Further update August 14, 2023

Following deep consideration of feedback from members and volunteers around the world, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Governing Board reaffirmed its decision to hold the 2024 World Library and Information Congress in Dubai.

This decision was made after IFLA held an advisory referendum, mentioned below, where 37% of IFLA members voted. In making its decision, the Board reflected on both the overall votes and comments, but also the breakdown by region, relative voting strengths of different regions, and the priority IFLA has given to increasing its presence in all world regions, reflecting its vocation to be the global voice of libraries. 

Read more about the decision here.
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​An overview of the results is available for download.

Update - August 8, 2023

In early August, the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) held an advisory referendum on WLIC 2024 in Dubai following concerns from member associations that the IFLA would not be able to have a session, satellite meeting, or business meeting labeled LGBTQ+ on the programme. 

After much consideration, the LIANZA Council made the decision to support the World Library and Information Congress 2024 (WLIC 2024) being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the referendum sent by IFLA.  The reasoning for this decision can be found in the statement below.

Original post July 20, 2023

​LIANZA sent a statement to IFLA in July expressing concern based on freedom of expression. This statement endorsed concerns that IFLA was condoning censorship when its core mission and values support freedom of expression. The LIANZA statement supported a review of the decision by IFLA to hold the WLIC in Dubai and urged the IFLA Governing Board to investigate any means by which LGBTQ+ topics and sessions could be accommodated. 

Background

​IFLA announced in June that the World Library and International Congress would be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024. This would be the first time an Arabic-speaking country hosted the congress and reflects the strong commitment of IFLA to include and involve a wider representation of the global library community in its events and opportunities. However, the UAE has now specified that in reflection of its own policies and beliefs, the congress will not be able to have a session, satellite meeting or business meeting labelled LGBTIQ+ on the programme. 
 
Due to this restriction, the IFLA Advisory Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE),  the IFLA LGBTQ+ Users Special Interest Group and many library associations have raised their concerns with IFLA. Other associations have affirmed their support of the decision.  IFLA has called for an advisory referendum of its members and invited discussion through its list-serv IFLA_L to encourage discussion and to hear from its members. IFLA has  prepared this briefing paper to assist this discussion IFLA briefing paper on Dubai. IFLA voting members, including LIANZA, have been invited to participate in the referendum which will close on August 2, 2023.

LIANZA prepared a statement endorsing the concerns of IFLA FAIFE Advisory Committee and IFLA LGBTQ Users Special Interest Group that IFLA were condoning censorship when its core mission and values support freedom of expression. The LIANZA statement asks the IFLA Governing Board to negotiate with the UAE so that LGBTIQ+ topics and sessions can be accommodated if WLIC 2024 is held in Dubai.

LIANZA has not gone as far as calling for members to boycott the congress, as some other associations have done.

At the IFLA World Library Congress in July 2022, Michael Peter Edson, a digital cultural strategist challenged library and information professionals to take action on climate change. 

The LIANZA Climate Action Group met in December 2022 and concluded that given the scale of the crisis and degree of urgency required by our profession, a LIANZA Standing Committee on Climate Change was needed to demonstrate leadership and provide guidance to the sector.

LIANZA Council has recently approved the formation of this new standing committee and the terms of reference.

Expressions of interest now are called for LIANZA personal members or staff of a LIANZA institutional member to join the LIANZA Standing Committee on Climate Action.
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If you are keen to join Rob Cruickshank, University of Canterbury; Jane Clark, Massey University and Alexis McCullough, Auckland Libraries to form this standing committee please submit your expression of interest by Thursday July 20, 2023.

The terms of reference for this standing committee are here>

The committee seeks up to five additional members to reflect a range of the sectors represented by LIANZA. Some members will be chosen because of their recognised expertise and interest in aspects of climate change and action, but the committee also welcomes members who have an interest in this area and are keen to develop their knowledge and understanding.

Library and information professionals have a vital role to play in the climate crisis, encouraging our communities to learn, discuss and take action. 
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We hope you will take a step - and submit your expression of interest.

School principal, Shane Robinson, is a Hutt Valley local who is passionate about this community and his school. He has been the principal at Maungaraki School for six years and says that “The school aspires to be the heart of the community”.

Maungaraki School serves a diverse community and strongly values its school/community links. The school has been fast-growing over the last few years. As a result, the old library space was converted into two classrooms and the library was set up in a Portacom. This did a disservice to the students who wanted a quiet space, those who wanted to read, and the books.

