Julie Hitchen, University of Central Lancashire, UK

Julie Hitchen, Library & Learning Resources, Central Lancashire University, UK

Q: What led you into your chosen profession?

A: It's June 1989, I'd just finished my finals (in French) at Liverpool University and had no idea what to do. I saw an advert for a graduate trainee at the then Manchester Polytechnic. It was only for 2 years and seemed a good stop-gap while I decide what to do with my life. By the end of my first week I realised that was it!

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: Oh dear, I'd like to say something intellectual but it's actually Wicked by Jilly Cooper! Before that it was The Girls by Lori Lansen.

Q: Who do you admire the most (past or present) and why?

A: This was the hardest question to answer and I admire different people at different times. At the moment I admire the 67-year old at my running club who can run faster and further than I can. Work-wise, I admire and respect two of my former bosses, Maxine Melling and Margaret Weaver.

Q: What was the first and last music record you bought?

A: First: The Jam Going Underground. Last: Bon Jovi Lost Highway.

Q: If you could have any career other than your chosen profession, what would you choose?

A: Despite being tone-deaf and having two left feet, I would love to work in musical theatre and twirl around in sparkly dresses all day.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be?

A: Bryan Adams (because he's gorgeous), Gordon Ramsay (to cook dinner for us) and Julian Bream (to play romantic guitar music).

Q: Money no option, where would you like to go on vacation?

A: At the moment I'd most like to revisit my penfriend, Susan, in upstate New York, who I've been writing to since 1982. I introduced her to the delights of Wigan this summer. Other than that, anywhere in Italy would do nicely.

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