STUDENT FOCUS
STUDY LEADS TO CAREER CHANGE
Growing up in the UK, Leila Torrington enjoyed the fun and imagination that books and stories brought to her life. Since then, she’s held onto that love for stories and appreciation for libraries, eventually changing careers into the industry she loves.
When Leila arrived in Christchurch from the UK, she started work for Metro, the public transport network, before deciding she wanted a change and to pursue a job in a field associated with literature and education. From there, her childhood love of libraries sparked Leila’s interest in getting started in the library and information sector.
Knowing that a qualification would help to establish herself, she chose the Open Polytechnic because of its flexibility. “Studying online meant that I could still work at my job, and I didn’t have to move anywhere.”
Leila’s first role was working as a library assistant at Massey University. Her studies in the New Zealand Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5) were directly related to her work there. “We studied the
Dewey Decimal system as part of one of my courses. As part of a job interview, I had to arrange virtual books into Dewey Decimal order. The regular shelving and short loan work relied on this knowledge.”
Learning about how different communities use the library was also valuable. “I learned about how Māori, Pacific, Pākehā and other communities use the library. The course, te ao Māori in the Information Environment, taught me about tikanga, the importance of karakia and spaces for kōrero and talanoa.”
Reflecting on her study experience, Leila says it was hugely influential for her career progression. “Getting the qualification opened doors to interviews and introduced me to incredibly helpful tutors,
who I have since met in the library profession. Along with the learning, it was a huge confidence boost. If I could manage working full time, studying, volunteering, and running consultations, I could take on any challenge!”
Leila now works as a biology and psychology subject librarian at Victoria University in Wellington. Through her Open Polytechnic studies, Leila learned about creating her pepeha and introducing herself in te reo.
“I did a pepeha to introduce myself at the interview. My training at Open Polytechnic taught me the importance of introducing myself in te reo, opening the meeting with respect and aroha.”
“If I hadn’t studied this programme and got all the encouragement from my tutors, I wonder if I would be achieving these goals.”
Grants are currently available for those seeking tertiary qualifications in library and information studies through the LIANZA SLANZA Tertiary Grants. NB: the March round has closed, but another application round opens in early October.
If you would like to find out more about library and information studies programmes at the Open Polytechnic, visit: https://bit.ly/3zsgy2z.