University Library staff member joins August Prize jury

For the third time—and the second year in a row— she will help judge entries in the category Swedish Non-Fiction Book of the Year.

Non-fiction is enormously varied. That breadth makes the jury work both demanding and exciting.

–There is a great deal to read, Nino explains. Between 150 and 200 titles are submitted to our category each year, and I’m reading almost constantly outside working hours. We assess literary quality and each book’s potential to reach a wide audience.

Nino finds the role inspiring:

I really enjoy serving on the jury. It’s fascinating work, especially because in my private life I’m a heavy reader of fiction rather than non-fiction. This task lets me discover subjects I never knew I could be interested in—that’s a wonderful experience.

By day Nino is a librarian at the University Library, specialising in user experience. She works closely with students, researchers and other users to investigate how the Library’s services are perceived and employed, in a process of continual improvement.

–The role demands both attentiveness and curiosity—rather like reading non-fiction, she says with a smile.

The August Prize will be awarded on 24 November.