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Online Cenotaph: Sharing your stories since '96

30/6/2021

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Online Cenotaph is a military database of Aotearoa New Zealand service personnel. Managed by Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, the database includes more than 247,000 individual records spanning the South African Wars to today. It is utilised and enriched by veterans, whānau, genealogists, and researchers alike.
 
November 2020 marks 25 years of telling the stories of military veterans and their comrades. We are excited to recognise this significant milestone in digital commemoration while also considering the platform’s future potential.
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Victoria Passau and Madison Pine interviewing Malayan veteran Peter Gallacher for an upcoming Online Cenotaph profile. © Auckland Museum, photographed by Richard Ng.
The Online Cenotaph enables the public to add information directly into every field. It aims to meld the official histories and personal memories of more than 120 years of military history into a single resource. Over the past five years the database has gone from strength to strength and receives a monthly average of 170 enquiries, 100,000 unique page views and contributions of 1,200 images, notes and data points.[1] But it is not all about “big dumb numbers”: we also share the stories of veterans through blog posts and social media.

At present we are busy sourcing and creating records for post-1945 conflicts including the Allied occupation of Japan, the Korean War, Malayan Emergency and subsequent service in Malaya and the Indonesian Confrontation. Post-1945, veterans who served overseas did so as part of a professional defense force and there hasn’t necessarily been the same interest in this service compared to WWI and WWII. We find many veterans are still looking for recognition of their service, and wanting to share their experiences. We have really enjoyed working with veterans and their families and hope to complete more interviews over the next few years.
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Contribution made to the record of Niuean service person Taukilo.
As well as interviewing individual veterans we are working closely with Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand to increase our understanding of these lesser-researched conflicts through a programme of digitisation and transcription—so watch this space!
 
Want to share your stories of military service personnel? Please get in touch. We have worked with many libraries and archives to enrich Online Cenotaph over the past 25 years and we are eager to integrate more resources into our collection.

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​To learn more about the Online Cenotaph, join us on August 11, 2021 at 2.00 pm for an online event with Victoria Passau. Registration is required so please register here: Online Cenotaph Webinar.


​Victoria Passau
Collection Manager, Online Cenotaph
vpassau@aucklandmuseum.com
@v_passau - Twitter

[1] Statistics and Usage: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/about-online-cenotaph/statistics-and-usage 
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Volunteers, thank you.

22/6/2021

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This week is Te Wiki Tūa ā-Motu (National Volunteer Week) and LIANZA would like to recognize all its volunteers that continue to support and engage with the GLAM sector, daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly. Without our volunteers we wouldn't be able to accomplish all of the amazing webinars, events, conferences, professional development, articles, councils and committees, and so much more.

Thank you, to each and everyone of you who have volunteered your time, this year, last year, and the years to come. 
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The below list, is only a portion of our amazing volunteers who have served on LIANZA Council, LIANZA regional and special interest community committees, LIANZA Professional Registration Board, LIANZA Standing Committee on Copyright and Standing Committees on Freedom of Information, LIANZA 2021 Conference Committee, LIANZA Credentials Committee,  and people who have contributed to a LIANZA webinar or helped to run a LIANZA event.

There are some people whose names could appear multiple times in this list, as they volunteer for more than one committee, council, or event. You may even recognize some of the names below as they're people you work with or collaborate with in other ways. If you know someone below, remember to thank them this week especially for all they volunteer to do, because without them LIANZA couldn't be the organisation it is today.

Our volunteers... thank you!

​Aaron Wanoa
Abigail Tarbotton
Adrian Jenkins
Aimee Lowe
Alex Bassett
Alice Cruickshank
Alice Harbinson Price
Alison Fields
Amanda Cossham
Amy Chiles
Amy Jacob
Anahera Morehu
Anahera Sadler
Angela Broring
Anna Williamson
Anne Morgan
Anne-Maree Wigley 
Annie McKillop
Anoushka McGuire
'Asilika Aholelei
Aubrey Kirkpatrick
Barry O'Callaghan
Bernie Hawke
Bonnie Sarker
Brenda Norton
Brian Flaherty
Brigid Brammer
Carla Jeffery
Cath Sheard
Catherine Amey
Catherine Doughty
Chris Todd
Christine Grant
Claire Carran
Claudia Adams
Danielle Small
Daphne Smithers
Deborah O'Conoor
Diane Friis
Donna McMillan
Dyane Hosler
Eirenei Taua’i 
Elaine Sides
Emma Stilwell
Erica Rankin
​Eryn Makinson
​Farasat Ullah

