Trish Wilson is Te Paetara, University Librarian at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. She tells us about her library career.
I grew up in Geraldine, which is a small town in South Canterbury, with family connections going back six generations. The beauty of living here was having many relatives around, and with only one primary and secondary school, I began and ended my school life with many of the same people, some of whom remain good friends. I was the first in my family to attend university and completed my BA (Sociology major) at the University of Canterbury in 1988. Like many young Kiwis, on completion, I set off on my OE (not that we called it that back then!).
Initially, I moved to Sydney to save money to go further afield. Here, I ‘fell into’ a library assistant role at a public library and quickly realized I really enjoyed library work. I decided that this might be the career for me. I felt I would need to undertake further library-related study to advance this career path. Moving to London in 1990, I worked as an accounts assistant for a health authority, also travelling for extended periods of time before returning to Aotearoa in 1993. On my return, I worked at the Department of Labour Library to get some further experience under my belt before undertaking the library and information diploma Te Herenga Waka in 1994.
Ever since graduating, I have worked in the library and information sector. Initially, I worked in special libraries in government agencies before moving to Melbourne, where I worked in various library roles at the University of Melbourne for seven years. Aotearoa beckoned, and I returned in 2009. After a year of managing the New Zealand Fire Service Information Centre, I moved back into academic libraries, firstly as Wellington Campus Librarian for Massey University, then moving to Te Herenga Waka Library in 2011, where I’ve been ever since! There I have held four different leadership roles, spanning the breadth of library services and support before being appointed as Te Paetara in January 2023. Funnily enough, once I embarked on this career, I realised I was probably destined to become a librarian after playing ‘libraries’ by myself as a child!
My typical day is predictably unpredictable! While it usually involves meetings, whether with library colleagues, university-wide or sector groups or committees, there is often an element of uncertainty about what the day or week might bring and where I need to focus my energies. I work with an incredibly supportive and talented team, so I often enlist their skills to respond and achieve outcomes. My role can be quite seasonal in terms of focus. For example, with the help of colleagues, writing the library’s annual report or preparing for a Library and Information Services Committee meeting at certain times, budget planning and preparation for the upcoming year is a focus at other times. I love the variety that my role offers and the opportunity to enable others to offer outstanding library services and support for our community. I also enjoy the many relationships and networking opportunities it offers me. Regardless of what my day holds, communication is a key element.
I’ve been a member of LIANZA throughout my career. While currently not that active, I have previously been involved in the special libraries interest group and I am a member of LIANZA TELSIG. I enjoy attending the occasional webinar and other offerings. I enjoy reading through Library Life and had a great time at the LIANZA Conference in Christchurch last year – an excellent event with a well-rounded program and an opportunity to connect and reconnect with colleagues.
From an early stage in my career, I was keen to step into a management role, and while it took some perseverance, I landed my first team leader position at the New Zealand Treasury in 2002 and have enjoyed leading teams since. Successfully gaining my first role at the University of Melbourne as the Burnely Campus Librarian is another highlight, as this introduced me to the world of academic libraries. My involvement with IATUL (International Association of Scientific and Technological, particularly as the chair of their special interest group – metrics and research impact, for five years, was a great experience. It offered me many opportunities to build global relationships while extending and sharing my knowledge in the library research services space. Without a doubt, being appointed as an Associate Director back in 2010 was a highlight and then, of course, my recent appointment to Te Paetara, University Librarian. I feel incredibly proud and privileged to lead such an amazing team at a university to which I have a strong connection and affiliation, in the city I love.
Be open-minded about the possibilities and opportunities that your qualifications offer. Seeking various roles or working in different sectors helps to develop skills and experience and allows you to identify what aspects of your role bring you joy and show how you’d like to shape your career. Also, don’t be afraid to take chances. Apply for roles you like the look of, even if you don’t have all the experience – back yourself! Seek opportunities, and don’t feel disheartened if you don’t always succeed.
I would like to see libraries and information services continue adapting to changing technologies and the needs of the communities we support. I would like them to be vibrant, relevant, and inspiring spaces, both digitally and physically, that embrace and welcome diversity. I hope libraries and information services continue to make positive, meaningful, and valued contributions to our communities.
