Nearly $500,000 was allocated in the first two rounds of funding for the LIANZA SLANZA Tertiary Grants project in 2022. These grants provide up to $10,000 per year for students starting a new library and information qualification. With a total of 100 applications, 82 were approved, with 73 studying in 2023.
These grants are attracting new people into library work and upskilling others, says Philip Miles chair of the LIANZA SLANZA Tertiary Grants Project.
Philip Miles says that at least that number of grants or more is expected in the October 2023 funding round, as grants must be allocated by 2025. He encourages people to apply this year, so they don’t miss out on gaining a grant.
A new funding priority for tertiary grants this year aims to encourage more school library staff to gain financial support to take up a library and information qualification.
In 2023, funding is available for applicants seeking to start a new library and information qualification and priority will be given to applicants new to the sector, under the age of 35, Māori and Pasifika, and people working in school libraries. Applications can be made between October4-22 on the Perpetual Guardian website.
We hear from some of the 2022 recipients below.
These grants are attracting new people into library work and upskilling others, says Philip Miles chair of the LIANZA SLANZA Tertiary Grants Project.
Philip Miles says that at least that number of grants or more is expected in the October 2023 funding round, as grants must be allocated by 2025. He encourages people to apply this year, so they don’t miss out on gaining a grant.
A new funding priority for tertiary grants this year aims to encourage more school library staff to gain financial support to take up a library and information qualification.
In 2023, funding is available for applicants seeking to start a new library and information qualification and priority will be given to applicants new to the sector, under the age of 35, Māori and Pasifika, and people working in school libraries. Applications can be made between October4-22 on the Perpetual Guardian website.
We hear from some of the 2022 recipients below.
Kylie Smith
Kylie Smith received a grant to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens with The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Te Pūkenga. Kylie is the library coordinator at Manurewa High School.
“The students are my favourite part of the job for sure! There isn't a day that goes by when the students don't make me laugh. I also love how varied and challenging the role can be and there is so much involved in being a school librarian. I love the challenge each day can bring.
“I would not have been able to complete this qualification without the tertiary grant as StudyLink isn't available for this certificate.”
Kylie encourages others to apply for a grant. “If you've been thinking about applying for the tertiary grant, do it! I won't lie and tell you that juggling it all is easy, but it has been so rewarding seeing the benefits of study pay off in my mahi. Having that professional learning behind me has really helped me to feel more confident in the work I'm doing and in advocating for the value of libraries and librarians in schools.”
Kylie Smith received a grant to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens with The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Te Pūkenga. Kylie is the library coordinator at Manurewa High School.
“The students are my favourite part of the job for sure! There isn't a day that goes by when the students don't make me laugh. I also love how varied and challenging the role can be and there is so much involved in being a school librarian. I love the challenge each day can bring.
“I would not have been able to complete this qualification without the tertiary grant as StudyLink isn't available for this certificate.”
Kylie encourages others to apply for a grant. “If you've been thinking about applying for the tertiary grant, do it! I won't lie and tell you that juggling it all is easy, but it has been so rewarding seeing the benefits of study pay off in my mahi. Having that professional learning behind me has really helped me to feel more confident in the work I'm doing and in advocating for the value of libraries and librarians in schools.”
Lewis Ioane
“I was thrilled to be awarded the LIANZA SLANZA Tertiary Grant, which has allowed me to return to study and pursue my dream of becoming a qualified librarian,” says Lewis Ioane, Māori and Pacific Librarian at Porirua City Libraries.
“I am currently working towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Library and Information Leadership with Open Polytechnic Te Pūkenga, and I have really enjoyed seeing what goes into our library mahi from a management-level perspective.
I hope to see more young people, Māori and Pasifika get into the library sector. Any current or potential library professional should apply for this grant if they are considering studying or progressing in their library career. There are lots of different qualification options and the extra support the grant provides makes tertiary education accessible.”
“I was thrilled to be awarded the LIANZA SLANZA Tertiary Grant, which has allowed me to return to study and pursue my dream of becoming a qualified librarian,” says Lewis Ioane, Māori and Pacific Librarian at Porirua City Libraries.
