Student Focus: Deborah Hart
Deborah Hart is a Children and Teens Librarian for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. She has a 17 year old daughter, a pomeranian/maltese dog, a cat that keeps forgetting how to get in the cat door, and two guinea pigs with crazy hairstyles. |
Can you describe your library journey up until this point?
During the last six months at university I was looking for a part-time job, and saw a fixed-term position working in the Serials Department at the University of Waikato Library. I had never thought about working in a library before, but I applied, got it, and found I really enjoyed working there. My library career was launched! Since then I’ve worked at Huntly Library; the University of Waikato Library (Reference & Interloans; and the Law Library); and Tauranga City Libraries. About 10 or 11 years altogether. Then I made a career change in 2011, and trained to be a primary school teacher. I started teaching at Tauranga Waldorf School, but my Mum and Dad were both getting very frail, so I left my job and cared for them full-time for four years. When I was returning back to work, I realised that, although I loved teaching, I didn’t want to have to start from scratch again. Te Puke Library was looking for a Children and Teen’s Librarian, I got the job – and I’ve been here ever since! What was your dream job when you were at school? I wanted to be a garden designer. I loved horticulture at school, and spent a ridiculous amount of time in the garden at home. I even got accepted into the first year horticulture course, but I had second thoughts and went to university instead and did my other favourite thing - English Literature (I’ve got a nice background in Shakespeare, and Russian Literature!). Why do you feel it is important for you to work towards a LIS qualification? The MIS is enhancing my role. I got my job without the qualification, but I want to continue learning and to make the children and teen services at Te Puke Library the best that I can make them. We have a great team, and the schools and families in our community are enthusiastic. As I reach out to them, they are showing such willingness to be part of our initiatives, so I want to make sure I’m serving them to the best of my ability. I also want to be a good example to my 17 year old daughter. I want her to see me continuously striving and improving. |
How long have you been studying for, and what are you currently studying?
A lifetime! I love learning. I’ve got a BA in English Literature; a Certificate in Children’s Literature; a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning; a Certificate in Steiner Education; and I’m currently studying towards a Master of Information Studies.
How do you juggle study, working a fulltime job, and personal commitments?
It can be busy, but it’s still manageable. My magic tool is using Trello to organise my study so it’s all at my fingertips, and I can keep track of everything. I also find a way to make each paper relevant to my job so it feels meaningful and keeps me engaged.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is thinking about studying?
Seize the opportunity to continue learning. It definitely opens up opportunities and broadens your knowledge and understanding. It’s also an excellent way to meet others in the field. For my latest assignment I had to shadow a librarian, and spent the day with Gameedah Jonas at Hamilton City Libraries. Besides being a delightful person, she was so incredibly generous with her knowledge and resources. A day wasn’t long enough! We could have easily filled another day or two. I also accompanied her colleague, Tracy Robinson, to Berkley Intermediate to see her doggy programme, Reading Buddies, in action. Fantastic programme! Both women are so passionate about what they are doing, and so happy to share their wealth of knowledge. So whether you do formal study or not, I’d recommend getting to know the wonderful people already in the field. You’ll feel inspired, invigorated, and very grateful that there are so many people who are passionate about what they are doing, and so willing to share.
This interview first appeared in the June 2019 Issue of Library Life Magazine
This interview first appeared in the June 2019 Issue of Library Life Magazine