I fell into library work. I was technically unemployed ( I worked in my parents dairy) and the labour department sent me for an interview at the library. I was hired for 4 months to put red dots onto the spines of youth books for +10s. I finished that task in one week and so then graduated to putting the three call letters onto the spines of the youth fiction for the remaining time.  At the end of it I was offered a permanent job and then went on to study for and gain the New Zealand Library Studies Certificate. ​

​There have been two big challenges.  The first is managing the customer expectation of the librarian when they expect us to know everything about a topic so we can help them.  The second is dealing with the ever changing technology in the library environment. When I first started in the library we had the issue system but no other computers at all. Everything was manual and look at us now.

The  highlights of my time working for LIANZA at a local and national level has been the networking and seeing what other libraries are up to.  The ability to support librarians in their professional development and to recognise their  achievements. And not forgetting the influence on the wider community in promoting librarianship as a career and the opportunities that it brings.

​I think it is very important to have a national organisation that is professional and capable of responding to issues quickly but with considered thought. Librarians are the gateway to knowledge and as we cut across all sectors of the community, be it school, tertiary, special and public we need an organisation that can keep its finger on the pulse of the profession as a whole and support the library world to continue to be of service to our communities.

We know that these members profiled below are just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more of you doing great work – for that, we thank you!​ This week we celebrate their contributions and raise awareness of their work as a way to celebrate all our volunteers. ​ 

​Ma tini ma mano ka rapa te whai. By many, by thousands, the work will be accomplished. Unity is strength.

I was invited to join the LIANZA Professional Registration Board in 2017 and since then I have reviewed many members’ journals. I have also supported and mentored new library graduates into professional registration. I really enjoy this part of the work when it is required.
​
Although my presence on the LIANZA registration board is a small contribution, I feel that I am giving back to the profession that has sustained me well over my 30 year career. I feel much gratitude for being able to work in my chosen profession and to have had the opportunities that LIANZA has afforded me.

I have been a strong supporter of LIANZA ever since I returned to Christchurch. I have had two stints on the Aoraki committee – two years as Treasurer, and then up until recently two years as Chair. During this time we organised a Weekend School, and offered a programme of professional development opportunities for interested members. Nationally, I have spent 6 years on the Professional Registration Board, of which 3 of these were as Chair; and facilitated numerous workshops on Professional Registration both locally, and regionally. I have also had input into the Rules Committee. I have attended many local and national LIANZA events, delivered a number of papers at LIANZA Conference, and mentored various colleagues on an individual basis.
​
Throughout my career, libraries have been very kind to me. I have met and worked with a huge number of talented and caring people who have willingly shared their knowledge and expertise with me; and helped me develop into the library professional I am today. Through LIANZA, I am able to pay some of that generosity back by sharing information, challenging people’s thinking, and promoting the value of networking with others outside of their own organisation. At the same time, I have increased my own networks, kept up to date with what is happening elsewhere, and gained personal satisfaction from the contributions I have made. 

I was fortunate enough to be part of the Hocken Library Design Group that oversaw the planning of the conversion of a former Dairy Factory into the splendid building that has housed the Hocken Collections in Anzac Avenue since December 1998.  I enjoyed working in a specialist library environment that I had helped design, for the next decade. In part, due to my experience with the Hocken, I moved on into a newly created role at the University of Otago Library, of Facilities Planning Co-ordinator. Over the last 12 years I have been very involved in the upgrading and consolidating of the University Library facilities, that coincidentally, includes the Hocken.
​
Being an active member of LIANZA, I enjoy the professional contact with a wide range of LIANZA members, particularly in our region. I have been the Chair of our regional committee twice, this being my second stint since 2016. When not the Chair, I have been the Treasurer. Due to the consolidation and improved management of LIANZA’s resources in recent years, being a community of interest treasurer is now so much easier! I really appreciate the support and promotional role that LIANZA provides to us, the membership. I also appreciate the lobbying that goes on, to ensure those in key decision making positions are aware of the important role that the Library and Information sector provides to our communities of interest here in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Copyright can often be seen as dry and boring, but in reality it’s a kaleidoscope of pathways that enable access and distribution of information to support the creation of new knowledge.
​
In my current role as Copyright and Open Access Advisor at Auckland University of Technology I am based within the AUT Library and I strive to make copyright legislation as easy as possible to navigate for Library staff, academics and students. I am also responsible for ensuring the University is copyright compliant and meeting our licence obligations.
​
I am the current chair of the LIANZA Standing Committee on Copyright. Our key focus is advocating on behalf of the library profession for more flexible copyright legislation through submissions on the MBIE Copyright Act review. Currently we are developing guidelines for public libraries on the Marrakesh Treaty and more recently negotiated the virtual storytimes agreement with publishers to allow librarians to read books online during the COVID-19 lockdown. The committee is also working on refreshing copyright resources and collecting evidence to support the next round of the MBIE Copyright Act review.
​
I am grateful to lead a committee made up of incredible people with a variety of skills and experience who contribute to our kaupapa.  I am proud of the work that we undertake as it is invaluable for increasing access to knowledge, building on LIANZA’s relationship with authors, publishers and government agencies, and ensuring copyright legislation is fit for purpose for libraries. I look forward to continuing our mahi in these areas and appreciate the ongoing support from the LIANZA council, Ana, Helen and Jess to help us achieve these goals. 