Gabrielle Hikaka
Gail Cook
Gunilla Jensen
Heather Furniss
Heather McCaskill
Ivy Guo
Jacinta Beckwith
Jackie McMillan
Jane Robinson
Janet Arnet
Jennifer Klarwill
Jennifer Share
Jo Rusk
Jo Simons
Joan Simpson
Joanne O'Connor
Joanne Rowan
Judith Porter
Judy McFall McCaffery
Julie Milne
Justine Lester
Kareen Carter
Karen Wickliffe
Kat Cuttriss
Kate Ayre
Kate McLachlan
Kathryn Oxborrow
Kay Morfett
Kim Gutchlag
Kim Tairi
Kimberley Symons
Kristen Clothier
Ky McWilliam
Laura Clifford
Laura Cook 
Laurinda Thomas
Lea Simon
Lee Rowe
Louise LaHatte
Maja Krtalic
Mandy Henk
Marisa King
Mark Hughes​
Martin Lewis
​Maryann Cowgill

Mat Logan
Megan Clark
Melanie Chivers
Melanie Johnson
Merrin Brewster
Michelle Anderson
Mohan Lal
Mojgan Sadighi
Natalie Smith
Ngaio Hughley-Cockerell
Nicola Harwood 
Olga Hemmingsen
Paula Broekhuizen
Penny Guy
Peter Murgatroyd
Philip Miles
Philip van Zilj
Rachel Esson
Rebecca Anwyll
Richard Misilei
Rob Cruickshank
Robyn Wilson
Rohini Biradavolu
Rosamund Feeney
Rosemary O'Donoghue
Rukuwai Jury
Sabine Weber-Beard
Sally Simpson
 Sana Saleem 
Sarah McCallum
Sarah Powell
Saskia Hill
Savitri Lakhan
Sharon Cornwall
Shirley Reyno
Simon Hall
Siren Deluxe
Stacey Smith
Stephanie Colling
Stephnie Bacon
Stephnie Burton
Sue McMillan
Susanna Elliffe
Taitu Lemessa
Tamsyn Bayliss
Trish Beamsley
Winston Roberts
Zoe Richardson
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Books Alive online events & virtual storytimes are back!

21/6/2021

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We are absolutely delighted to be bringing libraries, schools and communities another year of Books Alive online events and virtual storytimes in collaboration with the New Zealand Book Awards Trust.

If you're a library or school, and would like to take part in an online event with one of the finalists for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adult then you should definitely read on!
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Books Alive Online Events

This year we’ve decided to dial it up a notch and change the formatting of the events a wee bit. Instead of the events being pre-recorded (like last year), we’re going to be hosting the events LIVE through Zoom Webinars. This will allow libraries and finalists to connect and engage with the public, their communities, and more readers, as well as allowing more of the 2021 finalists to participate!

​The other important thing to know is that this year with the help of the finalists and the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, we have created event formats for you to choose from (e.g. Q&As, panel discussions, writing or illustration workshops etc). This will allow you more time to organise your event within your preferred theme and also get your library community involved as well!
REGISTER FOR A BOOKS ALIVE ONLINE EVENT
Please submit your application to host a Books Alive online event by, Monday June 28, 2021.

The Books Alive online events will be taking place from, Monday, July 26, 2021 until Friday, August 6, 2021.

With the help of SLANZA, we’ll be organising a schedule based off the responses we receive from school and public librarians. You will be contacted by Monday, July 5, 2021 if your event has been selected.

Virtual storytimes 2021

We haven’t changed the format of the virtual storytimes as we want you to continue to share stories throughout your community! But, we would like to change the process for how this is done and offer everyone participating in the virtual storytimes a professional development opportunity.

