I realized something interesting the other day. I was talking to someone on-campus about the possibility of obtaining some office space (at Ipswich). Although my teaching is mainly based at St Lucia, and I have some space up there, most of my research and T&L preparation is done at Ipswich because I live a few blocks away.

But the interesting point is that I don't want or need office space here at Ipswich. When I was doing my Masters, I had an office and I would use it sometimes. But most days, I would work at the Ipswich library. The office was an add-on fixture - my work revolved around the library.

And this is because the library is the centre of our campus, and our campus isn't really a campus at all - it's a community.

A community where the library staff organize and participate in cricket matches between staff and students!

A community where the library staff know my name, what I'm currently working on and what I might need at any given time. There is a camaraderie here that I have not encountered at any other university library - UQ or otherwise.

The library itself is my preferred space to work not only because I feel welcome here, but because there are so many different areas to choose from, depending on your needs.

If you need quiet, industrious, pedal to the metal work, then there are study rooms or designated quiet areas.

If you feel more in the mood to read over books and journals in a relaxed setting or collaborate with others, there are desks and computers set around a forest.

Yes, an actual forest. And how many libraries actually have this - with trees, a pond and fish! Studies have shown that a person's state of mind is affected by their environment. In this case, it's easy to have a less anxious and more focused state of mind when you're surrounded by nature.

And lately, there has been the introduction of the 'Novel Distraction' section, where you can take time-out from work and relax with a good book on comfy furniture.

I don't know of any other library that caters so well to the diverse needs of its students and staff.

We have a treasure here. I appreciate it, and I'm sure that others do as well. Often we get so busy that we forget to say, 'Thank you - you're doing a great job'.

Thank you Ipswich library - you're doing a great job:)