STUDENT FOCUS

Rob Cruickshank is a Programming Specialist with Christchurch City Libraries, working in the award-winning new building at Tūranga. He has a beautiful wife (also a librarian!) and two lovely children, who never cease to delight and amaze him, as well as the support of a wonderful team of talented and creative colleagues. When not working or studying, he likes to spend time with family and friends, go to pub quizzes, and play the drums.

@bugblokenz Q CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LIBRARY JOURNEY UP

A

UNTIL THIS POINT?

I came to libraries relatively late in my career after many years working as a biologist in various different guises, an interest that I continue to maintain as an academic journal editor. My first library job was as a part-time library assistant at Aranui Library, a small community library in the east of Christchurch. In many ways that was the perfect introduction to the importance of libraries to people’s lives. The team were so warm and welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, although it was not without its challenges. After about nine months at Aranui I was lucky enough to get a job at Tūranga, where I work now as a Programming Specialist, a relatively new role at Christchurch City Libraries that allows me to combine my new found love of libraries with some of the knowledge and skills I gained doing research and teaching science. When I started in that role, the library was still a building site, so we spent the first few months learning and planning. When the building opened it felt incredible to be working there at the start of something so new and amazing, which thankfully was quickly taken to heart by the people of Christchurch. Something I hear a lot is ‘this must be a great place to work.’ To which I can only answer ‘Absolutely, it is!’

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN STUDYING AND WHAT QUALIFICATION ARE YOU CURRENTLY STUDYING TOWARDS?

I am studying for a Graduate Certificate in Library and Information Leadership at the Open Polytechnic. This consists of three level 7 papers, of which I have completed two and just begun the third and final one, so I have been studying for two semesters, with one to go. The papers focus on critical perspectives, strategy and planning, and leadership and advocacy, from a library and information management perspective. There’s some choice in assessment topics, so I’ve been able to explore subjects that are of particular interest to me and relevant to my own role.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO STUDY FOR A LIS QUALIFICATION?

Coming into libraries from another profession, I was looking for a way to learn more about the library and information sector. This qualification seemed an ideal way to do that. I’m not sure what my career aspirations are right now, so for me, career advancement was a secondary consideration.

HOW DO YOU JUGGLE STUDY AND WORK?

Fortunately for me, while I was taking my first two papers I was working part-time, so I had the luxury of being able to study on the days I wasn’t working. I’ve just gone full-time, so it will be interesting to see how I get on now that I have less free time. I must say, I’m beginning to feel the pressure, so I’m full of admiration for my fellow students who manage to study while working full-time and often juggling lots of other commitments too. The Open Polytechnic teaching staff seem very sympathetic to the needs of students with busy family and work lives, but I know that many mature students end up studying late at night or early in the morning when the rest of the family are in bed. I’m not much of a morning person myself, so late nights suit me best. I also think that my experience in academia has prepared me well for this study as I am familiar with expectations of essay writing, referencing, etc. but it’s been interesting to see how this works differently in a less familiar disciplinary context.

I HEAR YOU WORK IN THE MAKER SPACE AT TŪRANGA CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT THAT INVOLVES?

I’m part of the team who look after the creative technology we have on Auahatanga, the Creativity floor at Tūranga. Our job is to make this technology available to customers through school visits, after-school clubs, holiday activities, workshops, and regular open creative times when we’re available to help people to use our technology to design and make their own creations. It’s a fascinating job, with endless variety as we never know what we’ll be asked to help with next. We all need to be ready to help with all the technology, but we do have our own particular interests. For me, 3D design and STEM learning are a particular focus. The thing I love most about my job is that it allows me to meet, and work with, so many cool creative people of all ages and to help them achieve their visions. That can be very satisfying. When I applied for my current job, the position description said that I would be expected to ‘creatively engage with the community with imagination and fun.’ Who wouldn’t want a job like that? I jumped at the chance.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDY?

The first thing I would say is that you are going to have to devote a significant amount of time to your studies, which means you may have to put aside other things you enjoy – for a while at least. So, make sure that you have the motivation to stick with it. Talk to the people who you share your life with. You’re going to need their support, so make sure they understand what you’re intending to do and why it’s important to you. Once you begin, it’s all about momentum. Try to get started early and work at a steady pace throughout the semester. That will make things easier and less stressful for you and those around you. Of course, life gets in the way and it’s not always possible to keep on top of things, so be kind to yourself when things don’t go so well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your lecturers are on your side and want you to succeed, so use all the support structures that your education provider has put in place to help you achieve your best possible results. Last of all, try to have fun, enjoy your learning, and don’t forget to pass some of your new knowledge on to those around you. Studying can feel lonely sometimes, but it feels much more worthwhile when you can share your learning with others.