Student Focus: Donna Lemarquand
I live in beautiful West Auckland and I love the native bush and birds that share my little space on the edge of the world. My family are passionate educators and inspire me daily to be better, as do my children who have followed their dreams and do what they love. To escape I go hiking, I am ticking off all the Great Walks – we live in a truly beautiful country. |
Kia ora Donna and thanks for talking with us. Can you describe your library journey up to this point?
My library journey began in 1989 when I was employed as an assistant librarian for a medical publishing company. Initially, I was planning on staying for a year and then applying to teachers training college. However, I really enjoyed working in the library so my career path changed and I started studying towards the New Zealand Library Studies Certificate through Wellington College of Education, which I completed in 1992. After 10 years in special libraries (with some time off to start a family) I moved to the National Library of New Zealand. There I was involved in the Strengthening School Libraries Programme, which ignited my interest and passion for school libraries. Over the last 18 years, I have been a school librarian in a primary school; a large high school; and currently at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School. I love going to work every day and I am very grateful to work in a school where the library is valued and well resourced. How long have you been studying and what qualification are you currently studying towards? I think I can truly say I am a lifelong learner! I initially started my library training 31 years ago. I did have a break, but commenced studying part-time in 2008 through Open Polytechnic. I gained my Level 5 and Level 6 diplomas and then decided to keep going to complete a Bachelor of Library and Information Studies. I have two papers to go, I hope to graduate in 2021! Can you tell our readers about your experience in this programme and its benefits to librarianship? Since I started this degree it has gone through some changes, the last two years I have been completing the new revised courses as part of the degree programme. The new courses are relevant and interesting; they have taken me on a professional and personal journey. The Te Ao Māori in the Information Environment included a noho marae stay, I really enjoyed this experience and the opportunity to meet other students face-to-face. |
Learning about, and developing my own, cultural competency has been a challenging and positive experience. It has been beneficial in my day-to-day interactions with students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
What made you decide to study for a LIS qualification?
My passion for libraries, reading, and the students I work with made we want to continue my studies. Now it is much a personal journey as a professional one.
How do you juggle study and work?
It is easier now my children are grown up, but for a while it was challenging juggling work, busy teenagers and study. I find it helpful to keep on top of things – I always download the study guide and make sure I keep on track with readings and working through the module. I try and do a couple of hours after school each day and more when I need to when assignments are due. I chipped away one paper per semester – this has made it easier for me to keep a work, study, life balance (most of the time!).
Can you tell us about what your job at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School Library involves?
I am the sole librarian in a school of 850 students and 50 staff. Our library is a purpose-built space that was built six years ago, and we have recently had a beautiful new garden added as an extension of the library. The library is a busy place – 28 classes visit each week. During class library visits, I promote new books; teach library skills; recommend books; run a reading challenge – every day is different and busy. A healthy book budget allows me to build a relevant and up-to-date collection for the wide reading interests of 11–13 year olds. Building relationships is really important to me, I try and get to know the students and involve myself in school life – including sports days and school camps. My work whanau and the students are amazing, it really is the best job in the school and the best school to work at!
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a library qualification? Especially school librarians.
For me, studying has challenged me professionally and personally. I think it is easy to keep doing what we do, but when you undertake study you question why it is we do what we do, and what we can do to better meet the needs of our students. I feel more equipped to work in the changing world of libraries. If you love libraries and are committed to the students you work with, you should do it.
What made you decide to study for a LIS qualification?
My passion for libraries, reading, and the students I work with made we want to continue my studies. Now it is much a personal journey as a professional one.
How do you juggle study and work?
It is easier now my children are grown up, but for a while it was challenging juggling work, busy teenagers and study. I find it helpful to keep on top of things – I always download the study guide and make sure I keep on track with readings and working through the module. I try and do a couple of hours after school each day and more when I need to when assignments are due. I chipped away one paper per semester – this has made it easier for me to keep a work, study, life balance (most of the time!).
Can you tell us about what your job at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School Library involves?
I am the sole librarian in a school of 850 students and 50 staff. Our library is a purpose-built space that was built six years ago, and we have recently had a beautiful new garden added as an extension of the library. The library is a busy place – 28 classes visit each week. During class library visits, I promote new books; teach library skills; recommend books; run a reading challenge – every day is different and busy. A healthy book budget allows me to build a relevant and up-to-date collection for the wide reading interests of 11–13 year olds. Building relationships is really important to me, I try and get to know the students and involve myself in school life – including sports days and school camps. My work whanau and the students are amazing, it really is the best job in the school and the best school to work at!
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a library qualification? Especially school librarians.
For me, studying has challenged me professionally and personally. I think it is easy to keep doing what we do, but when you undertake study you question why it is we do what we do, and what we can do to better meet the needs of our students. I feel more equipped to work in the changing world of libraries. If you love libraries and are committed to the students you work with, you should do 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 >