The ability of the Ministry of Education to build school libraries has been declining, says Shane. “We had to fight very hard to get this library here and it was the only one built over the last year.”
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The school lobbied over three years for a new library and community space, which was made possible by joint support from the school board, the community, and staff persistence. The school worked closely with the Ministry of Education to show that the resource was needed. 

“We knew other models out there had worked well and I wanted to see what we could do with the public library. I saw this building as a community resource not just here for the school. So, we approached Hutt City Libraries.”
The building was already well underway when Shane reached out to Hutt City Libraries, hoping to gain support to open the library to the community outside of school hours.

Liz Castle, Collections Services Manager at Hutt City Libraries, says that the library jumped at the opportunity.

“We came for an initial meetup and to talk about what we could do, thinking it was anything from providing deleted book stock to running a full public library, and I was blown away. They (the school) didn’t want anything for themselves but for the community. And they already had the building.”

“It was a gift for us,” says Liz. The building was already here (this was December 2022) and there was no library presence in the area. Hutt City Libraries has eight library sites, all on the Hutt Valley floor area, yet around 20% of the Hutt Valley population live in the hills.”

Shane says, “I didn’t expect too much –and so when we had the initial conversation and asked if we could have public library books here – I was blown away with their response”.
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“We did a lot of community surveys and consultation, and libraries and shared spaces were high on the list for the community.” There had been a space in front of the school earmarked for a library for years – but was never built.
When Hutt City Libraries suggested that they supply the books and provide staff to enable the library to open after school hours and six days a week, Shane and the school board jumped at it saying, “Let’s just make this happen.” Within three months the school library was opened, in March 2023.

There’s a roster of professional librarians from Hutt City Libraries staffing the library which has been crucial to getting the library up and running. The school is currently seeking a school librarian.

“We value the professionalism of librarianship, so we wanted to make sure our staff were involved, with two staff members available after school hours and Saturday,” says Liz. Volunteers now assist the public library staff member.
“Everyone was so excited about the library opening – the children, the Hutt City Council, the community. Yesterday I had 80-90 children in this space, and they just love it. But the librarian input here has been crucial,” says Shane.

A very elderly lady came in when Jacqui Arnot was working in the library. The lady looked around in awe and commented, “I’ve lived in Maungaraki for years and years and I always wished this would happen – and here it is finally”.

“It works for us too – it gives us a direct foothold into this community, and it allows us to provide professional library skills where they are needed,” says Jacquie, who is currently acting Neighbourhood Hubs Manager for Hutt City Libraries.

“While there is a boutique collection of books here, whatever you get on the valley floor you can get at the Maungaraki library.”

The school can keep the library well stocked with books and e-resources from the collections of Hutt City Libraries. SMART Libraries, a public and tertiary collaboration is available, and the school can now get the reference books that previously would be sourced from the National Library of New Zealand.

“We had no idea what the shelving would look like or what books would be here. Many of the school’s existing book stock was unusable after being in the Portacom. The adult library books were put on portable shelves and are kept in a separate room during school time,” says Liz.

Two days a week the school library space is used for Māori storytelling and classes come through other times to use the library. There are Māori whānau nights held after school hours and other community use of the space is currently being looked at.

“It’s been a fantastic thing to be part of,” says Jacquie.
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“I was really impressed by the support we got,” says Liz. “We had a new manager who came on board last year. She took this to council senior management, and they made the call to just let the library get on with it.”
Shane says, “There was a real need and a real solution, so it was hard to argue against. I’ve seen the joy it gives the community, but we can do much more with this space. I feel like it’s only the first step. The more community collaboration we can get the better.”

Check out the enthusiasm of Maungaraki School students on Facebook:

• Video made by the students about the opening of the library https://fb.watch/ks6nuRNjVX/  
• Lunchtime library vibes made by students at Maungaraki school/public library May 8, 2023, https://fb.watch/ks60rA8OyT/

 

Your support is needed for Information Studies at Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington, as it is currently under review by the university along with 58 other programmes. 

Throughout the long history of the library and information sector in Aotearoa qualifications and capability building within the profession have been of crucial importance. LIANZA made history 81 years ago in 1942 by establishing the first library certificate course. The master's programme has been empowering professionals for 27 years.

