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Olgica Milanova in 10

10 questions: answered. Olgica Milanova, our Assistant Librarian delves into the typical working day of a Librarian, shares fictional characters that she draws inspiration from, gives us the perfect Serbian itinerary and more.


Hello Olgica, you are a new member of our College team, how are you finding your new role?

I am finding my role as an Assistant Librarian very exciting! I love an academic environment, and Newbold College has a special place in my heart. I am constantly learning with lots of joy, and there is no job in the Library that I find underwhelming.  I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge and experience and sharing them with our patrons (users).

What does a typical working day look like for a Librarian?

Some might think that is all about reading books and ‘sh’-ing people all day long! It is much more than that! The most important task of a librarian is connecting users with different sources of information and providing them a good service.

Olgica, it’s quick-fire round time!

In a world that is very much digitally-driven, do you think there is still a place for literature in print for students?

Of course! I often see people of different ages, including pupils and students, read printed books on public transport and other public places. It gives me hope!

However, I think it is important to encourage readers to opt for greener, paperless reading, whenever possible.


What are you currently reading?

  • Darkness Will Not Overcome, by Richie Halversen
  • The Complex Religion of Teens, by Roger Dudley
  • Andrews Study Bible


Can you share a fictional character that you have/still do find inspiring in your own life?

  • Makar Devushkin (from Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky)
  • Alexa (from The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf; a children’s book I have read with my daughter, but I think every adult should read it!)


We have booked a trip to Serbia – where should we go, and what should we eat?!

First things first – you should start with the bustling capital, Belgrade! My home city.

I would recommend:

As for the food, I would suggest:

Ajvar (red pepper chutney), stuffed peppers, baked beans (prebranac), sarma, burek, different pastries etc.


Where is the most interesting place you’ve been in England and why?

One of my favourite places is Dover Castle, because I love English seaside and castles. The castle overlooks the sea and in good weather from its walls you can see the French Coast across the Channel.

I also love the English Riviera, especially vibrant seaside towns like Paignton, Torquay etc.


Outside of academia, what genre do you tend to enjoy reading the most?

First and foremost, I love Christian books and Biblical theology!

My second favourite is 19th Century Russian Realism (I. Turgenev; F. Dostoyevsky; L. Tolstoy; N. Gogol etc). From time to time, I also like to indulge in historical fiction and children’s literature.


If you could give our current students one piece of advice on how to make the most out of our library services, what would it be?

Dive into our e-sources and do not hesitate to contact us.

Another piece of advice is a library joke: “believe in your-shelf”!


If you could describe the Newbold experience in just three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, dynamic, supportive!