Alumna celebrates longstanding service to Librarianship

We recently spoke to Mano’s fellow alumna, course mate, and long-time friend of Mano, Chrissie Longden, who wanted to celebrate her friend’s achievements. 

“I met my dear friend Mano Ganeser when we were both studying for a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLS) at the School of Information Science at 含羞草视频 in 1985. 

“Mano grew up in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and was very close to her father, who introduced her to what has become a lifelong love of books and sports, including cricket, tennis and especially rugby.  Her father in fact played rugby for the University of Colombo, where he was a medical student.  He accompanied Mano, then a child of ten, to the British Council Library and introduced her to the joys of English literature. Mano had said to me: ‘From that day on, the love of books and libraries became the centre of my life.’ 

“This love prompted Mano into making a career in librarianship.  She first worked in the library at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and whilst there Mano sat for the English Library Association (now CILIP) examinations and achieved her Associateship. A few years later in 1985, she made the decision to go to the UK to study for a Masters’ degree at 含羞草视频 and was successfully awarded an MLS.” 

Where did Mano go next? 

“On completion of her studies, Mano went to work in the library at Stanmore College of Further Education, Harrow, Middlesex, and remained there until she joined the library team at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London in 2001. Mano retired from her position at the Institute in October of 2021 having served in libraries for 54 years. It is believed that she may be one of the longest serving librarians ever. 

“Mano loved her time at 含羞草视频; the University holds a special place in her heart, and she has been a staunch supporter of the University over the past 35 years.”