Christine says, “As a library professional responsible for the purchase, development and management of both physical and digital collections within our library service, I am deeply interested and committed to both public libraries and literature/literacy in New Zealand. I feel that this role offers a way to bring these two passions together and allow for the opportunity to contribute to how we can best can support, develop and encourage New Zealand authors to tell our stories, while continuing to activate libraries as the trusted, welcoming and relevant spaces they have always been.
The collections environment now embraces a more complex landscape with the addition of digital formats and the myriad of different purchasing/lending/retention criteria involved with them. The increase in e-lending as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the increasing significance of digital offerings, and possibly makes it especially timely to review their exclusion/inclusion. This is an ongoing challenge that I believe will inform much of the review process. Likewise use of the Public Lending Rights scheme to encourage the use of Te Reo Māori within New Zealand publishing.”

LIANZA Executive Director Ana Pickering says, “LIANZA was delighted to receive several excellent expressions of interest for the LIANZA position on the PLRAG. Christine’s experience and strategic view of the scheme’s challenges and possible directions will enable her to make a valued contribution to the advisory group. We were pleased to have Christine’s nomination as LIANZA representative approved by the Chief Executive of the Department of Internal Affairs.” 

Steering Group formed
A steering group is in place to champion the programme, provide direction and guide how libraries can leverage existing resources and build new ones to share ideas and skills.  The group first met on 24 September and will meet monthly.
The steering group members are:

• Karen Thomas — SOLGM
• Anahera Morehu — LIANZA
• Anahera Sadler — Te Rōpū Whakahau
• Chris Hay — Public Libraries of NZ
• Mike Reid — Local Government NZ
• Vanisa Dhiru — InternetNZ
• Rachel Esson (Chair) — National Library

A reference group will also provide further advice and ensure the programme is carried out effectively.

Council and Library support
It’s been very encouraging to see the early and strong partnership support for the programme from councils and librarians. 
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Local councils who took up the offer to be part of the partnership entered into a formal ‘Letter of Agreement’ with the National Library. The agreement outlines shared responsibilities, expectations and provides a basis for authorising payments and establishing reporting requirements.

To date agreements with 60 councils have been issued covering 119 positions. It is expected at least 170 library roles and secondments will be filled by 31 December 2020.

Where to get more information
The programme is still in the establishment phase and has new resources for both capability and engagement as we develop our approach to training, coaching and communities of practice for librarians.

The team is establishing regular communication and will be seeking feedback on how to best keep you informed and how best to hear your stories about the impact you are having. 

If you have questions or need further information, please contact [email protected] or visit the programme website.

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