Student Focus: Lalita Blanch
Lalita Blanch.
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Lalita has come to the library and information sector from a background in teaching and she shares what lead her to join the postgraduate programme in information studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
Tell us something about yourself and your library journey? I was born in South Australia and moved to Auckland when I was seven-years-old. I went to the Hare Krishna Primary School and attended Rutherford High School. I had a gap year which resulted in a job as a teacher aide. The following year I started my Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching. Once I finished the degree I had a short break for a few months and then landed a job teaching an international school in West Bengal for a year. When I returned to New Zealand I worked as a teacher aide at a dyslexia school for a short break from teaching and then relieved for a year. I then taught full-time for two years, completed my full teacher registration and then gave birth to my first and only child. Being on maternity leave lead me to considering a career change. I still loved the interactions with children but knew that as a mother and as a solo parent, I would not want to bring teacher paper work home. When I found out our school librarian was leaving I decided to apply for that job, because I looked up to her role and what she did for the students. I had been volunteering with her book club and been on the trips such as the Kids Lit quiz and Auckland Writer’s Festival. I decided that if I were to get that job I would also get some library qualifications and that is what lead me to join the postgraduate programme in Information Studies at Victoria University of Wellington. How long have you been studying and what qualification are you currently studying towards? I have been studying since the beginning of 2020, so almost two years now. I am 1 ½ papers away from completing the post graduate diploma. |
What made you decide to study for a post-graduate LIS qualification?
Since I already have a teaching degree, I wanted to challenge myself with the post-graduate option to also open up more opportunities for management positions in the future.
Tell us about your experience so far and what you have found most enjoyable about the programme?
So far I have most enjoyed net working with other like-minded people, in fact I passed on my job at the school library to one of my peers when I decided to spend some time as a stay-at-home mum while my child is young. I have also enjoyed broadening my knowledge because alot of what we learn is also applicable to day-to-day living such as understanding more about the Privacy Act, protecting your own privacy and record management.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards library qualification?
Give it a go, and do the papers in the order of the three-step study options such as post-graduate certificate, post-graduate diploma and then Masters. I have been completing mine in a different order and I am doing one of the first papers last, which is fine but it would have been better to study in the correct order in case I needed to stop studying.
What is your dream job after you complete your qualification?
I would like to be organising events for kids and the community in public libraries if I get a job in a library. I am definitely interested in bringing the community together and providing valuable experiences. I guess this interest also comes from my background in teaching.
If you could recommend only one book to someone, what would it be?
I recently read the Slated Trilogy by Teri Terry and I recommend that to teens and adults.
Why do you think libraries are important to a country and its communities?
Information organisations are important to countries to provide equal opportunities for people to learn and today it is also important to provide support with accessing technology, which is often a requirement for a lot of things such as passport renewal. It is also a place for people to make friends in the community through various groups such as Wriggle and Rhyme where parents in the community can meet.
Since I already have a teaching degree, I wanted to challenge myself with the post-graduate option to also open up more opportunities for management positions in the future.
Tell us about your experience so far and what you have found most enjoyable about the programme?
So far I have most enjoyed net working with other like-minded people, in fact I passed on my job at the school library to one of my peers when I decided to spend some time as a stay-at-home mum while my child is young. I have also enjoyed broadening my knowledge because alot of what we learn is also applicable to day-to-day living such as understanding more about the Privacy Act, protecting your own privacy and record management.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards library qualification?
Give it a go, and do the papers in the order of the three-step study options such as post-graduate certificate, post-graduate diploma and then Masters. I have been completing mine in a different order and I am doing one of the first papers last, which is fine but it would have been better to study in the correct order in case I needed to stop studying.
What is your dream job after you complete your qualification?
I would like to be organising events for kids and the community in public libraries if I get a job in a library. I am definitely interested in bringing the community together and providing valuable experiences. I guess this interest also comes from my background in teaching.
If you could recommend only one book to someone, what would it be?
I recently read the Slated Trilogy by Teri Terry and I recommend that to teens and adults.
Why do you think libraries are important to a country and its communities?
Information organisations are important to countries to provide equal opportunities for people to learn and today it is also important to provide support with accessing technology, which is often a requirement for a lot of things such as passport renewal. It is also a place for people to make friends in the community through various groups such as Wriggle and Rhyme where parents in the community can meet.
Did you know recent graduates automatically qualify to apply for RLIANZA?
Victoria University of Wellington Master of Library and Information Studies and Open Polytechnic qualifications are recognised by the LIANZA Professional Registration Board as meeting the LIANZA Professional Registration Bodies of Knowledge (BoKs). Graduates who are LIANZA members just need to pay the initial application fee of $57.50 and submit an application form with a copy of their qualification to become professionally registered. You then start collecting professional evidence over the next three years in order to revalidate. RLIANZA shows your peers and employers that you have demonstrated a commitment to professional standards, and to developing and enhancing competence.
READ MORE >
Victoria University of Wellington Master of Library and Information Studies and Open Polytechnic qualifications are recognised by the LIANZA Professional Registration Board as meeting the LIANZA Professional Registration Bodies of Knowledge (BoKs). Graduates who are LIANZA members just need to pay the initial application fee of $57.50 and submit an application form with a copy of their qualification to become professionally registered. You then start collecting professional evidence over the next three years in order to revalidate. RLIANZA shows your peers and employers that you have demonstrated a commitment to professional standards, and to developing and enhancing competence.
READ MORE >