The virtual storytimes this year will be pre-recorded and then shared online. We have an amazing virtual workshop we’re offering everyone who is participating in the virtual storytimes about how to record and engage with your communities using only your phone!

​Both finalists and librarians will be invited to read finalist books to create these virtual storytimes. The virtual storytimes will then be shared on your preferred social media platform from, Monday, July 26, 2021 until Friday, August 6, 2021. LIANZA, the New Zealand Book Awards Trust as well as the finalists and publishers will also share your virtual readings too!
REGISTER FOR A VIRTUAL STORYTIME
Please submitt your application to host a virtual storytime by, Monday, June 28, 2021.
NZ Book Awards Trust have confirmed copyright guidelines and author permissions with finalists and their publishers for sharing storytimes online. Virtual storytimes will be made live from Monday July 26 to Friday August 6 and will remain online for six months, after which your library is responsible for removing.  The copyright agreement will be provided for each library engaging in the virtual storytimes and will only cover only libraries engaging in virtual storytimes through Books Alive.

Have questions? We have a Q&A session!

In case you’re new to the Books Alive online events and virtual storytime programme, we want to give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have! So, Jackie, our Communication Advisor and organiser for the Books Alive online events and virtual storytime, will be hosting an open Q&A session on Friday, June 25, 2021 from 1.00 – 2.00 pm – and you’re all invited!
JOIN US FOR THE Q&A
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IFLA World Library and Information Congress 2021

17/6/2021

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LIANZA is delighted to offer the opportunity to receive a funded online registration to the IFLA WLIC 21 in August to professionals and staff working in libraries and information management sector in countries across the Pacific and New Zealand.

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IFLA WLIC 2021: DISCOVER DISCUSS PRESENT PROVOKE SOLVE
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17-19 August

https://www.ifla-wlic2021.com/
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is inviting the global library community to join its first-ever virtual congress and to experience an event open and accessible across continents, time zones, and information sectors. IFLA aims to offer the most inclusive and accessible event in its history, bringing together professionals from across the globe to inspire best practice and engage with colleagues across the library and information field.

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Read more about the IFLA WLIC 2021 and check if you want to attend this virtual event.

To apply for a funded online registration please fill in the form by Wednesday 30 June, 5.00 PM (NZT).

Pacific Applications

LIANZA is offering funded registrations to professionals and staff working in libraries and the information management sector in Pacific countries including American Samoa, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
APPLY HERE
If your application is successful, a code will be sent which will enable you for register online by the early-bird deadline of Friday July 9. This registration will be funded by LIANZA, who will make the payment to IFLA, on your behalf.

New Zealand Applications

LIANZA is offering funded registrations to professionals and staff working in libraries and information management sector in New Zealand. Preference will be given to LIANZA personal members and IFLA members. Please click on the "NZ Applications" button below to apply for a funded registration to the IFLA World Library and Information Congress. 
NZ APPLICATIONS
If your application is successful, a code will be sent which will enable you to register online by the early-bird deadline of Friday July 9. This registration will be funded by LIANZA, who will make the payment to IFLA, on your behalf.

Important note about the selection process:
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If demand exceeds supply, LIANZA will make a selection of Pacific applications with the support of the LIANZA Pacific Information Management Network Special Interest Group (LIANZA PIMN-SIG) and the NZ applications will be selected by a LIANZA panel.  You will be advised if your application has been successful by email from LIANZA by Monday July 5, 5.00 PM (NZT).

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Finalists Announced for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults!

10/6/2021

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Children's book awards shortlists gives credit to young readers' emotional intelligence.
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From a field of 166 entries, the 28 finalists in the 2021 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are announced today. Across six main categories, these books offer the nation’s young readers a tasty smorgasbord of titles, packed with meaty themes and addictive plot lines.

“The diversity of ideas in this year’s entries really stood out,” says convenor of judges Alan Dingley. “It’s clear that our authors truly credit kids and young people with having the emotional intelligence to deal with complex themes, issues and feelings.”

Whether that’s celebrating Māori culture or dealing to the injustices of inequality, seeing a reflection of their own small-town community or exploring issues around body image, disability and adversity, no topic is off-limits. But, says Dingley, big ideas are delivered in a way that also entertains.