Now, more than ever, LIANZA believes that the post-graduate information management programmes at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka hold immense significance. The programmes are instrumental in nurturing highly skilled information professionals who make substantial contributions to organisations and communities across Aotearoa.

The review consultation begins on June 26 – so we urge you to share your concern and support now to have an impact before the consultation begins. A campaign to encourage the government to provide more funding support to universities is also underway.

Show your support by:

• Writing a letter to your MP or the Minister of Education Jan Tinetti about the importance of teaching and research across the university (and specifically in information studies)
• Writing a letter to the university expressing your support for the programme.
  Please send to:
  • Professor Nic Smith, Vice Chancellor Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka e: Vice-Chancellor@vuw.ac.nz 
  • cc Professor Jane Bryson Dean of the Wellington School of Business and Government – Ōrauariki e: jane.bryson@vuw.ac.nz 
  • cc Information Studies Programme e: infostudies@vuw.ac.nz
• Sign the petition asking the government to provide universities with the funds to stop impending cuts: 
  https://www.together.org.nz/provide_tertiary_institutions_a_funding_boost_to_enable_good_long_term_staffing_decisions

• Share your personal story or testimonial on social media about how your information studies post-graduate qualification has supported your career:
  • LinkedIn: Tag in @Victoria University of Wellington or
    Join the Information Studies Programme LinkedIn group and post your story of support
  • Facebook: Post on your own page and tag @Te Herenga Waka—Wellington Uni
  • Twitter: Post and tag @InfoStudiesWgtn and @WellingtonUni.
  • Use the tag #SaveVUW in your posts.
    
    

The Master of Information Studies is the only master’s programme offered in New Zealand for library and information professionals. We urge you to send a letter of support now.

Please consider using and/or adapting any points below that you consider relevant to your own organisation or circumstances in your letter of support.

UPDATE ON INFORMATION STUDIES PROGRAMME REVIEW
July 6, 2023

​Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign to keep the Information Studies Programme at Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington which was one of those under review by the Vice-Chancellor.
 
Here is an update on the review from the Information Studies Programme.
 
Firstly, Professor Anne Goulding comments:

“We are incredibly grateful to all those who wrote and lobbied. Our Dean of Faculty specifically mentioned the number of representations she had received lobbying for Information Studies. And if the Vice-Chancellor previously wasn't very clear on who we are or what we do, he certainly does now!”

Current status of the Information Studies Programme:
Information Studies was "in scope" on the list of programmes to be reviewed in the Vice-Chancellor’s initial presentations to achieve university financial sustainability. The review was to determine whether those "in scope" programmes should be cut and/or discontinued.

Following the review, a formal proposal was published. In the formal proposal, the decision was taken that Information Studies would not​ be discontinued and was now out of scope.

However, the School of Information Management (which Information Studies is part of) has to lose two academic staff members at senior lecturer/associate professor level. These could come from either Information Studies or Information Systems, or a combination.
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Now, with the Government’s additional funding, the proposal is being revised. Information Studies staff have the impression that the additional funding will be directed towards trying to save those programmes to be discontinued, rather than reversing cuts to other programmes, so the two academic staff members may still be lost. But it seems that the Information Studies programme will continue. 

Makerspaces have emerged as dynamic environments within libraries, responding to the opportunities presented by new technologies and serving as vital platforms for fostering digital literacy in our communities. In this article, we explore two makerspaces: Auaha Makerspace at Hamilton Libraries Te Ohomauri o Kirikiriroa and Palmerston North City Libraries Blueprint Makerspace. 

Makerspaces in libraries
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A research project by Hartnett, M, Butler, P, Mentis, M, Carvalho, L, & Kearney A (2020), published by Massey University looked at public libraries in New Zealand as spaces for digital inclusion. They found that most library staff were motivated to support the digital needs of library users, recognising the importance of digital technologies and assisting library users with foundational digital tasks as a regular part of the library staff role.

“Libraries are an important institution that serves the learning needs of its community. STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) is an important lifelong endeavour and libraries are uniquely positioned to support the lifelong learning of STEM for members of their community. Thinking of libraries as a third place for learning STEM is one approach to resolving librarians’ perceptions of STEM learning at both an individual and community level.” Bayek J Y (2013; p13-14).

