Student Focus: Lisa-Dean Gallagher
Lisa-Dean Gallagher
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Lisa-Dean Gallagher is a 28-year-old full-time mother and full-time LIS student living on a hobby farm in Auckland. She says, “I read anything and everything, but when I find a book or series that I love, I frequently re-read it (I’m looking at you, ‘Harry Potter’).”
Kia ora Lisa and thanks for talking with Library Life. Can you describe your library journey up to this point? My love affair with reading began as a young child, modelled in part by my older sister who is blind. My sister was a voracious reader, and our parents gave us matching books – audiobooks for her and print books for me to read along as we listened. My appetite grew. I started school, discovered that libraries exist, and that was it! I have frequented them ever since. I volunteered as a student librarian in high school and joked with my friends and family that my love of reading and my growing book hoard would lead to my own ‘Beauty and the Beast’ style library one day. I finally met my fiancé, who agrees wholeheartedly, and we are slowly working towards our goal one book at a time. How long have you been studying and what qualification are you currently studying towards? I am just starting my third (and final) year of study. I am currently working towards the Bachelor of Library and Information Studies through the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand after completing the New Zealand Diploma in Library and Information Studies (also through the Open Polytechnic) in 2019. |
Can you tell our readers about your experience in this programme and its benefits to librarianship?
Although I have had no previous experience of the inner workings of libraries, I have been able to comfortably navigate this programme. It has broadened my understanding of the role of librarians today and made me feel more certain that this is the right path for my life. I particularly enjoyed the Te Ao Māori course, which helped fuel a desire for me to connect with my Māori heritage.
What made you decide to study for a LIS qualification?
I have always dreamed of being a librarian – mostly because I thought that I would be able to read books all day! I did not really know how to approach a career within the field and stumbled into cookery instead. After a time, I found myself needing to move into a less physically demanding job. I saw this course advertised and talked to my fiancé, who encouraged me to apply. It felt like the right time to take charge of the direction of my life and do something I would love.
How do you juggle study and parenthood?
I had my son during my second year of study. It has been extremely difficult finding the balance between meeting my child’s needs (which must always come first) and finding the time to study. My fiancé has been amazing, often pulling long shifts with our boy so that I can devote my full attention to my assignments. I went through a rocky patch shortly after his birth and worried that I would fail my courses, but my course leaders were supportive and encouraging, giving me the confidence to carry on with my studies. My son is over six-months-old and our routines are finally settled, allowing me to plan specific times to work on my tasks. Ultimately, knowing I am doing this for all of us keeps me focused.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a library qualification?
If you have an interest and a passion, follow it wherever it leads! Libraries are not disappearing, they are adapting. I like to think I came to this field for the books, but I’m staying for the library users.
Although I have had no previous experience of the inner workings of libraries, I have been able to comfortably navigate this programme. It has broadened my understanding of the role of librarians today and made me feel more certain that this is the right path for my life. I particularly enjoyed the Te Ao Māori course, which helped fuel a desire for me to connect with my Māori heritage.
What made you decide to study for a LIS qualification?
I have always dreamed of being a librarian – mostly because I thought that I would be able to read books all day! I did not really know how to approach a career within the field and stumbled into cookery instead. After a time, I found myself needing to move into a less physically demanding job. I saw this course advertised and talked to my fiancé, who encouraged me to apply. It felt like the right time to take charge of the direction of my life and do something I would love.
How do you juggle study and parenthood?
I had my son during my second year of study. It has been extremely difficult finding the balance between meeting my child’s needs (which must always come first) and finding the time to study. My fiancé has been amazing, often pulling long shifts with our boy so that I can devote my full attention to my assignments. I went through a rocky patch shortly after his birth and worried that I would fail my courses, but my course leaders were supportive and encouraging, giving me the confidence to carry on with my studies. My son is over six-months-old and our routines are finally settled, allowing me to plan specific times to work on my tasks. Ultimately, knowing I am doing this for all of us keeps me focused.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying towards a library qualification?
If you have an interest and a passion, follow it wherever it leads! Libraries are not disappearing, they are adapting. I like to think I came to this field for the books, but I’m staying for the library users.
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 >