Student Focus: Hannah Goile-mcevoy

I was born and raised on the Kapiti Coast and moved down to Nelson just over a year and a half ago with my parents and sisters. I enjoy spending my summer in the water at the beach or river and in the winter curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. I’m constantly adding more books that cross my path at work to my never ending TBR list, but I guess that’s the danger of working in a library.

QCAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LIBRARY JOURNEY UP UNTIL THIS POINT?

ALibraries have always been a large part of my life ever since I was young. From being taken on regularly library visits when I was little to attending the local young adult book club and being a part of a teen advisory group for a little while I also volunteered at Kapiti Coast District Library where I spent a few summers helping with check-ins for the summer reading program which is like coming full circle as I participated in these programs while in primary school. I am very thankful for the opportunities provided by my library growing up on the Kapiti Coast. This November has marked my first year in the role of a Library Assistant at Nelson Public Libraries. Now, at 22 I am loving this next chapter of my personal journey – a new library in my new home town with an amazing team supporting me.

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

I am currently in my second year studying towards a New Zealand Diploma in Information and Library Services. The diploma consists of six courses, covering a range of different aspects in library services from navigating and using information to collection management. This diploma is my first step in my education journey, after which I plan to further my knowledge with a Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO STUDY FOR A LIS QUALIFICATION?

I was working in retail at a bookstore and while I enjoyed my work I knew that I wanted to be doing something more. It took me a bit of time to realise that working in libraries is where I really wanted to be, and that it wasn’t just going to be a job, it would be a career. I was looking at my options and felt that I would have a better chance to get a job in a library, and that my passion would be recognised, if I was actively pursuing related study.

HOW DO YOU JUGGLE STUDY AND WORK?

I am lucky to be working parttime, which gives me the opportunity to balance work and study. I try to put aside a set amount of time (‘try’ being the keyword here) each day to read the required material and work on assignments, although, most of my uninterrupted study is achieved through the weekends. However, despite my best intentions time can slip away from me and before I know it something is due!

I HEAR YOU WORK AT UPPER HUTT LIBRARY CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOUR JOB INVOLVES?

A lot of my job is based in the children’s library. I am one of the presenters of our regular Smalltime and Storytime programmes, so lots of singing (something I never would have seen myself doing two years ago), reading and most importantly, operating our bubble machine.

I do a fair amount of work organising relative craft activities, whether it be for Storytime, school holiday programs or other events we are hosting.

Over all my job is customer focused through helping patrons find what they are after; offering technical support (how to log into their emails, printing/ photocopying and connecting to our Wi-fi) and the obvious issuing of books and making sure books go back where they belong.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STUDYING?

My advice would be that if you have been thinking about it, go for it. There are so many options for study and the knowledge gained can be used in a variety of roles even outside of library services. Definitely reach out to those who have done the same course you are considering for some invaluable advice, I did and was not steered wrong. I think it is also important to make sure that you don’t stretch yourself too thin, you can take it one course at a time and if you need you can take a break. The most important thing is that you can communicate with your tutors or student support staff who can provide great assistance if you have any questions or are in need of some support.