INELI Oceania and the establishment of the Pacific Library Network in 2018 have strengthened personal connections between librarians across the Pacific. When you have worked alongside a colleague to tackle strategic library issues in the Pacific, then it is easier to ask for more information and support.

Trina Roycroft, an INELI Oceania graduate and Manager Community Library Kaipatiki Local Board Birkenhead Library has been asked one of her colleagues from the Pacific Library Network to gather information, resources, knowledge and support in establishing literacy programmes from early childhood, children, youth and adults. 

Trina asks the library community in New Zealand to share with her a brief explanation of any literacy programme, how it was established, who it serves, how it operates, useful resources and any evidence of impact.

​If you can assist – please send your ideas to Trina Trina.Roycroft@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz  Any information shared will be collated and shared through Library Life.

We put out the call for LIANZA members interested in attending the 2019 Digital Skills Hui with LIANZA Executive Director Ana Pickering on March 27th in Wellington. We were thrilled when Emma put herself forward and asked her to tell us a little about herself and why she is looking forward to attending the hui. Emma responded:

​My name is Emma Sherie and I’m the District Librarian in Buller – based in Westport. I am very passionate about e-learning and digital skills. I was a primary school teacher before I moved into the library world and I completed a post-grad in e-learning, which I was awarded distinction for in 2017. My research was focused on the digital divide and I’m hugely passionate about making a difference in this area. This is something that affects my community greatly because of the low socioeconomic status of the area. 

Between teaching and taking up my current position I worked at EPIC Westport, a tech hub setup in Westport, in the role of Community Engagement. In that position I was required to research, plan and deliver digital skills programmes for the community. This included working with programmers and other ICT professionals and allowed me to be exposed to 3D printing, virtual reality and CNC technology. Since becoming a District Librarian I have become a member with LIANZA and received my registration. 

I hope to bring back the knowledge and connections that I gain from this hui to the West Coast – to share with my colleagues and to continue work on the digital strategy I’m developing with my community to help them become more connected to the world. 

LIANZA acknowledges the support of Buller District Libraries in getting Emma to Wellington for the day. If your library can send someone to this important hui, please register your interest by Friday March 15 at https://www.digitalskillsforum.nz/digital-skills-hui-2019/register/ 

Today Rachel Esson, LIANZA President-Elect, and Moira Fraser, LIANZA Past-President, made an oral submission representing LIANZA and supporting our written submission on the Equal Pay Amendment Bill.

The Education and Workforce Select Committee were engaged and supportive. Rachel and Moira were thanked by Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick who exclaimed ‘Librarians are awesome!’ 

LIANZA is pleased to support and enhance the work being done in this area. The submissions made, and the Equal Pay Amendment Bill itself, are the next step in the process for change and we are proud to be part of this.

LIANZA will continue to think strategically about the information we need to gather to support this change – providing tools for advocacy. 

Watch video footage of all the submissions here. Skip to 1:06:30 for a song and 1:18:19 for LIANZA's presentation.