“I am currently working towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Library and Information Leadership with Open Polytechnic Te Pūkenga, and I have really enjoyed seeing what goes into our library mahi from a management-level perspective.
I hope to see more young people, Māori and Pasifika get into the library sector. Any current or potential library professional should apply for this grant if they are considering studying or progressing in their library career. There are lots of different qualification options and the extra support the grant provides makes tertiary education accessible.”
Sydnie Liddle
Sydnie Liddle is a library assistant at Matamata Piako District Council Libraries studying towards a Diploma in Library and Information Studies thanks to a tertiary grant.
Sydnie says, “I am really enjoying learning about the vastly different information environments and how they all function, giving me an idea of what I would like to pursue in the future”.
Sydnie encourages others to apply for a tertiary grant. “Taking the chance to go for the grant was the best choice. It helped make my ability to study a stress-free experience. I recommend taking that leap of faith and applying for a grant because who knows what could happen.”
Sydnie Liddle is a library assistant at Matamata Piako District Council Libraries studying towards a Diploma in Library and Information Studies thanks to a tertiary grant.
Sydnie says, “I am really enjoying learning about the vastly different information environments and how they all function, giving me an idea of what I would like to pursue in the future”.
Sydnie encourages others to apply for a tertiary grant. “Taking the chance to go for the grant was the best choice. It helped make my ability to study a stress-free experience. I recommend taking that leap of faith and applying for a grant because who knows what could happen.”
Chathurika Senarathne
Chathurika Senarathne is completing a postgraduate certificate in information studies at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. She will start a Master of Information Studies in December for which she has received a tertiary grant. Chathurika is a customer service library assistant at the Manukau Institute of Technology Te Pūkenga.
“This grant is an amazing opportunity. It has changed my life and made my dreams possible. I truly believe it has given me a second chance to enhance my skills, further my education, and increase my career opportunities in the information profession.
This is a profession that evolves quickly due to technology, law and knowledge changes. I love intellectual exploration with modern technologies, and this is a great opportunity for me as a flexible, creative, and endlessly curious person. My library and information studies have developed me as a person, and I have found what I want to do in my life.“
Chathurika Senarathne is completing a postgraduate certificate in information studies at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. She will start a Master of Information Studies in December for which she has received a tertiary grant. Chathurika is a customer service library assistant at the Manukau Institute of Technology Te Pūkenga.
“This grant is an amazing opportunity. It has changed my life and made my dreams possible. I truly believe it has given me a second chance to enhance my skills, further my education, and increase my career opportunities in the information profession.
This is a profession that evolves quickly due to technology, law and knowledge changes. I love intellectual exploration with modern technologies, and this is a great opportunity for me as a flexible, creative, and endlessly curious person. My library and information studies have developed me as a person, and I have found what I want to do in my life.“
Victoria Elisara
Victoria Elisara’s tertiary grant is supporting her to gain a Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5) from Open Polytechnic Te Pūkenga. She works as the librarian at Glendowie School in Auckland.
“This is my first library-related qualification. To be honest, in the past, I didn't think of myself as a 'real librarian' as I didn't have a qualification, and sadly I had felt a little judged.
The Open Polytech Te Pūkenga course has given me the opportunity to prove to myself that I am in fact a real librarian. The skills I've developed through my work are great, but there is SO much more to being a librarian than just issuing books.
I really thought the opportunity to study had passed me by, but this grant has changed all that. I am so excited for the future now and would love to continue to study and share my growing knowledge.”
More information and application details go here.
Victoria Elisara’s tertiary grant is supporting her to gain a Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5) from Open Polytechnic Te Pūkenga. She works as the librarian at Glendowie School in Auckland.
“This is my first library-related qualification. To be honest, in the past, I didn't think of myself as a 'real librarian' as I didn't have a qualification, and sadly I had felt a little judged.
The Open Polytech Te Pūkenga course has given me the opportunity to prove to myself that I am in fact a real librarian. The skills I've developed through my work are great, but there is SO much more to being a librarian than just issuing books.
I really thought the opportunity to study had passed me by, but this grant has changed all that. I am so excited for the future now and would love to continue to study and share my growing knowledge.”
More information and application details go here.
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