Kia Ora,

Thank you to those who have already put their hands up to help out but there is still plenty of room for more helpers!

O week, which will probably end up more like an O-Fortnight, is the library’s first chance each year to put on a welcoming face. It lets our students get to know us as recognisable individuals rather than as an institution. It could make a personal connection that makes it comfortable to be in here and easier to ask us for help.

Here’s what is on the cards so far:

• Guess the jellybean jars in all 3 libraries (plus the stall) – winner will get enough sugar to last them through the first assignment…
• Coloured pathways to help with queues and to help students navigate the enrolment processes that take place in PJH.
• More sugar to soothe frayed nerves while waiting in those queues.
• A relaxation lounge – with tea, coffee, water, juice and hot water set up to give a space to step out of the hurly-burly.
• Puna passport introducing the three libraries to students – this may be reworked a little
• UV markers to help students ID their laptops etc for the year ahead to guard against theft. (O Day Stall).
• O Day stall – 17 February most of the day
• Floating meet-and-greet station in the foyer. Something Sara and I tried for the UX course back in October which seemed to have potential. We will be the first people students see when they come in; the first welcome they get. That will make library staff the first people to be seen and identified – the first to make a connection, the first to help, direct and assist. For 99% of students, it will be a simple greeting or even just a smile. For those that look a bit overawed or uncertain, it could be a bit of a lifeline.

If there is an activity that you’d like to get involved with, let me know of put a comment on the Teams channel into the chat.

Right now, there is a word document in the Files area of the channel with a table for you to slot yourselves into for the O-Day stall (17 Feb) and our floating welcome desk in the foyer (13 to 25 Feb). No special skills are necessary! You don’t need to be a massive extrovert – just be able to smile, believe in what you do for a living and be ready to talk about it to total strangers!

Ka Kite, Simon