E noho rā and thank you to a SLIS stalwart

After almost 10 years on the LIANZA SLIS committee as Co-convenor, Hannah Russell (NIWA) has stood down to focus on other work commitments.

Hannah has made a huge contribution to the running of the LIANZA SLIS Committee by organising events; planning budgets; and representing LIANZA SLIS (and the special library perspective) and government libraries in various consultation sessions with LIANZA and vendors. She has always gone the extra mile and has put in many, many hours into the SLIS Committee over her impressive tenure.

Hannah is going to be sorely missed by the rest of the committee, and we would like to thank her for long-term commitment and support. Kia ora rawa atu! E noho rā, all the best Hannah!

This does mean that we are back down to six members on the SLIS Committee. It would be great if we could rustle up a few more members. We meet every two months in the Wellington CBD, so it is not onerous.

If anyone thinks they might be interested, or would just like to know more, please get in touch for a no-obligation chat with Jo or Martin.

LIANZA SLIS committee

The LIANZA Office caught up with Hannah and asked her a few questions about her time spent on the LIANZA SLIS committee

Q WHAT WERE THE DRIVING FACTORS FOR YOU TO STAY INVOLVED WITH LIANZA SLIS FOR SUCH A LONG TIME?

A I suppose initially it was the draw of having connections with a wider group of other special librarians. I probably stayed on for so long as I got to work with some really great people, and it almost never felt like hard work.

WHAT YOU HAVE GAINED FROM YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN LIANZA SLIS?

Probably one of the most important things I’ve gained is a strong connection to a network of librarians, particularly (but definitely not restricted to) in special libraries, and connections to the LIANZA Office as well. Being on the committee has also given me much greater confidence speaking in public. I suppose that before joining the committee I hadn’t really had to speak in front of a large group since my school days, and the first time I had to introduce someone for a SLIS event I was a nervous wreck! These days I can speak to any group with very few qualms.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN SINCE YOU BEGAN?

We’ve been through a fair number of people on the LIANZA SLIS committee in my time, but I think that’s good, as long as we continue to get people who are prepared to step up. The biggest changes though are probably the recent ones with LIANZA SIGS changing to communities, and the associated funding changes. I hope that all the communities can continue to thrive, and I hope that LIANZA does too.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

If you’re interested in joining the LIANZA SLIS committee, please do put yourself forward – it doesn’t matter what stage you’re at in your career. We’re always looking for volunteers, and you’ll get to work with a good bunch of people, extend your network of contacts, and be involved in some interesting projects.

On behalf of LIANZA, I want to thank Hannah for her contribution to LIANZA SLIS over many years. She has truly demonstrated that LIANZA is powered by its members for its members - Nau te rourou naku te rourou.

LIANZA provides a platform to get things done and Hannah has utilised this platform to support and grow connections with special library colleagues.

Tēnā rawa atu koe,

Ana Pickering LIANZA Executive Director