“Dystopian futures, ecological battles and immersive fantasy all take the reader into new worlds, something that has been so important of late, after so many have been trapped in their homes,” Dingley adds.

And while kids will find no shortage of reading material on the finalist list, Dingley thinks adults will discover plenty of treasures too.

“It’s a really accessible selection. If a child brings any one of these books home, I guarantee an adult will enjoy reading it also.”

This year’s Picture Book Award shortlist beautifully combines delicate illustrations that connect to and enhance sometimes delicate themes. There are laughs, tears, sighs (both contented and wistful) to be had in equal measure.

Picture Book Award Finalists
  • Hare & Ruru: A Quiet Moment, Laura Shallcrass (Beatnik Publishing)
  • Hound the Detective, Kimberly Andrews (Penguin Random House NZ)
  • Kōwhai and the Giants, Kate Parker (Mary Egan Publishing)
  • The Hug Blanket, Chris Gurney, illustrated by Lael Chisholm (Scholastic New Zealand)
  • This Is Where I Stand, Philippa Werry, illustrated by Kieran Rynhart (Scholastic New Zealand)
 
The books vying for the Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award presented the judges with eclectic plot lines and endearing characters and they struggled to narrow down to a shortlist from the well-crafted titles.

Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award Finalists
  • Across the Risen Sea, Bren MacDibble (Allen & Unwin)
  • Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea, T K Roxborogh, illustrated by Phoebe Morris (Huia Publishers)
  • Red Edge, Des Hunt (Scholastic New Zealand)
  • The Inkberg Enigma, Jonathan King (Gecko Press)
  • The Tunnel of Dreams, Bernard Beckett  (Text Publishing)

The top contenders for the Young Adult Fiction Award speak to the power of young people to profoundly influence the world around them, and don’t shy away from topics such as environmental destruction, oppression and injustice.

Young Adult Fiction Award Finalists
  • Draw Me a Hero, N K Ashworth (Lasavia Publishing)
  • Fire's Caress, Lani Wendt Young, (OneTree House)
  • Katipo Joe: Spycraft, Brian Falkner (Scholastic New Zealand)
  • The King's Nightingale, Sherryl Jordan (Scholastic New Zealand)
  • The Pōrangi Boy, Shilo Kino (Huia Publishers)

The judges found the Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction a particularly strong category this year, stating “to say there is something for everyone is an understatement, this list has everything, for everyone”.

Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction Finalists
  • Egg and Spoon: An Illustrated Cookbook, Alexandra Tylee, illustrated by Giselle Clarkson (Gecko Press)
  • Mophead Tu: The Queen's Poem, Selina Tusitala Marsh (Auckland University Press)
  • New Zealand Disasters, Maria Gill, illustrated by Marco Ivančić (Scholastic New Zealand)
  • North and South, Sandra Morris (Walker Books Australia)
  • You're Joking: Become an Expert Joke-Teller, Tom E. Moffatt, illustrated by Paul Beavis (Write Laugh Books)

The judges faced an outstandingly strong and large pool of entries for the Russell Clark Award for Illustration. The finalists are characterised by a diversity of styles and media, but the books all have in common an expert use of colour and line to communicate emotion and pace and skilfully add texture to the narrative.

Russell Clark Award for Illustration Finalists
  • Hare & Ruru: A Quiet Moment, Laura Shallcrass (Beatnik Publishing)
  • I Am the Universe, Vasanti Unka (Penguin Random House NZ)
  • Kōwhai and the Giants, Kate Parker (Mary Egan Publishing)
  • Moon & Sun, Malene Laugesen, written by Melinda Szymanik (Upstart Press)
  • Te Uruuru Whenua o Ngātoroirangi, Laya Mutton-Rogers, written by Chris Winitana (Huia Publishers)

​The finalists in the Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for books written entirely in te reo Māori will appeal to a broad range of abilities. Te reo in its simplest form will lift the language for beginners, while there are also titles with a depth of language to send the imaginations of confident speakers soaring. The judges were pleased to see a marked increase in the number of books written in te reo Māori, rather than translated from English.

Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award Finalists
  • Aroha Te Whai Ora, Rebekah Lipp, illustrated by Craig Phillips and translated by Karena Kelly (Wildling Books)
  • Mihi, Gavin Bishop (Gecko Press)
  • Pīpī Kiwi, Helen Taylor, translated by Hēni Jacob (Penguin Random House NZ)
  • Ngake me Whātaitai, Ben Ngaia, illustrated by Laya Mutton-Rogers (Huia Publishers)
  • Te Uruuru Whenua o Ngātoroirangi, Chris Winitana, illustrated by Laya Mutton-Rogers (Huia Publishers)

Finally, the finalists for the Best First Book Award left the judges reassured that the future of children’s literature in New Zealand is in good hands. In fact, the standard is so high, that four of the books are also finalists in one or more of the main categories.

Best First Book Award Finalists
  • Laura Shallcrass for Hare & Ruru: A Quiet Moment (Beatnik Publishing)
  • Kate Parker for Kōwhai and the Giants (Mary Egan Publishing)
  • Jonathan King for The Inkberg Enigma (Gecko Press)
  • Amy Haarhoff (illustrator) for The Midnight Adventures of Ruru and Kiwi, written by Clare Scott (Penguin Random House NZ)
  • Shilo Kino for The Pōrangi Boy (Huia Publishers)

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 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are the preeminent celebration of publishing for young people in Aotearoa. As well as acknowledging the best and brightest in books for children and teens, a core aspect of the Awards’ mission is to foster literacy and a love of reading amongst New Zealand’s children and teenagers.

This includes administering the ever-popular HELL Reading Challenge, which has encouraged children to read close to 12 million books since its inception, and running a programme of popular Books Alive events, which see authors and illustrators interact with Kiwi school children.  Following the success of the online programme in 2020, Books Alive will have a strong virtual component again this year, in partnership with the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA). In addition, hundreds of Wellington school children will also be able to enjoy a very full programme featuring many of the shortlisted authors and illustrators in person on the day of the Awards ceremony.

After Covid made a virtual presentation necessary last year, this year finalists and publishers plan to celebrate in person, at a ceremony to announce the winners at Tiakiwai Conference Centre at the National Library in Wellington on 11 August.

The formidable task of narrowing the field to a list of finalists was met by this year’s experienced judging panel: Alan Dingley (convenor) has over 20 years of experience working in children’s/youth libraries; Mary Sangster, a specialist children's bookseller; Nicola Daly, a senior lecturer in Children’s Literature at the University of Waikato; Pauline (Vaeluaga) Smith, an author, educationalist and director of Mīharo Murihiku Trust; and Stephen Clothier, a librarian, composer and performer.

They were joined by a panel appointed by Te Rōpū Whakahau, the national body that represents Māori engaged in Libraries, Culture, Knowledge, Information, Communication and Systems Technology in Aotearoa, to judge te reo Māori entries. Anahera Morehu (convenor), is the Kaiārahi at the University of Auckland Faculty of Business and Economics; Ruki Tobin, the Poutiaki Rauemi National Manager Māori for Services to Schools at Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, National Library of New Zealand; and Te Paea Paringatai, is a Library and Information Advisory Commission Commissioner, and a Library Manager at the University of Canterbury.

The New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Adults are made possible through the generosity, commitment and vision of funders and sponsors: Creative New Zealand, HELL Pizza, the Wright Family Foundation, LIANZA, Wellington City Council, Nielsen Book and The National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa. The Awards are administered by the New Zealand Book Awards Trust. 
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In Review: Aoraki Weekend School

3/6/2021

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​May saw the Aoraki region host our Inclusivity: LIANZA Aoraki Weekend School. This was the first time we had hosted a weekend school across two locations, Christchurch and Nelson, and we were very excited to see this event come to fruition. We facilitated speakers in both locations (19 speakers in total), with live streaming between the two. The idea behind this was to encourage more inclusivity within our region. We wanted to make it as easy as possible for our members to attend, to learn from the wonderful speakers, and connect with GLAM colleagues from around the region. It was extremely exciting to see colleagues from around New Zealand joining us in both locations! 

