Inspired by a lifelong love of books and a deep commitment to the library profession, the Caroline and Lorna Williams Emerging Librarian Grant has been established to support the next generation of library leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Established by Caroline Williams and named in honour of both Caroline and her mother, Lorna Williams, the grant recognises the power of encouragement, lifelong learning, and access to information. Caroline credits her mother – a passionate reader who always had a stack of books at hand – with nurturing the love of reading that led her to decide, at just 12 years old, that she wanted to become a librarian.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Caroline worked across a wide range of libraries, from the National Library and Reserve Bank Library to MAF Fisheries Library, which merged with NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research), and other specialist libraries in Aotearoa and overseas. For Caroline, librarianship was never simply a job – it was a vocation centred on bringing people and information together.
The grant reflects Caroline’s wish to give back to a profession that supported her throughout her career. She hopes the grant will help emerging librarians access professional development opportunities, build new skills, expand their networks, and grow as future leaders.
Caroline's own career was supported through what she describes as "increments of knowledge" – continually learning, adapting, and embracing new opportunities as the profession evolved. From the arrival of computer technologies in libraries to today's rapidly changing digital landscape, she believes that continuous learning is essential for library and information professionals.
Caroline believes the librarians of tomorrow will need both digital agility and strong interpersonal skills to serve their communities effectively. Through this grant, she hopes to encourage curiosity, continuous learning, and a commitment to upholding the values of diversity, truth, and freedom of information.
The Caroline and Lorna Williams Emerging Librarian Grant is an investment in the future of the profession – supporting passionate, emerging library professionals to learn, connect, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Image: Caroline Williams and LIANZA president Mark Crookston