I’ve been involved with LIANZA since I started at Christchurch City Libraries two years ago, as a member of the Aoraki committee. Moving into the role of Aoraki committee chair is a big step up for me but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

The Aoraki committee prides itself in being able to provide a range of professional development and social events throughout the year, from weekend schools to quizzes, walking tours and even a board games night! Over the coming year we want to keep the momentum going with hosting at least one event every couple of months for the region. Aoraki region covers a large area so we’re always trying to think creatively, consider what we can do digitally, and how we can support different regions to deliver their own events.

Joining the committee was a chance to learn about how the library and information sector works here in New Zealand, as well as network with colleagues from different institutions. There are so many varied roles in libraries, and the people I have met through LIANZA have taught me so much about the incredible work libraries do for our communities.
​
To me, LIANZA is vital for connecting people together, as it’s so easy to get lost in your job role and not think about other ways of working; there’s always so much we can learn from each other. I look forward to meeting more of you at Aoraki events, digitally or in person, in the near future.

The concept of timing was considered throughout the discussion especially in relation to the sensitive nature of collecting during a crisis. For example the National Library noted that they attempt to be as quick as possible with web collecting and the  legal deposit legislation of course helps them to be able to collect without seeking permission. However, in most cases organisations need to build personal relationships with the donors before content is provided and this can take time. Nina Finigan discussed the creation of a COVID-19 Collecting plan and emphasised the importance of being sensitive to the experience of the donors or communities you are asking to contribute. Attendees agreed you didn’t want to come off as opportunistic when collecting material that is associated with grief and hardship. ​

The discussion moved to the National Library’s role in web harvesting. Attendees commended the work of the National Library in terms of harvesting websites, Twitter and Facebook for the National Digital Heritage Archive. The meetup was pleased to hear that the Alexander Turnbull Library is identifying memes across social media with 700 being identified so far.  ​

A huge thanks to Victoria for her write-up. You can follow Victoria on Twitter or email her:

@v_passau 
[email protected]

The Government is entrusting the National Library to lead and support COVID-19 recovery work across New Zealand’s library system, especially in public libraries, with a funding package of $58.8 million, over two to four years.
 
This funding will provide the opportunity to improve reading, literacy and wellbeing outcomes in communities; support building digital literacy among those who have been most excluded from online services and information during the pandemic or have lost jobs consequently; and create new digital resources to support online learning for students.
 
This will primarily utilise and build skills and experience of librarians currently employed in the local government sector, particularly where they otherwise risk losing their own jobs.
 
The $58.8m of funding over four years includes:

• $30 million over two years to fund and upskill librarians in public libraries so they can provide greater support for library users and help bolster reading and digital literacy.
• $4 million over four years to extend the National Library’s Aotearoa Peoples’ Network Kaharoa (APNK) public internet service to all public libraries. This provides free access to the internet and devices for any member of the public.
• $11.5m over two years to help maintain library services by waiving National Library subscription charges to libraries 
• $13.3m over four years for specialist library services to help schools and young people with the greatest need during the recovery.

 
The package also includes a 20% increase to the Public Lending Right fund – the money that is paid to New Zealand authors that have books available through our public libraries. The $1.6 million extra over four years is the first increase to the fund since 2008.
 
We are working to start a rapid co-design process with key partners in the library sector to shape the implementation of the programme from July 2020. I want to ensure that we make the best use of this short-term investment to support jobs in libraries, recognising the work that librarians do to support job-seekers, learners and others during this time of economic hardship.
 
We can make a significant contribution to the continued wellbeing of communities by working more closely with libraries across New Zealand.
 
Friday’s announcement acknowledges the vital role of libraries in ensuring New Zealanders have the literacy skills to achieve social, educational and employment success and can easily access, share and use New Zealand’s knowledge resources.
 
We can share more detail in the coming days. In the meantime, we are setting up a webpage at https://natlib.govt.nz/about-us/collaborative-projects where you will be able to find out the latest information about the programme.

Children are also well served by books that shine a light on the world around them and help them make sense of it.
“They might be creating books for children, but our authors and illustrators are unafraid to tackle difficult topics – big things like the unhappy impact of colonisation on tangata whenua and nature, New Zealand's place in the Pacific, puberty, racism and abuse,” says Jane.

Despite the challenging times, innovative approaches will connect children with the finalist books and authors – this year’s winners’ announcements will be streamed online, so anyone, anywhere will be able to enjoy the celebration.
The normal schedule of Books Alive events, which see finalists traverse the country talking to school children, will go mostly virtual, allowing even more children to interact with their favourite author or illustrator. The Award’s organisers will partner with the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) to present a series of virtual Books Alive storytimes and events. Plus, an activity booklet packed with fun resources to extend children’s interaction with the finalist titles will be released online.

