Student Focus: Amanda Dickson
Amanda Dickson is a student at the Open Polytechnic and part-time Kaitiaki at Wainuiomata Community Hub. She transitioned to libraries after a career in classical hand-drawn animation. |
Kia ora Amanda and thanks for talking with us.
We hear this is your second career and that you moved into libraries from digital animation. What was your previous career like? My previous career was as a classical (hand-drawn) animator and ink and paint artist. I always had a passion for storytelling – reading aloud, picture books, music, film. At the age of seven I decided I wanted to be a cartoon animator, a dream I fulfilled when I was 18 and started training under ex-Disney acclaimed animator, John Ewing. I went on to work in a well-established animation studio in Auckland that mainly created advertising with the odd television programme for kids on the side. What made you decide to change careers and what was it about library work that attracted you? My love of classical hand-drawn animation did not survive the transition to digital animation, as it didn't hold the sense of wonder and storytelling that inspires me. My previous career It was long hours, and high pressure, but a job I loved. Without the same passion for digital animation that was soon to take over, I eventually left to pursue new adventures. I visited libraries, talked to librarians. In the early 2000s I was discouraged, being told that there were no jobs – that old-school librarians never died. After a spell in government departments and working on a Scooby Doo online game I went back to the library. Things had changed! Libraries were now inventive, more inclusive, vibrant places, and I wanted to be a part of it! Were there any transferable skills you brought with you? I have found many skills transferable to library life: team work, communication, inventiveness, storytelling and creating beautiful things that engage the imagination. Can you describe your library journey up to this point? My connections to libraries began as a child with my love of books and stories. I was a regular visitor at school holiday programmes and was transported by the reading of The Hobbit by a librarian |
How long have you been studying and what qualification are you currently studying towards?
I began studying full-time in 2017, but have since been working and studying part time towards a Bachelors in Library and Information at the Open Polytechnic.
Can you tell our readers about your experience in this programme and its benefits to librarianship?
I have been at the cutting edge of the Open Polytechnic's revamped library degree which has been exciting. In particular the Te Ao Māori paper and those with a social focus have been really valuable and transferable to my workplace.
What made you decide to study for a LIS qualification rather than just work in libraries without one?
I don't have a degree, and this has always been a regret. Levels 3 and 4 certification in classical animation don't mean much in the real world! I also wanted to future proof myself to be as flexible as possible, as I have had an interest in the many corners of GLAM.
Do you have a part-time job? If so, how do you juggle study and work? And can you tell us about what your job involves?
I currently work as a part-time Kaitiaki at Wainuiomata Community Hub. This is a role that incorporates library assistant tasks with community outreach goals. It is crazy and no day is the same, but I can also stretch my artistic muscles in delivering holiday and after-school programmes. I currently have a drama and writing workshop for kids after-school and have an upcoming nail art workshop in the school holidays. I have also created and delivered a successful zines club aimed at teens. I have become the go-to-person for displays and even created a series of film review videos during lockdown to promote access to one of our free platforms. The biggest thing I enjoy about my job is the people I work with. They care about the community and this inspires me so much.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a library qualification?
I think this is a great time to study for a library qualification. Libraries are changing and, although on the job skills are vital, learning in-depth gives so much more context around where we are headed, particularly in terms of the changing digital world.
I began studying full-time in 2017, but have since been working and studying part time towards a Bachelors in Library and Information at the Open Polytechnic.
Can you tell our readers about your experience in this programme and its benefits to librarianship?
I have been at the cutting edge of the Open Polytechnic's revamped library degree which has been exciting. In particular the Te Ao Māori paper and those with a social focus have been really valuable and transferable to my workplace.
What made you decide to study for a LIS qualification rather than just work in libraries without one?
I don't have a degree, and this has always been a regret. Levels 3 and 4 certification in classical animation don't mean much in the real world! I also wanted to future proof myself to be as flexible as possible, as I have had an interest in the many corners of GLAM.
Do you have a part-time job? If so, how do you juggle study and work? And can you tell us about what your job involves?
I currently work as a part-time Kaitiaki at Wainuiomata Community Hub. This is a role that incorporates library assistant tasks with community outreach goals. It is crazy and no day is the same, but I can also stretch my artistic muscles in delivering holiday and after-school programmes. I currently have a drama and writing workshop for kids after-school and have an upcoming nail art workshop in the school holidays. I have also created and delivered a successful zines club aimed at teens. I have become the go-to-person for displays and even created a series of film review videos during lockdown to promote access to one of our free platforms. The biggest thing I enjoy about my job is the people I work with. They care about the community and this inspires me so much.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a library qualification?
I think this is a great time to study for a library qualification. Libraries are changing and, although on the job skills are vital, learning in-depth gives so much more context around where we are headed, particularly in terms of the changing digital world.
Did you know recent graduates automatically qualify to apply for RLIANZA?
Victoria University of Wellington Master of Library and Information Studies and Open Polytechnic qualifications are recognised by the LIANZA Professional Registration Board as meeting the LIANZA Professional Registration Bodies of Knowledge (BoKs). Graduates who are LIANZA members just need to pay the initial application fee of $57.50 and submit an application form with a copy of their qualification to become professionally registered. You then start collecting professional evidence over the next three years in order to revalidate. RLIANZA shows your peers and employers that you have demonstrated a commitment to professional standards, and to developing and enhancing competence.
READ MORE >
Victoria University of Wellington Master of Library and Information Studies and Open Polytechnic qualifications are recognised by the LIANZA Professional Registration Board as meeting the LIANZA Professional Registration Bodies of Knowledge (BoKs). Graduates who are LIANZA members just need to pay the initial application fee of $57.50 and submit an application form with a copy of their qualification to become professionally registered. You then start collecting professional evidence over the next three years in order to revalidate. RLIANZA shows your peers and employers that you have demonstrated a commitment to professional standards, and to developing and enhancing competence.
READ MORE >