Submitted by Lihua Zhu on 9 July 2025 - 2:26pm

This Library Life

Dr Rebecca Morris is completing a Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant apprenticeship at Cambridge University Library

By Lizzie Woodman

Rebecca Morris pictured in front of a shelves of old books at Cambridge University Library.

Rebecca shares some of her favourite moments from her time at the library and tells us about her new book group...

I joined Cambridge University Library in November 2023 as a Collections Assistant. I was responsible for fetching and reshelving items from the library’s modern collections. Since January 2025, I’ve been working as a Library Assistant at the Reader Services desk in the entrance hall.

Rebecca Morris pictured in the Main Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. She is taking a book off a shelf.

Dr Rebecca Morris

Dr Rebecca Morris

I was destined for a job in libraries from a very young age. Although I decided I wanted a career in libraries whilst studying for my PhD, I had my first attempt at reshelving when I was a toddler. My auntie took me to Cambridge Central Library, and I decided to take all the books off the shelf so I could put them back again, probably not entirely in the correct order!

As a Library Assistant, I love helping readers on the front desk. No self-service machines means that books have to be issued and returned manually, and we still get to use our ‘checked’ and ‘cancelled’ stamps. Another thing I love is emptying the red telephone drop box outside the library. It feels like Christmas when we discover all the returned books. I also enjoy registering new readers and leading the occasional tour.

Rebecca Morris at Cambridge University Library. She is taking a book from a trolley and placing it on a shelf..

I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey so far. I've learned so much more about libraries and archives and have loved being able to draw upon my experiences of working in public and academic libraries when writing my assignments. I have gained confidence and have been motivated to try new things outside of my regular role in the library.

I’m now nearing the end of my apprenticeship journey and about to start a four-week project as part of the assessment. My project is to launch a new reading-for-pleasure reading group at the library. I’d love people to come along to share what they’ve been reading, and perhaps even read some passages out to the group.

My PhD was in children’s fiction, and I still love to read children’s and young adult books. They teach us so much about the world and empathy, and I believe more adults should read them.

Rebecca's Summer Reading Group will take place on 18 July, 25 July and 1 August in the South Wing Study Hub in the UL at 3pm. The sessions are open to all staff and library users. If you are interested in attending the group, please complete this short survey.