​A huge thank you to Gail Cook and Rosamund Feeney for recapping the weekend!
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CHRISTCHURCH
​By Gail Cook

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A wonderful weekend was had by all, and despite some minor technical difficulties, it was wonderful to be able to hear from inspiring speakers from all over New Zealand. To keep the weekend succinct, we opted to use ‘Slido’ for questions. This allowed attendees to ask any questions they had at any point during presentations, with speakers answering these questions at the end of their session. A fun twist on this was the final speaker for the weekend, Rob Cruickshank, when he turned the tables on us and used Slido to ask questions of the audience throughout his presentation. Well played Rob!

We had a fantastic lineup of speakers, of which I would like to share a few highlights. Triona Doocey of the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch Archives shared the story of how the archives were established, as well as the move from being solely a repository, to being a service of engagement with the history of the Catholic Diocese. Mike Dickison from Westland District Libraries spoke of how their community digitisation programme was increasing access to historical collections, all while working with a nil budget!

We heard heartfelt stories of initiatives making a real difference in the lives of our communities. Amy Chiles from Christchurch City Libraries spoke of the RAD (Recycle A Device) programme implemented at Linwood Library. In partnership with community organisations, businesses donate old laptops which are then refurbished and put into the hands of someone who needs it. From Ōtaki Library on the Kapiti Coast, Tiriata Carkeek detailed the creation of an edible community sharing garden at the front entrance of their facility. Not only does this provide a space for staff to connect with their patrons, but also provides fresh produce that can be harvested as it is needed by the community.

Louisa Wilkinson from Upper Hutt City Libraries explained the Scribble and Scribe creative literacy classes that are run fortnightly. This gives young people a chance to be creative without the need to conform to a certain style of creativity. Louisa got us all thinking when she got each table to have a turn creating a collaborative story! Emily Jin and Susan Osteen from Christchurch City Libraries presented an exciting session on sensory storytimes, which they run at Tūranga. Arriving with a big trolley of sensory goodies, the audience loved getting to play while hearing about this important inclusive programme designed to make storytime accessible to children for whom regular sessions might be overwhelming.  

We would like to thank all who attended, and especially all our speakers who shared with us over the weekend. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we walked away with valuable new knowledge, inspiration, and some new friends. We look forward to seeing you at a LIANZA event soon!

NELSON
​By Rosamund Feeney


“It really puts what we do into a wider context.”

This was spoken by one of the attendees and I think it really summarises why weekend schools are so important. We may attend because we love all things libraries and want to hear what every else is up to, but what we discover is an appreciation for the impact we are already having on our communities.

The weekend was all about inclusivity and it was such a joy to see how responsive everyone was to the theme. The lanyards were rainbow, there was space to write pronouns on name badges and the programme was packed with everything form queer fiction to the freedom of information. 

We kicked off with Siren Deluxe talking about the role of sex and sexuality in the public library in a presentation that left everyone buzzing with inspiration. Coming from a museum background, Siren talked about how these spaces hold onto items from the past while libraries have the power to influence the present. You could feel the excitement through the room and through the Zoom as she looked at how items in the catalogue can have a significant impact when it comes to representation and having honest and inclusive conversations about sexuality.

The importance of our collections was a theme across the weekend, and we all appreciated the reminder of the power of books. There was also a lot of conversation generated around how we can engage with groups that aren’t always visible in our spaces. We heard from amazing librarians who have designed programmes to get teens into the library (we can all relate to that struggle!) how the homeless population is perceived, ways we can delivery sensory story times to tamariki and even how a community garden can transform a library.

