Kia ora koutou

The Library Review Report continues to be shared and socialised with a number of UC committees, tabled this week at PFRC (Planning, Finance & Resources Committee) and at Research Committee. And it is on the agenda for next week’s Learning & Teaching Committee meeting.  We’re also engaging with colleagues in Digital Services about the report findings and recommendations next week.

At every hui so far, the level of interest, engagement and support is notable. Don’t forget to keep an eye on, and add to, the Library Review Report feedback (padlet.com) – to capture and share our ongoing kōrero, and potentially inspire follow-on conversations, as well.

Since my last update, we’ve shared a very special experience at our Pacific Talanoa Day last week, co-designed by the Pacific Development Team and our Pacific Liaison Library staff.  We’ve also travelled together in groups to Tūranga, where we were hosted by CCL colleagues in the Māori and Multicultural Services Team and gifted a guided tour of the building’s cultural narrative. This was followed by kōrero with the team on embodying meaningful Tiriti-centred ways of working in our professional library practice.

Both experiences were immensely valuable and insightful, for us individually and for us collectively.  I give thanks to all of you who helped make this happen, and who provided gentle guidance and support alongside.  We (Library Managers) are keen to harness the momentum and keep our collective focus increased in this area.  We’re spending time just now identifying what this could best look like over coming months and into 2024, in terms of events, activities, shared learning and ongoing support.  We’d like to hear and share thoughts with you all too, and welcome your ideas at the follow-up hui coming soon and in your calendars!

It was also lovely to host Tim Darlington from Massey University Library this week, for him to soundboard on, support and see our progress with Folio implementation (Massey went through exactly this two years ago).  Tim shared his immediate reflection with me that our team comprises such a broad spread of incredible talent and capability.  I already knew this, but it was heart-warming to hear it from a trusted former colleague, whose views I deeply respect.

We’re on the home straight to summer festivities now, but I appreciate there is a lot still on and a lot still to get through.  Take care, one and all.

Mā te wā,
Kat