Heather Lamond The library world was saddened to hear that their colleague Heather Lamond, died on March 22, aged 47 years.
Heather was the Assistant University Librarian - Client Services at Massey University, since 2014. Her role included Deputy University Librarian and Manawatū Campus Librarian. She led client services work across the Massey University Libraries, particularly information literacy teaching and support for research. Heather was initially employed at Massey University as a Business Liaison Librarian in 2005 and promoted to Head of the Distance Library Service in 2007. She had moved to Palmerston North from Takaka, in Golden Bay where she had been the Takaka Memorial Library Branch Librarian from 2001-2005.
Heather used technology at every opportunity to improve both library services at Massey University and how staff worked. She was a strong advocate for equitable access to resources and services for off-campus students and led the work at Massey University Library in online teaching including early development of reusable learning objects such as short videos. She was actively involved in distance education, and the author of a considerable number of publications and conference presentations.
In 2010 Heather wrote a piece for LIANZA about her library career and shared how she started in her career in libraries.
“I have been employed in the library and information industry since completing my BA at Canterbury University in 1994. I had previous experience in libraries as after-school and summer holiday employment, and my mother was (and is still is) employed as a Library Assistant so I had a reasonable idea of what went on in libraries – yes I used to spend time afterschool putting the issue cards in order!
Heather was the Assistant University Librarian - Client Services at Massey University, since 2014. Her role included Deputy University Librarian and Manawatū Campus Librarian. She led client services work across the Massey University Libraries, particularly information literacy teaching and support for research. Heather was initially employed at Massey University as a Business Liaison Librarian in 2005 and promoted to Head of the Distance Library Service in 2007. She had moved to Palmerston North from Takaka, in Golden Bay where she had been the Takaka Memorial Library Branch Librarian from 2001-2005.
Heather used technology at every opportunity to improve both library services at Massey University and how staff worked. She was a strong advocate for equitable access to resources and services for off-campus students and led the work at Massey University Library in online teaching including early development of reusable learning objects such as short videos. She was actively involved in distance education, and the author of a considerable number of publications and conference presentations.
In 2010 Heather wrote a piece for LIANZA about her library career and shared how she started in her career in libraries.
“I have been employed in the library and information industry since completing my BA at Canterbury University in 1994. I had previous experience in libraries as after-school and summer holiday employment, and my mother was (and is still is) employed as a Library Assistant so I had a reasonable idea of what went on in libraries – yes I used to spend time afterschool putting the issue cards in order!
After completing my BA I was contemplating teaching as a career but was fortunate to be employed at the then Nelson Polytechnic as a library assistant in varying roles (processing, circulation and eventually Interloans and Reference). I was encouraged by Chris Keyse, the Nelson Polytechnic Librarian, to undertake the MLIS, and received invaluable collegial support while working full-time and completing the MLIS by distance from a location that could be considered remote (in those days of weekly teleconferences and no online classroom!).
After completion of the MLIS, I had a large student loan and a level of frustration with not walking straight into the management job I thought I now deserved, and decided to move home to my parents in Takaka while I saved some money in order to travel. I was extremely lucky that an opening came up at the Takaka Memorial Library for a part-time library assistant so I jumped at the opportunity to continue working in the industry (while also working as an orchard hand, barmaid, and scallop opener!). About two years later the position of branch librarian became available and I was successful in my application.
After completion of the MLIS, I had a large student loan and a level of frustration with not walking straight into the management job I thought I now deserved, and decided to move home to my parents in Takaka while I saved some money in order to travel. I was extremely lucky that an opening came up at the Takaka Memorial Library for a part-time library assistant so I jumped at the opportunity to continue working in the industry (while also working as an orchard hand, barmaid, and scallop opener!). About two years later the position of branch librarian became available and I was successful in my application.
Heather at Massey University Graduation One thing I would stress is that the management experience gained as a branch librarian of a small library was one of the most useful things I could have had. While the branch was small and rural, I still had to do all the management things you would do in a much larger library, in fact probably more as I was the sole qualified staff member! This included staffing, budgets, collection development and management, system implementation, website development and more."
Heather made an enormous contribution to the profession. She was the LIANZA Ikaroa councillor on LIANZA Council from 2008-11 and LIANZA President 2012-2013. LIANZA awarded Heather the professional recognition of ALIANZA in 2009. Her associate citation noted that; “Heather is customer-driven, an efficient communicator, able to demonstrate strong leadership and an effective teacher who continues to extend these skills through further study to expand her knowledge of education theory. Heather is strongly committed to LIANZA being active on both the local committee and on National Council.”
Heather made an enormous contribution to the profession. She was the LIANZA Ikaroa councillor on LIANZA Council from 2008-11 and LIANZA President 2012-2013. LIANZA awarded Heather the professional recognition of ALIANZA in 2009. Her associate citation noted that; “Heather is customer-driven, an efficient communicator, able to demonstrate strong leadership and an effective teacher who continues to extend these skills through further study to expand her knowledge of education theory. Heather is strongly committed to LIANZA being active on both the local committee and on National Council.”