With any conversation on inclusivity comes hard conversations as we are often forced to confront ways, we may have made individuals feel uncomfortable in our space or neglected to consider their perspectives. These might be our initial beliefs towards the homeless people that visit the library or difficult conversation we need to have around racism as we prepare for the changes to the NZ curriculum which will tell Aotearoa’s histories. All are difficult topics, but the weekend was a reminder that acknowledging these and having a safe space to talk with other librarians is the first step in becoming more inclusive.
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It’s easy to walk away from any kind of library get-together bubbling with so many ideas that you don’t know where to start and this weekend was no exception. A few of us thought back to Saskia Hill’s talk on queer YA fiction when she asked, ‘What’s one thing you are going to do when you go back to your library?’ A simple question, but a reminder that just just one thing can build, inspire, grow and transform our library into an inclusive space.
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Call for judges of the 2022 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

3/6/2021

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The organisers of the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are calling for expressions of interest from readers with a deep knowledge of New Zealand literature who would like to be considered as judges of the 2022 awards.

Applications are invited from members of the public with relevant experience, and from the literature community. Suitable candidates may be authors, former publishers, editors, event organisers, scholars, reviewers, critics, booksellers, or librarians. The organisers particularly welcome expressions of interest from Māori applicants.

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The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards offer four principal prizes each year: the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction; the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry; the Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction; and the General Non-Fiction Award.
The judging of each of the four subject categories is undertaken by a panel of three judges with the relevant expertise and experience in that subject. One of the three will be appointed as convenor. The judges begin their reading in mid-September 2021.

Potential judges may express interest directly or be nominated by members of the literature community and book industry. A panel from the New Zealand Book Awards Trust, which comprises industry stakeholder representatives, is responsible for final selection and recruitment. Geographic, cultural and community representation, as well as relevant qualifications and experience, will all be considered in the final make-up of the panels.

Expressions of interest forms and background information on the judging process and judges’ responsibilities can be downloaded from the New Zealand Book Awards Trust website or supplied on request by emailing manager@nzbookawards.org.nz.


Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 30 June, and should include a brief resume demonstrating the applicant’s experience for the judging role.

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are supported by Ockham Residential, Creative New Zealand, Jann Medlicott and the Acorn Foundation, Mary and Peter Biggs CNZM, MitoQ, Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand and the Auckland Writers Festival.

Link to more information on NZ Book Awards Trust website: www.nzbookawards.nz

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are the country’s premier literary honours for books written by New Zealanders. First established in 1968 as the Wattie Book Awards (later the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards), they have also been known as the Montana New Zealand Book Awards and the New Zealand Post Book Awards. Awards are given for Fiction (the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction), Poetry (the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry) Illustrated Non-Fiction (the Booksellers Aotearoa New Zealand Award for Illustrated Non-Fiction) and General Non-Fiction. There are also four awards for first-time authors (The MitoQ Best First Book awards) and, at the judges’ discretion, Te Mūrau o te Tuhi, a Māori Language Award. The awards are governed by the New Zealand Book Awards Trust (a registered charity). Current members of the Trust are Nicola Legat, Karen Ferns, Paula Morris, Jenna Todd, Anne Morgan, Melanee Winder, Melinda Szymanik and Richard Pamatatau. The trust also governs the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and Phantom National Poetry Day. 
 
For any further information about this press release or the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards please contact the New Zealand Book Awards Trust: Belinda Cooke, manager@nzbookawards.org.nz, tel 021 481044
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LIANZA President, Anahera Morehu meets Hoani Lambert

2/6/2021

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One of the main goals that LIANZA is constantly striving towards, is the sharing of information sector-to-sector throughout New Zealand. LIANZA's strategic vision is 'People and communities connected and empowered by information'. The entire LIANZA community from council, committees, staff and personal and institutional members are all here for one purpose, to ensure Kiwis have the best information readily available to them whenever and wherever they may need it.​

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President, Anahera Morehu is one of the key individuals who upholds this ambition of LIANZA. During the month of May Anahera met with Deputy Chief Executive of Enterprise Partnerships,  Hoani Lambert of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Mr Lambert has recently taken on the role this past April and leads the Information and Knowledge Branch which oversees the National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and Archives New Zealand, Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga.

Anahera originally met with Hoani because LIANZA is part of the wider information and knowledge network that he oversees.
“[Hoani was] inquisitive and excited to know more about the association and our role in the information sector.  We are possibly the largest membership association in Aotearoa for the library and information sector, and collaborator across this sector.”

