Desert Island Profile – Carl Challinor
This week, Northern Lights caught up with Carl Challinor, Knowledge Librarian and Support Officer at the Lynfield Mount Hospital Library, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, and asked him an eclectic set of questions!
What was your first job in libraries?
It was/is Bradford District Care Trust Library about seventeen years ago. But, going way back, I lived in public and academic libraries doing research. I had my own white cotton gloves for special collections at The Brotherton. I spent many moons poring over translations of stuff like the Seyðabrævið (late 13th century Faroese letter about sheep grazing rights). Living the dream!! For weeks I lost myself in Historic Scotland’s beautiful Map Library, and the remarkable Reid Tait Collection in Lerwick is a hidden gem for antiquarians.
How have things changed since then?
All the e-stuff, some of which is amazing but I miss the skin; and the dependency on tech can be tiresome. Wider connectivity is cool but it can be stiff and humourless. Ooh, get you on that desert island…near Wakefield – better than the unmade bed. Also, my job has changed so I do more training now. And, your open jam goes in the fridge these days, doesn’t it? And AI.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
Three things. Firstly, I’ve tried not to lose who I am. Secondly, being involved in the CLEAR Conference last year was a team triumph. Thirdly, I was a volunteer at Lynfest (our annual celebration of arts and creativity with people with mental illness) – Lynfest took place here in the hospital and was ‘name-checked’ by the CQC!
What would you do differently if you could go back in time?
Ruffle more feathers. Ask more questions, especially ‘Why?’.
If you had a magic wand, what single change would you make to improve NHS libraries?
With a magic wand I’d want a giant top hat. And Sooty, obvs. Then I’d give all libraries a Health Promotion Unit.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in NHS libraries today?
Learn from all those around you and weave your gifts into your work.
Desert Island Discs: You can have eight music tracks, one book and a luxury item. What would they be?
Transmission – Joy Division
Radio Free Europe – REM
Move On Up – Curtis Mayfield
M-bike – P J Harvey
Rag Mama Rag – Little Feat
Up With People – Lambchop
Lord of the Starfields – Bruce Cockburn
54-46 Was My Number – Toots & The Maytals.
Book: The Bible.
Luxury item: Wife.
For other would be interviewees, contact us for the full list of questions!
If any of them feel unhelpful, amend as you see fit or drop them altogether, we really aren’t
precious. And when you are done, send your piece, plus photo, to our Northern Lights email (northernlights@knowledgeforhealthcare.nhs.uk)
