Huibré Lombard, University of the Free State, South Africa

Huibré Lombard, Deputy Director, Library and Information Services, University of the Free State, South Africa

Q: What led you into your chosen profession?

A: I have always liked reading and in Grade 10, I had to write an essay on 'what I would like to be one day'. At that stage I had no idea of what I wanted to be (honestly!) and went to the school library for information. (I was on good terms with the librarian as I liked reading and she always lent us money to buy doughnuts during break). Anyway, I found this wonderful magazine Careers and it had an article on librarianship. I had a very nice piece of information, I liked reading - voilà! I was going to become a librarian. And I did. And I haven't regretted it since.

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: For about the 6th time, Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. I just love the Irish. Maybe because my grandfather was born in Ireland.

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

A: Wow, that's a tough one. I admire a lot of people. I think I can sum it up by saying that I admire inventors of anything new (even jokes) and people who achieve something despite adverse circumstances.

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

A: I can't remember the first record (it would have been a popular single of the 60s) but the last, after seeing Walk the Line, two CDs by Johnny Cash. His 16 Greatest Hits (of course) and the recording at Folsom Prison.

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

A: I would have liked to have been a professional dancer.

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

A: The three that come immediately to mind are Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana. But if I stop to think about it, there might be others.

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

A: Ever since I saw the cowboy movie 'North to Alaska', I wanted to visit Alaska. I am fascinated by snow and ice.

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