Burgh S (2021) comments that “Makerspaces have the potential to help libraries redefine themselves by providing new forms of exchange and engagement with and amongst the communities they serve”. Burgh further points out that factors such as adequate financial and human resources, and the ability to design and manage a makerspace to meet both internal capacity and the expectations and needs of communities, may be difficult without proper training, guidance and support.

Krista Yuen and Chern Li Liew (2022) found that scholarly investigations into the extent and nature of schools and public libraries working together in the maker space in Aotearoa New Zealand were sparse. Their research sets out to address this knowledge gap. Their study showed that through collaborating with schools, public libraries can make meaningful contributions to social and digital inclusion in their communities. Their findings suggest that contextual flexibility should be considered in such collaborations, with partnering organisations finding a suitable model for working together.

Auaha Makerspace at Hamilton City Libraries Te Ohomauri o Kirikiriroa 
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Auaha Makerspace at Hamilton City Libraries Te Ohomauri o Kirikiriroa is a very popular space for community learning, “We get 100’s of people through every day,” says Van Kilburn Auaha Makerspace manager.

Set up in 2019, Auaha Makerspace is a space for the Hamilton community to learn creative technologies through self-directed learning and provided teaching activities. It provides a workspace for collaborating, making, learning, exploring and sharing, based around STEAM learning. Visitors have access to a range of great technology, including 3D printing, Virtual Reality, electronics, robotics, and a small but well-equipped recording studio. 
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Van says, “As we move into an increasingly digital world, being digitally literate is important for the community, and digital literacy is itself reliant on traditional literacy skills. Auaha Makerspace’s digital technology represents the fruit of the library’s push for developing and supporting community literacy and digital literacy, empowering people to access the exciting world of digital resources through a range of library programmes. For many people in the community, they have had little or no exposure to these resources, and libraries provide a place where they can learn and use them.”

“We have an emphasis on the community here at Auaha Makerspace – it’s an avenue for different people to find their peers and learn together. We have one guy in his 70’s who has been coming in regularly for months, a few hours every day, to learn 3D printing and CAD design skills, and he has gone on to teach himself additional related skills as a result. He’s worked with a young person from the LGBTQ+ community and their friends, and a local Matua Māori man engaged in similar learning pursuits. They are all working together, hanging out, working on their various projects, and sharing their learning with one another.”

Staffing has been a challenge, especially with the popularity of the space driving the number of people visiting. Visitors are encouraged to work through self-paced tutorials, and drop-in sessions provide encouragement for people to learn how to start using the equipment, but staff advice is usually in high demand. 

“With demand for staffing and a broad set of technologies to support it is important to provide sufficient oversight of the space to ensure a safe learning environment, which requires carefully managing customer expectations around personalised tuition and support.”

Van says he is incredibly lucky to have skilled and passionate staff, as it can be difficult to attract the type of skilled, multi-talented staff needed. Staff are expected to know about and support a wide range of digital tools and processes, as well as be proficient at marketing, teaching, reporting, networking, traditional librarian skills and community engagement.
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Auaha Makerspace has a focus on providing opportunities for self-learning using tutorials and learning material in a variety of formats. “We used to do class sessions during the day but found these had low interest from the community, so we changed to drop-in sessions rather than classes with some of these recorded live on Instagram.”
Auaha Makerspace pivots on what the community wants, and one request has been for more access to these technologies around the community. In response Auaha Makerspace are about to open a new makerspace in their newest library, Te Kete Aronui in Rototuna.

Auaha Makerspace is not set up to support commercial scale making or production activities but does encourage people who are starting new enterprises or prototyping new technologies for the local market.

“We have lots of people coming in with products and ideas who are looking to kickstart businesses, and we are able to help provide a starting point for them.” In addition, Auaha Makerspace staff refer them to other services and support systems to help them establish their business, thereby helping to grow the local business community.

There’s a real variety of things that people learn and make in Auaha Makerspace including repairing vacuum cleaners, 3D printing crockpot knobs, phone cases, clips for dryers, designing and making game pieces and dice. Visitors have invented board games, brain teaser puzzles, prototyped harvesting tools for fruit pickers, created action figures, made stickers, printed cable tidies, made buttons, game controllers, create transfers for tee-shirts for the Australian 7’s sports team supporters, performed clothing repair, circuitry repair, created bike racks, designed using virtual reality, and costumes for the Cosplay group.
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Looking to the future, Van says he and Auaha Makerspace staff will continue providing access to digital technologies and learning experiences for the Kirikiriroa community, including seeking out new and exciting opportunities to support learning in different formats and places. 

