of public libraries and our success in redefining the conventional perception of a library with our new building. We’ve managed to turn the traditional idea of a library on its head. You can see this in the eclectic and diverse range of activities and events we host, from Tots Time and Conversation Groups (focused on learning English as a second language) to our Listening Chain Group, an audio reading group for those with visual impairments. Seeing our reception area transform into a dance floor during evening gigs is just plain cool. And when kids in the Children’s Library drag their feet leaving because they’re hooked on our Immersive Storytelling room as they’ve had too good a time, gives me genuine satisfaction, even if problematic for the parents. I’m lucky to have these standout moments regularly. My passion lies in keeping our library buzzing with activity – it’s more than just a place for books, it’s a lively hub where there’s always something happening that brings people together.
If you could give our current students any top tip for after graduation and their careers, what would it be?: The best advice is to just go for it. It’s better to try and fail than to not try at all. Unforutantely the saying “feel the fear and do it anyway” is absolutely right when it comes to job applying, interviews and learning new things at work. However when you are on your second, or third — or fourth career move, you’ll be blown away with how far you’ve come when you think back.