Student Focus: Stephen Clothier
Can you describe your library journey up until this point?
My library journey started at the tender age of 14, when I got my library job at Hastings District Libraries. Many moons later, while I was finishing my undergraduate degrees in Wellington, I got a job in customer service at Wellington City Libraries. I was involved in projects and programmes in a bunch of different areas across the library network, from children and youth services to the eLibrary, from database evaluation to robotics and coding. A month ago, I became WCL’s Children and Youth Services Specialist – I work to support the breadth of programmes and services for children and young people across our library network, and specifically to design and ‘own’ the host of new services we’re creating for Waitohi, our brand new library and community hub in Johnsonville. What was your dream job when you were at school and how does is compare to what you are doing now? My dream job at school changed over the years, sometimes on a daily basis. For a worryingly large amount of time, I wanted to be a palaeontologist (as I think every boy does at some point). Throughout most of high school, I wanted to make a career as a classical pianist and composer – I still spend a lot of time thinking about and making music today. |
I also wanted to be a teacher, a quantum physicist, an ophthalmologist, a linguist, and yes, a librarian. I think in many ways, becoming a librarian is ideal for the person who’s interested in everything. I can’t think of a single interest or area of study I’ve engaged in that hasn’t made an appearance at some point throughout my career in librarianship, whether it’s in delivering an evening seminar series on how to listen to classical music or playing a game of ‘Guess the Ancient Greek Author’ with a bunch of classics-obsessed teenagers in my creative writing class.
How long have you been studying for and what are you currently studying? I’ve been at uni for what feels like a very long time. I completed my undergraduate degrees majoring in a heady brew of highly practical subjects like English literature, classical composition, and film, with just a dash of history and ancient Greek language and literature. At the beginning of last year, I began studying towards my MIS in Library Science at VUW – if all goes to plan, I should finish sometime early next year. Why do you feel it is important for you to work towards a LIS qualification? I am the kind of person who believes in the inherent value of education. The world of libraries and the information sector is in a constant state of flux. New initiatives and opportunities are constantly springing up – sometimes caught and other times missed. Diving into the pool of scholarly and practical thought on the problems and opportunities facing this sector is one way – a particularly powerful way – of finding a clear path forward in terms of my own service and approach to the work I do. |
How do you juggle study, working a full-time job and personal commitments?
With difficulty! Managing time is always a challenge, and that’s why I find it really important to try and find a whole block of time – usually on Sunday – to focus on my study. I will also spend some time after work each day catching up on readings, finding articles, doing research, and attending or viewing lectures. As for personal stuff, that happens when it can. Around assignment due dates I can become something of a hermit. I usually try and meet up with friends whenever possible, even if it’s just to inhale a cup of coffee at a mutually-agreed place and time!
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is thinking about studying?
Think about what matters to you, and where you’d like to be. Studying is one way forward for me as a professional, but it may not be the way forward for you. I knew I would enjoy it. Other people might find study to be a stressful distraction from their work, rather than a useful aid to it . Each person learns differently and takes different things from that learning – so ask yourself again, what matters to you? Where do you want to be?
This interview first appeared in the April 2019 Issue of Library Life Magazine
With difficulty! Managing time is always a challenge, and that’s why I find it really important to try and find a whole block of time – usually on Sunday – to focus on my study. I will also spend some time after work each day catching up on readings, finding articles, doing research, and attending or viewing lectures. As for personal stuff, that happens when it can. Around assignment due dates I can become something of a hermit. I usually try and meet up with friends whenever possible, even if it’s just to inhale a cup of coffee at a mutually-agreed place and time!
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is thinking about studying?
Think about what matters to you, and where you’d like to be. Studying is one way forward for me as a professional, but it may not be the way forward for you. I knew I would enjoy it. Other people might find study to be a stressful distraction from their work, rather than a useful aid to it . Each person learns differently and takes different things from that learning – so ask yourself again, what matters to you? Where do you want to be?
This interview first appeared in the April 2019 Issue of Library Life Magazine