Blueprint - the Palmerston North City Library makerspace

​From the moment Blueprint Makerspace was set up in 2019, staff have been very clear that it is a maker space – not a classroom, programme or structured activity setting. It is a space where anyone can learn how to create and share whatever their imagination conjures up using the latest in fabrication technology, design software and creative tools.

Participants are encouraged to bring in their ideas and give it a go. With 2.5 staff Zak Millar, Harley Bell and Trisha Cardinelli-Wayne are available to introduce, give advice and help bring project ideas to life.

“We tell participants that we’re not here to make them something,” says Harley Bell.

“We never want to say no you can’t do that to people. But managing expectations is a big part of what we do. We try and get them to try the simple things first.”
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They’ve found that people want to work on their own projects. But staff are there to provide advice and are always monitoring what the participant is doing. There’s also cross-pollination happening. Someone might be working in the workshop and will chat with someone in the sewing area about what they are doing.

This is a central, custom-designed space that is well-used by the community. While much of the shelving has been purchased from Mitre 10 or Bunnings, tables and other equipment have been adapted and repurposed from old library equipment. Hard-wearing flooring, blinds and partitioning was set up so the space was open and purpose-driven.

Much of the equipment has been purchased from Makerspace New Zealand. Resources include sewing equipment, filament printers, 3D printers, laser cutters, a CNC router, vinyl cutters, a heat press, a wood and an electronics workshop and more. Vinyl tee shirt printing is one of the most popular activities. Participants pay a cost-recovery amount for materials they use and some materials are donated so cost nothing.

As a library space, Blueprint is about education and entertainment, says Harley. “We sit underneath the lifelong learning programme like books, DVDs and activities such as children’s storytime, we are an extension of that.” Makerspaces contribute to lifelong learning by providing the space and tools the maker community needs.

The variety is important – there might be eight different things going on in one area. A core of regulars uses the space, some started from knowing nothing and now help other people to begin on machinery like the laser cutter.

It’s a largely self-moderating environment. Because participants want to be there to make things, they help to create a cooperative and safe environment to work in. “They know if they are silly about the equipment and space they might not be let in again,” says Harley.

Staff have a very positive view of the support they have received from library management who have given them the leeway to create the space and operate it, going to bat for them to get the resources they need. Blueprint comes under Palmerston North City Libraries policies and customer service guidelines. Health and safety guidelines operate with clear instructions and equipment have safety mechanisms.

Linda Moore, Palmerston North City Libraries Manager, says the library put makerspaces into their 2015 ten-year plan so they could start thinking about it.  “We wanted to come at this from a pure makerspace philosophy. A space where makers could bring in intergenerational skills, where old-time skills meet new technology meet the super humans we have working down here.”
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It started off with a mobile kit with equipment that Harley could put into a van and take around to different places until they got the Blueprint space set up just in time for COVID!

Blueprint, she says, is now getting the staffing and resources it needs for the space to operate. And in the process, they have watched many makers develop their skills. The space is well-used but will need more resourcing if hours are increased. Minimal advertising helps keep numbers manageable and people often come through from other library and council activities.

It’s an intense environment to work within as staff bounce between all the different projects and people, problem-solving, supporting and advising on operating the equipment.

“These guys are really good at working with people,” Linda comments. They have to understand what people want to do, problem-solve and help manage people’s expectations, and know how to use the tools while also helping people get from A to B.

“A lot of people don’t realise how much this is a people role. Like working in libraries, it’s a customer-service role interacting and working with people,”.
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And Zak has the final comment, “You can have a really good makerspace with a few sewing machines, 3D printers, soldering iron and a few other tools and you can have really rotten space with all the equipment you would want in the world. The thing that makes it work is the people that look after it and the people who visit.” 

Auckland Libraries makerspaces and digital inclusion

In contrast to these two examples of makerspaces, Auckland Libraries have a variety of ways they provide makerspaces. This includes a community-driven maker space in Te Ata Tu’s TAP lab, run by volunteers on a different funding model.

Makerspaces are available in seven of their libraries. Library users can book and use the technology for free but there is no staffing to assist people to use the technology. It is well-used by people who know about the facilities.

