We Are LIANZA: Jane Hill
In this new column we talk to members from all walks of life, and stages of their careers, to see who and what makes up LIANZA.
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Kia ora Jane and thank you for talking to Library Life. This issue is focusing on LIANZA’s 110th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of our partnership with Te Rōpū Whakahau. We are both looking back and looking forward! HH: You were made a life member of LIANZA in 2015, you also have received an LIANZA Associateship and LIANZA Fellowship. You’ve been a member of LIANZA for decades and you were President 2011-12. You must have seen a lot of changes take place over the years, does anything in particular really stick in your memory? JH: There have been many changes. Here are five key ones from my perspective:
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HH: What do you think are the biggest challenges for libraries in the 21st century?
JH: Three things are top-of-mind for me. Firstly, the growing diversity of delivery methods – which means libraries must continue to redefine and enhance their roles, resources and expertise. Secondly, political advocacy and leadership are vital to ensure key library and information messages are heard. Finally, community partnerships in the widest sense. HH: You’ve had an incredible career in tertiary libraries, public libraries and local government management. You’re a mentor and sponsor for the INELI programme, and contributed to the set-up phase following New Zealand winning the bid to host IFLA WLIC in 2022. Can you share with our readers what your personal career highlights have been? |
JH: I remember Peter Biggs quoting from Mary Oliver at a PLNZ meeting – Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
For me libraries are in my blood. They have provided opportunities world-wide to undertake different roles and experiences. My personal highlights have included being a leader and a coach of people – He Tangata, It is people – and working with different communities including LIANZA, public libraries, local government and INELI. I joined Sue Sutherland to work on the first Strategic Framework for Public Libraries 2006, which as I said earlier was very much a game changer for the library sector. Two building projects were career highlights – the Wellington Central Library that opened in 1999 and the Waitohi hub that saw the new state of the art Johnsonville Library being opened on 14 December 2019 in Wellington. |
HH: Why do you think it is important to have a national professional membership organisation such as LIANZA? What would you like to see LIANZA do more of?
JH: I believe that LIANZA Te Rau Herenga o Aoteoroa fulfills a key role to connect, advocate and support the library and information profession. It is a voice for the value of libraries and information services. It can respond to international, national and local initiatives and situations. It develops and connects members to a wealth of resources, publications, conferences, professional development and working groups /committees that provide new ideas and insights. It partners with similar GLAMMI organisations in NZ and overseas.
I think the LIANZA Council needs to continue to encourage new approaches and opportunities for the involvement of many members, not just a few. For example, I think that the wide response to the call for working group members to consider and recommend a structure for the future strategic leadership of LIANZA and its governance structure reflects the interest in the profession, future and change. It is a very positive sign.
HH: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us Jane and best of luck for your future endeavours.
JH: I believe that LIANZA Te Rau Herenga o Aoteoroa fulfills a key role to connect, advocate and support the library and information profession. It is a voice for the value of libraries and information services. It can respond to international, national and local initiatives and situations. It develops and connects members to a wealth of resources, publications, conferences, professional development and working groups /committees that provide new ideas and insights. It partners with similar GLAMMI organisations in NZ and overseas.
I think the LIANZA Council needs to continue to encourage new approaches and opportunities for the involvement of many members, not just a few. For example, I think that the wide response to the call for working group members to consider and recommend a structure for the future strategic leadership of LIANZA and its governance structure reflects the interest in the profession, future and change. It is a very positive sign.
HH: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us Jane and best of luck for your future endeavours.