There were a record 178 entries submitted for the Awards this year. The winners of each of the six main categories – Picture Book, Junior Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction, Illustration and te reo Māori – take home $7,500 and are then in the running to be named the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year, with a further $7,500 prize money. In addition, the judges will award a Best First Book prize of $2,000 to a previously unpublished author or illustrator. 

​The winners of the 2020 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults will be announced in a virtual presentation, streamed online on the evening of Wednesday 12 August. 

We hope that your library will build on the experiences of offering virtual storytimes during the lockdown and apply to host a Books Alive event or register a virtual storytime for the 2020 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults BY JUNE 12, engaging with new audiences and connecting with the wider community. This opportunity is being offered by LIANZA with funding support from Copyright Licensing NZ.

There are resources for libraries from posters to finalist books and activity suggestions designed to encourage children and students of all ages to become actively involved in reading, writing and illustrating.

​To find out more about hosting Books Alive online events and virtual storytimes go to the LIANZA website:
FIND OUT MORE > 

The finalists for the 2020 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are:
Picture Book Award
Abigail and the Birth of the Sun, Matthew Cunningham, illustrated by Sarah Wilkins (Penguin Random House)
How Māui Slowed the Sun, written and illustrated by Donovan Bixley (advised and translated by Dr Darryn Joseph and Keri Opai) (Upstart Press)
Mini Whinny: Goody Four Shoes, Stacy Gregg, illustrated by Ruth Paul (Scholastic NZ)
Santa's Worst Christmas, Pania Tahau-Hodges and Bryony Walker, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Huia Publishers)
The Gobbledegook Book, Joy Cowley, illustrated by Giselle Clarkson (Gecko Press)
                                                                               
Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction
#Tumeke!, Michael Petherick (Massey University Press)
Lizard's Tale, Weng Wai Chan (Text Publishing)
Miniwings Book 6 Moonlight the Unicorn's High Tea Hiccup, Sally Sutton, illustrated by Kirsten Richards (Scholastic NZ)
Prince of Ponies, Stacy Gregg (HarperCollins Publishers)
Time Machine and other stories, Melinda Szymanik (The Cuba Press)
                                               
Young Adult Fiction Award
Afakasi woman, Lani Wendt Young (OneTree House)
Aspiring, Damien Wilkins (Massey University Press)
The History Speech, Mark Sweet (Huia Publishers)
Ursa, Tina Shaw (Walker Books Australia)
Wynter’s Thief, Sherryl Jordan (OneTree House)               

Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction
Kuwi & Friends Māori Picture Dictionary, written and illustrated by Kat Quin, translated by Pānia Papa (Illustrated Publishing)
Mophead, Selina Tusitala Marsh (Auckland University Press)
Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi, Ross Calman and Mark Derby, illustrated by Toby Morris, translated by Piripi Walker (Lift Education)
The Adventures of Tupaia, Courtney Sina Meredith, illustrated by Mat Tait (Allen & Unwin, in partnership with Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum)
Three Kiwi Tales, Janet Hunt (Massey University Press)

Russell Clark Award for Illustration
Dozer the Fire Cat, illustrated by Jenny Cooper, written by Robyn Prokop (Scholastic NZ)
Santa's Worst Christmas, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, written by Pania Tahau-Hodges and Bryony Walker (Huia Publishers)
Song of the River, illustrated by Kimberly Andrews, written by Joy Cowley (Gecko Press)
The Adventures of Tupaia, illustrated by Mat Tait, written by Courtney Sina Meredith (Allen & Unwin, in partnership with Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum)
Wildlife of Aotearoa, illustrated and written by Gavin Bishop (Penguin Random House)
                               
Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for books written completely in te reo Māori
Arapū Toi, Moira Wairama, illustrated by Austin Whincup (Baggage Books)
Ko Flit, te Tīrairaka, me ngā Hēki Muna, written and illustrated by Kat Quin, translated by Ngaere Roberts (Scholastic NZ)
Ngā Hoa Hoihoi o Kuwi, written and illustrated by Kat Quin, translated by Pānia Papa (Illustrated Publishing)
Te Kirihimete i Whakakorea, Pania Tahau-Hodges  and Bryony Walker, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, translated by Kawata Teepa (Huia Publishers)
Tio Tiamu, Kurahau, illustrated by Laya Mutton-Rogers (Huia Publishers)

Best First Book Award
Michael Petherick for #Tumeke! (Massey University Press)
Weng Wai Chan for Lizard's Tale (Text Publishing)
Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (illustrator) for Santa's Worst Christmas, written by Pania Tahau-Hodges and Bryony Walker (Huia Publishers)
Belinda O'Keefe for The Day the Plants Fought Back, illustrated by Richard Hoit (Scholastic NZ)
Laya Mutton-Rogers (illustrator) for The Smelly Giant, written by Kurahau (Huia Publishers)