Jo Cocker, Digital Literacy Specialist at Auckland Libraries, likes the NPL studio makerspace model Studio NPL | Nashville Public Library. “I like the way it’s structured. They have thought about all the different aspects of digital equity and digital literacy and the way it connects to all areas of the arts. They galvanize local business and philanthropy to drive the studio and then have access to the right tech. They have a purpose and structure of delivery around what they do – not just ad hoc programmes in the makerspace.”
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Jo reflects on what we are doing as a profession in the information and knowledge sector to make sure New Zealanders are prepared for the digital onslaught that’s coming. The world is moving fast, Chat GPT has just landed, and people don’t really understand it. But the deeper ramification for our society is massive and we aren’t ready, she says. 

​“The lack of investment and strategic focus nationally on makerspaces in our public libraries is symptomatic of a lack of understanding about the significant role we have to play in the digital equity space. Access to Information and knowledge is increasingly digital, my concern is that if we don’t strategically prioritise and embrace this shift as a profession, and invest in our facilities and staff, we too will be left behind.”

A final note

Makerspaces also exist at The Hive, Waitohi’s Makerspace in Johnsonville, Wellington and Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi; while other libraries, including Kāpiti District Libraries and Manawatu District Libraries, are actively exploring the inclusion of makerspaces. AUT Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau offers two makerspaces specifically catering to students studying creative technologies.
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Makerspaces have an important place in encouraging communities to explore digital technology. Yet there is very little research on makerspaces in libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand, despite the growth in services and the commitment by the sector to digital equity. Makerspaces in Aotearoa share similar experiences and challenges. These include finding qualified staff, managing expectations from participants, understanding the health and safety requirements needed, access to technology, having a clear philosophy and strategy, and gaining the resourcing needed for these services to function effectively. 

References

Bayek, J. Y. (2013). Public Libraries as Places for STEM Learning: An Exploratory Interview Study with Eight Librarians. National Center for Interactive Learning Education/Research Report. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/stemlibraryconference/events/Baek_Public_Libraries_STEM_Learning.pdf

Burgh, S. (November 19, 2021). The Changing Roles of Makerspaces and Libraries: Making of a National Library Maker Collective. https://scoprebu.medium.com/the-changing-roles-of-makerspaces-and-libraries-making-of-a-national-library-maker-collective-f37305765dba

Hartnett, E.J. (November 26, 2016). Why Make? An Exploration of User-Perceived Benefits of Makerspaces. https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/11/why-make-an-exploration-of-user-perceived-benefits-of-makerspaces/

Hartnett, M., Butler, P., Mentis, M., Carvalho, L., & Kearney, A. (2020). Public Libraries and Digital Inclusion Research Report, Massey University Institute of Education. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20489.98402

McLachlan, K. (2021). An Investigation and Evaluation of how Wellington City Libraries incorporate STEAM Education into Children and Youth services and programmes. https://ir.wgtn.ac.nz/handle/123456789/11183

Rendina, D. (2015). Defining Makerspaces: What the Research Says. http://www.renovatedlearning.com/2015/04/02/defining-makerspaces-part-1/​

Yuen, K. & Liew, C.L. (2022). Examining Public Library Collaborative Partnerships with School Makerspaces and “Making Programmes”. Journal of Library Administration, 62 (6), 793-809. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2022.2102381

In a first for Aotearoa New Zealand, DLC Director Dr Kathy Peri developed a three-phase plan to provide the tools for library staff to bring the digital world to the dementia mate wareware community.

It was in response to carers who wanted a structured approach to supporting people with dementia mate wareware during COVID-19 to be more proficient with technology.

The first phase comprised upskilling library staff on how to become digital mentors for people with dementia mate wareware. The second phase saw them in the community passing on their knowledge of the use of tablets, apps, and the internet.

And finally, a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) session was delivered with participants on their own devices over Zoom.

The evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention – which has been available in Aotearoa New Zealand for a decade – improves the quality of life for people with mild to moderate dementia mate wareware.

Delivered by Dementia Learning Centre Director Dr Kathy Peri and School of Medicine Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland Dr Gary Cheung, the therapy has reached hundreds of Kiwis.

“We opened their minds to a new world. And it shows that while we believe people with dementia are forgetting things, they also still have the capacity to learn new things,” says Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri Adult Learning, Programmes and Promotions Lead Joanne Dillon.

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People became comfortable using YouTube and even downloaded and used the very popular app Seek by iNaturalist, which allows users to identify plants in their gardens just by taking a photo.

