Student Focus: Cameron Pierson
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Kia ora Cameron and thanks for talking with us.
Can you describe your library journey up to this point? It started when I was aged around twelve – my middle school librarians took notice of me and started giving me books I wanted to read. After a while they let me volunteer with them. Eventually, I made my way to graduate school to get an MLIS. During that time, I was very lucky to have an internship with the National Library of New Zealand for one winter, working on different projects with amazing people. Toward the end of library school, I worked a variety of jobs with two universities (mostly reference work) and a library vendor in consulting and marketing. Then I moved to Australia, where I was able to continue working with the vendor, but eventually left and spent some time in a primary school library with students up to Year 9. At this point, I was considering further study and my curiosity won out, so I returned to Wellington. |
Cameron has worked in a variety of library and library-related positions in New Zealand, Australia, and the USA. Professional practice has brought him into contact with a variety of people around the world of all ages and information needs, strengthening his passion to serve and inquire. When he’s not working, he’s usually hiking. |
How long have you been studying and what qualification are you currently studying towards?
I suppose I never really stopped studying, even while working, as librarians are wont to do. Most recently, I have been working on a PhD for three years at the School of Information Management at Victoria University of Wellington. I study librarian professional identity, how it develops and plays a role in professional practice. |
Can you tell our readers about your experience in this programme and its benefits to librarianship?
It has been rewarding to work on something I’m so curious and passionate about. There is quite a bit of latitude to follow your pursuits and to be independent, which is something I find works for me. The flexibility to develop yourself within that context has been very beneficial. Librarianship is certainly needed and has a place in the digital world and communities, so the more we can strengthen professional practice and bring people in, the better off our communities will be.
What made you decide to study for a PhD? Why not stop at an MLIS?
I’m driven to contribute to my community. In practice, I was able to do that every day. A PhD is an extension of that – where I can contribute to my professional community as well. My curiosity was also eventually too much to ignore. I decided early on that my career was going to be dedicated to libraries and information. Eventually, I felt equally compelled toward both sides of the same coin: research as well as practice.
It has been rewarding to work on something I’m so curious and passionate about. There is quite a bit of latitude to follow your pursuits and to be independent, which is something I find works for me. The flexibility to develop yourself within that context has been very beneficial. Librarianship is certainly needed and has a place in the digital world and communities, so the more we can strengthen professional practice and bring people in, the better off our communities will be.
What made you decide to study for a PhD? Why not stop at an MLIS?
I’m driven to contribute to my community. In practice, I was able to do that every day. A PhD is an extension of that – where I can contribute to my professional community as well. My curiosity was also eventually too much to ignore. I decided early on that my career was going to be dedicated to libraries and information. Eventually, I felt equally compelled toward both sides of the same coin: research as well as practice.
How do you juggle study and work?
It’s not always easy, but I try to apply the principles of librarianship – without it, I would be lost. I keep myself highly organised (heaps of post-it notes). I’ve gotten much better at not overdoing it and valuing my time away as just as necessary and important. I hike and tramp as much as I can.
Can you tell us about what your job as a research assistant at VUW involves?
I’m fortunate in that I have a variety of things outside of my research keeping me busy. As a research assistant, I get to help with a research project that looks at how online citizen science is embedded in primary school science education around New Zealand. As a tutor, I get to help students learn about topics such as data science and social responsibility in a digital world, ethics and the private sector. As a senior tutor, I get to work hands-on with staff in the Information Studies Programme to engage with students, stakeholders, and the wider profession. It’s all very rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a PhD?
Three pieces of advice that were given to me are:
I would also say, whether it be a PhD, an MLIS or whatever goal, if you want it, go get it!
It’s not always easy, but I try to apply the principles of librarianship – without it, I would be lost. I keep myself highly organised (heaps of post-it notes). I’ve gotten much better at not overdoing it and valuing my time away as just as necessary and important. I hike and tramp as much as I can.
Can you tell us about what your job as a research assistant at VUW involves?
I’m fortunate in that I have a variety of things outside of my research keeping me busy. As a research assistant, I get to help with a research project that looks at how online citizen science is embedded in primary school science education around New Zealand. As a tutor, I get to help students learn about topics such as data science and social responsibility in a digital world, ethics and the private sector. As a senior tutor, I get to work hands-on with staff in the Information Studies Programme to engage with students, stakeholders, and the wider profession. It’s all very rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a PhD?
Three pieces of advice that were given to me are:
- You need to be deeply interested and curious about your topic, because;
- be ready to eat, breath, and live your topic for a few years; and
- find your community, because they’re going to keep you grounded and sane.
I would also say, whether it be a PhD, an MLIS or whatever goal, if you want it, go get it!
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 >