The library in MetaForum is open seven days a week. If you visit the place on weekdays during office hours, you’re bound to run into Geraldine Suijkerbuijk. As the library’s “hostess,” she does her best to help visitors and keep order. “I try to bridge the gap between the library and the students.”

“On top of that, I’m also responsible for keeping an eye on things. That’s definitely necessary in such a busy library. Multiple times a day, I or one of my colleagues walks around the library to make sure things are going smoothly, that everything looks tidy and there’s no nuisance. For example, I check to make sure that students aren’t eating and that it’s actually quiet in the quiet rooms.”

“When students break the rules, I address that and if that doesn’t help, I sometimes ask them to leave. For example, the other day, there was a group that was being really loud and they were vaping inside. In situations like that, I’m very strict and immediately show them the door. If we miss something, visitors can also report disturbances to us via messenger or by sending a WhatsApp message to 0641683340.”

“Something else I’m very committed to is promoting wellbeing in the library. We recently installed two power nap pods, where visitors can rest or nap for a short time. And I’m currently exploring what else we can offer. For example, we could create more low-stimulus spaces where you can retreat for a while. I’ve also purchased a couple of self-help books that are now available for checkout. Together with ESA, TINT and the sports center, I’m also looking into wellness activities for students. I think it’s very important to make that extra bit of difference for students – and I really enjoy doing so. We’ve already received a lot of positive feedback about it.”

What led you to this job?

“Before I started working here, I did all kinds of completely different things. I worked at a housing association for a long time, specifically for special clients – so housing for vulnerable groups. But I also spent many years working in the hospitality industry, and I used to run my own dog-walking service. I often did several things at once.”

“At a certain point, I decided it was time for something different and I left the housing association. That’s when I stumbled upon this job; the position was listed as ‘library hostess.’ The combination of the young TU/e environment, the library and my role as hostess immediately appealed to me. It really just crossed my path.”

What is the best part of your job?

“I think it’s the social aspect. I interact with people all day long. Students, staff, but also people from outside the community. I often meet new people, but I also see a lot of familiar faces – and you get to know them a little better each time. I’ve really seen some students grow up and that allows me to build a connection with them. I’ve even attended a few graduation ceremonies, which is really fun.”

And the least enjoyable part?

“The countless meetings. As library staff, we have to attend quite a few long meetings. I’d rather just be in the library with the students; and I don’t mind the administrative duties, but talking for whole hours in all sorts of meetings? That’s just not for me. I prefer to be active in the library.”

What time do you clock out?

“As soon as the student employees come to take over, which is usually between 3:30 and 4 PM. Of course, the library is open until late in the evening and also on weekends. For the evenings and weekends, but also when someone from our regular team is sick or on vacation, we have a team of student employees to step in.”

“When they arrive, we always have a little chat. I enjoy that – seeing how they’re doing, what they’re working on, where they’re going on vacation. And I also really appreciate their input for the library.”