Admittedly, Joanne says, some people didn’t see the benefit of the project. But once they saw their whānau navigating a tablet and Zoom, they saw the value.

“Not having had any exposure before to anyone with dementia was a little bit frightening to start with,” Joanne says.
“We didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into. But I’m really proud of what our team achieved with that project.

“The project highlighted for me that there’s still a window of opportunity for people with dementia to learn and to be stimulated. They deserve to have activities that they can do and enjoy, and that help them have a better quality of life.
“So, it was eye-opening for us. And it reinforced the importance of libraries’ abilities to serve their communities.”

Kathy says the project is important mahi for the dementia mate wareware community and was an opportunity to prove what support of people living with dementia matewareware to live their best possible lives in their communities looked like.

This is just one of many projects Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri have initiated in an effort towards becoming Dementia Friendly.

Two new library collections have been developed – the Memory Loss and Dementia Book Collection and Memory Matters which is a lending collection of puzzles, fidget toys and other equipment that can be borrowed for free by adults with dementia mate wareware or their loved ones.
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You will be able to hear more from Joanne about digital inclusion for older people with memory loss at the LIANZA 2023 Conference.

LIANZA is proud to announce our next president-elect and new national and appointed council members.

LIANZA PRESIDENT-ELECT 2023-24

Ivy says, “I believe my tertiary library background will bring a new perspective and enable LIANZA to connect and support librarians in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Last month we invited members to express their interest in participating in a travel research trip visiting libraries in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney between August 13-25, 2023. The cost of the trip is funded by the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme (NZLPP).

The travel research team will visit and learn from community and cultural hub libraries in Australia to:

• Broaden the understanding of the range of library service delivery possibilities available for local government and their library leaders. 
• Enhance the research outcomes of the recent LGNZ Libraries as a Service Delivery research project.
• Identify and report back on current trends for new library spaces and services that enhance the delivery of community and cultural wellbeing.

LIANZA is pleased to announce that Sana Saleem, Unitec Library Te Pūkenga, is the LIANZA representative for the travel research trip. There were 11 applications for the LIANZA position, and the selection panel very much appreciated the effort that applicants put into their expressions of interest, especially in a very tight timeframe.  The selection panel said, “The examples of innovative service delivery provided and the roles that applicants are playing in library services were uplifting to read and shine a light on the excellent work across the country.”

Other representatives to visit Australia include:

• Marion Read, Local Government New Zealand Te Kahui Kaunihera ō Aotearoa (LGNZ) representative.
• Denise Clarkson, Upper Hutt Libraries Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta, Public Libraries NZ (PLNZ) representative.
• Māia Abraham, Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi, Te Rōpū Whakahau representative.
• Siren Deluxe, Kāpiti Libraries, NZLPP Te Whiria Tangata kākaho representative.

There are some changes on the LIANZA Professional Registration board.

We want to thank Adrian Jenkins for his role as chair of the board since July last year and his board membership since late 2020. He has been an enthusiastic board leader and a steady pair of hands coordinating the board’s work and providing professional registration advice. Board member, Amanda Bond, will take on the position of LIANZA Professional Registration Board chair from July 1. Thank you to Amanda for stepping into this role.

Are you professionally registered, an active member of the library and information sector, and with an interest in professional development? Do you have some time to spare? We are seeking new members of the LIANZA Professional Registration Board.
 
LIANZA is seeking expressions of interest for positions on the LIANZA Professional Registration Board. Is this a role for you?

Here’s what you need to know.

• The term is for three years, with additional terms approved by LIANZA Council.
• Your time commitment would be around five hours per month.
• You must be a current personal member of LIANZA, Te Rōpū Whakahau, School Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (SLANZA), New Zealand Law Librarians’ Association (NZLLA), International Association of Music Librarians (IAML(NZ)) or Australian NZ Theological Library Association (ANZTLA) and hold current LIANZA Professional Registration.
• You must also have the support of your employer to become a board member.

PLEASE CHECK THE POSITION DESCRIPTION HERE FOR MORE DETAILS 

If you are ready to contribute to the professional development of other library and information colleagues, I encourage you to express your interest in joining the LIANZA Professional Registration Board. Take the next step in your professional journey and seize this rewarding opportunity.
 
Please submit your expression of interest HERE by June 20, 2023.