Colleagues from the New Zealand library and information sector have provided these tributes to Heather, in her memory.
I first got to know Heather when she was a participant at Aurora in Thredbo and I was a mentor that year. Two things were immediately obvious to me. Firstly, what a lovely person she was and secondly, the commitment she had to her future career in librarianship. Heather was determined to improve library support for distance learning and she certainly achieved that at Massey University. I was delighted when Heather stepped up her professional leadership to become President of LIANZA. It was such a shock to hear of her death at such a young age. Please pass my sincerest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Bill Macnaught, National Librarian
Heather had such a bubbly, energetic and honest way about her. I always felt energised by her presence! We worked on the LIANZA Council together for several years, so we spent a lot of time talking together about the library profession about which she was so passionate and so insightful. She was always so determined, and I was (and still am) in awe of all her achievements and the impact she had. I will miss her hugely.
Laurinda Thomas, Wellington City Libraries
I first got to know Heather when she was a participant at Aurora in Thredbo and I was a mentor that year. Two things were immediately obvious to me. Firstly, what a lovely person she was and secondly, the commitment she had to her future career in librarianship. Heather was determined to improve library support for distance learning and she certainly achieved that at Massey University. I was delighted when Heather stepped up her professional leadership to become President of LIANZA. It was such a shock to hear of her death at such a young age. Please pass my sincerest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Bill Macnaught, National Librarian
Heather had such a bubbly, energetic and honest way about her. I always felt energised by her presence! We worked on the LIANZA Council together for several years, so we spent a lot of time talking together about the library profession about which she was so passionate and so insightful. She was always so determined, and I was (and still am) in awe of all her achievements and the impact she had. I will miss her hugely.
Laurinda Thomas, Wellington City Libraries
Alison Wallbutton receives her LIANZA Award of Merit for Marketing from LIANZA President, Heather Lamond I te aituā o tō tātou hoa e Heather, he mihi aroha ki te whānau pani i noho i raro i te korowai o te kapua pōuri. Hotuhotu te manawa, maringi tonu ngā roimata me ngā hūpē. I hoea e tō tātou hoa tōna waka wairua ki tōna kāinga tūturu, okioki pai ai. Haramai, haere, haere atu rā. Kaua mātou e warewaretia.
It is with sadness that we hear of our esteemed colleague who has left us all bereft. Heather was a respected colleague who had a huge impact on the information sector. We give our condolences to her whānau and friends that grieve at her passing. Her beautiful singing voice will be missed.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, erangi he toa takimano. Rātou ki a rātou, tātou ki a tātou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Anahera Morehu, LIANZA President-elect
I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Heather Lamond what a loss for the Massey whanau and the library world. Heather was a lovely person and a true professional who loved her work. I always appreciated and enjoyed my interactions with her and I always learnt from her. The work she did at Massey with the distance library service was exceptional. And of course she will always be remembered as the singing guitar playing LIANZA President. She was an inspiration to many and she will be missed enormously.
Rachel Esson, LIANZA President
I worked quite closely with Heather during her Presidential period and it was a fabulous time.
Her bubbly fun nature meant spending time with her was an absolute pleasure. I still treasure many of those moments.
Huge aroha to her family, where I know she will leave a massive hole.
Pamela Jones, South Taranaki District Libraries
My deepest sympathy to Heather’s family, friends and colleagues. I also had the pleasure and privilege of working with Heather on the LIANZA Executive for several years. Heather was a wonderful person, inspiriting many of us with her energy, intelligence and positivity. As others have said, she has left this life far too soon.
Carolyn Robertson, Christchurch City LIbraries
It is with sadness that we hear of our esteemed colleague who has left us all bereft. Heather was a respected colleague who had a huge impact on the information sector. We give our condolences to her whānau and friends that grieve at her passing. Her beautiful singing voice will be missed.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, erangi he toa takimano. Rātou ki a rātou, tātou ki a tātou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Anahera Morehu, LIANZA President-elect
I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Heather Lamond what a loss for the Massey whanau and the library world. Heather was a lovely person and a true professional who loved her work. I always appreciated and enjoyed my interactions with her and I always learnt from her. The work she did at Massey with the distance library service was exceptional. And of course she will always be remembered as the singing guitar playing LIANZA President. She was an inspiration to many and she will be missed enormously.
Rachel Esson, LIANZA President
I worked quite closely with Heather during her Presidential period and it was a fabulous time.
Her bubbly fun nature meant spending time with her was an absolute pleasure. I still treasure many of those moments.
Huge aroha to her family, where I know she will leave a massive hole.
Pamela Jones, South Taranaki District Libraries
My deepest sympathy to Heather’s family, friends and colleagues. I also had the pleasure and privilege of working with Heather on the LIANZA Executive for several years. Heather was a wonderful person, inspiriting many of us with her energy, intelligence and positivity. As others have said, she has left this life far too soon.
Carolyn Robertson, Christchurch City LIbraries
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