Anahera and Hoani spoke on many different topics throughout their meeting, which left Anahera excited to develop and grow the relationship with the DIA. Anahera mentioned that there some key takeaways from the conversation she was extremely eager to share with the sector.

 “It was great to see interest in what we do within whare taonga, considering that he leads both Te Rua Mahara o Aotearoa and Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa.  A great opportunity in bringing his expertise into the sector and fresh eyes to our sector.  Honest, genuine and ready to collaborate with LIANZA and Te Rōpū Whakahau in future aspirations of these organisations.”
When asked if there was anything to look forward to in the future for LIANZA and its members because of this meeting between herself and Hoani, Anahera mentioned the integrity that LIANZA has within whare taonga.

“Members are key to keeping our relationships strong and even finding new relationships. Although the DCE of DIA, [Hoani] is still a person who is interested in what it is we do.  He walks in both Pākehā and Māori, political and apolitical worlds; [and] willing to contribute within our community.”

Overall, Anahera and Hoani’s meeting was a great start to a wonderful relationship between the DIA, LIANZA and the information and library sector. We look forward to seeing what the future may hold!
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E mihi kau ake ki te whatukura I te tūranga o Te Tari Taiwhenua.  Mā tātou e marotiritiri ai te mātauranga, ka maea ngā hua.  Nō reira, kia tū kotahi tātou katoa.
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Who got the job... Senior Court Librarian

2/6/2021

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Each month we feature an individual who has recently moved to a new role in the library and information sector within New Zealand. This month we’re featuring Matthew Radcliffe who has recently moved to the Northern Region based in the Auckland District Court as a Senior Court Librarian.
 
Matthew has graciously answered a couple of our burning questions about his new position and what being a Senior Court Librarian actually entails. Thank you Matthew for taking the time to answer our Q&A! 


Tell us a little about the job!
​I am the Senior Court Librarian for the Northern Region, based in the Auckland District Court. The job is a fascinating mix of legal research, collection development, training and a lot of relationship management. 
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Why did this role interest you initially?

​The incredibly broad job description. I am very lucky to have been working in libraries for over half of my life and this is the role with the widest scope of responsibilities I have ever had. It’s a great mix of traditional librarianship and devising & implementing strategic direction. I get to meet with Judges and tell them about all of the incredible resources available to them, tell them about how Judicial Libraries will go above and beyond for them across the many services we give them. The role also includes a lot of travel, so I’m seeing parts of this beautiful country that I otherwise might not have.
What exciting projects will you be working on within your role?
When I had my first interview for a library role back in 2000, the head librarian confidently told me about how paper was a thing of the past. 21 years later, it seems that this might actually be possible.
 
I am a firm subscriber to the importance of paper resources, but, our role is to provide information to our users in the way that they want, not just in the way that it has been done before.
 
The Judicial Clerks who support the judges are digital natives and they want their information in the format that they feel most comfortable with. The Judicial Libraries Management Board see the benefits of digital resources and want the librarians to lead the way on procurement and training of Judges on these items.
 
Obviously, there are still a lot of users who want their paper resources, but the movement towards digital is gathering pace. A truly comprehensive digital law library is not obtainable, affordable and for some of our users desirable in 2021, but 2031? Maybe.

What advice do you have for someone aiming to progress their career in libraries?
Librarianship is at its heart a customer service role. I have worked in libraries for media companies, schools, accounting firms, law firms, courts as well as public libraries and the one thing that unites them all is the users. Wonderful, frustrating, curious people who want something and it is your job to find it for them. I did a three year library undergrad degree at Aberystwyth which was great. I learnt great theory and I gained a very well-rounded library education. But I also worked in a pub for those three years too. Dealing with complaints, dealing with requests, dealing with people, working as part of a team. Working in a pub is not as important as my degree in my library experience, but it did fill some holes which I had around customer service and dealing with users. The users of our libraries should be front and centre in everything that we do, getting good at working with them is a very important skill.

If you or someone you know has recently started a new job in the GLAMIR (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, Iwi and Records) sector and would like to featured in next months "Who Got The Job" please contact our Communication Advisor, Jackie: Jackie@lianza.org.nz. 
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