Jaana Taylerson, University of Turku, Finland

Faculty Librarian, Mathematics and Science Library, University of Turku, Finland

Q: What led you into your chosen profession?

A: I moved back to Finland from the UK to take this job in September 2005.

Q: Which fictional character would you most like to be?

A: Possibly Legolas. I have always been fascinated by elves and other fairy folk and the Lord of the Rings was such an amazing world to discover. Elves can understand nature, I wish I could too. When I was a child I spent ages in woods watching and observing the nature around me. Old stumps, snakes sunbathing, frogs mating, endless fascination.

Q: What are you most afraid of?

A: The short–sightedness and selfishness of mankind. The gap between rich and poor is widening, natural resources overexploited. The Earth is a beautiful place, I do hope we have enough sense to save the rich diversity of nature and culture on our planet.

Q: Name one place that you would like to go back to?

A: Lake Inari in Lapland. I went fishing there 25 years ago and the experience was overwhelming. Huge lakes with deep dangerous ice cold water, beautiful sceneries, campfire, solitude, birds of pray, peace and harmony and the shoals of graylings.

Q: What is the last film you watched?

A: Helmiä ja Sikoja, is a brilliant Finnish film, I can't explain it. Watch it.

Q: How do you like to relax after work?

A: I would like to just grab a good book and fling into it, but it never seems to happen that way. I am a fiddler, I fuss over everything and that's how I seem to relax. However, gardening, dog walking and Rummikub do a pretty good job too.

Q: Can you highlight three qualities of your institution?

A: Innovative environment, strong multidiscipline co-operation and world-class research.

To find out more about the University of Turku, please visit the website www.utu.fi/en