Update from New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme

It’s been very encouraging to see the strong support for the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme from councils and libraries across the country.  Most libraries are already benefitting from the waiving of fees including APNK and programme participants are steadily being filled. 

Providing direction and guidance to the programme is our Steering Group. The members are: Karen Thomas – SOLGM, Anahera Morehu – LIANZA, Anahera Sadler – Te Rōpū Whakahau, Chris Hay – Public Libraries of NZ, Mike Reid – Local Government NZ, and Vanisa Dhiru – InternetNZ. The group is chaired by Rachel Esson who was recently appointed as New Zealand’s National Librarian Te Pouhuaki. 

Rachel Esson – National Library

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

We are now developing our approach to training, coaching and Communities of Practice for librarians and programme participants. So, in addition to our Steering Group, both a Reference Group and a Training Advisory Group have been established to work with the programme and are comprised of librarians, library managers and experts across the sector. They will collaborate on those work streams to deliver the best outcomes possible for the six focus areas of the programme which are:

1. Digital inclusion and literacy
   
2. Library workforce development
   
3. Community engagement
   
4. Reading for pleasure
   
5. Te Reo and mātauranga Maori
   
6. Local content creation.  

In the coming week a survey request will come out to library managers and the library staff supported by the programme. The survey is to provide a high level assessment of the skills and knowledge across the six focus areas and what level of training and coaching support is needed for the staff being supported by the programme. 
 
Lastly we are working across Government agencies and playing our part in COVID response initiatives. Two key initiatives are the Direct Career Service and Caring for Communities. The Direct Career Service to build confidence in job seekers and give them the tools and resources to take steps towards employment or education - careers.govt.nz/career-advice. Caring for Communities has a a national campaign aimed at parents is underway for the rest of Term 4, with the key message being “School is the best place for kids to be”-  parents.education.govt.nz/essential-information. 
 
For more information on the NZLPP visit www.natlib.govt.nz or email librariespartner@dia.govt.nz