Poipoia te kākano kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom
Te Tōtara is a capability framework for our Aotearoa library and information sector. It is a set of skills, behaviours and attitudes needed to do our jobs well, now and in the future.
This framework includes most of the capabilities needed for libraries and related teams. It is based on best practices and considers evolving competencies such as digital information storage and sharing.
A workforce capability framework provides:
- Consistency: a common foundation and language to describe the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform work within a role in the library or wider sector.
- Clarity: a clear understanding of expectations for a role, helping people to identify strengths that will enable them to succeed in their current role and/or create a career pathway. It forms part of our personal development plan.
- Autonomy: an equitable approach to workforce development, helping people identify strengths and development objectives that will help them.
The framework was co-created with input from over 100 representatives in the Aotearoa library and information sector and collaboration with the Aotearoa (LIANZA and Te Rōpū Whakahau), Australian (ALIA), and United Kingdom (CILIP) library associations.
How to use this workbook alongside Te Tōtara Capability Framework
Get ready
Have Te Tōtara capability framework document ready on your screen (or your team could print and bind one copy to share) to reference the descriptions about each capability. You can either print the Taku Tōtara workbook or complete it on your computer.
Read & reflect
Read the capability descriptions in Te Tōtara document, assess your level of capability, and reflect on the questions related to your capability level.
Whakaaro
Write down your thoughts and reflections, using the areas in this workbook. In a few words, record your strengths and if there are any 'work in progress' areas you would like to develop further. Try and keep it short and sweet!
Set goals & plan
Analyse all your strengths and work-in-progress areas and set three ATAMAI (SMART) goals in the capability areas where you want or need to learn and develop.
Make an action plan for your goals using the calendar.
Kōrero
Have a kōrero with your manager, team leader or team on how you will approach this learning and development, when you will review together, and adjust the goals and plans accordingly.
Short on time?
There is also a short version of Taku Tōtara which you can use either as a quick reference to self-assess and set some goals in an Action Plan and then kōrero with your team leader or manager.
The expectation of your capability level depends on your role, department or the organisation you work in. Remember, the goal is not to be an expert in every capability identified in this framework.
Useful introductory resources
- Introduction to Te Tōtara flyer >
- Te Tōtara poster >
- Take learning into your own hands e-learning module >
- Building the capability of library and information professionals - LIANZA webinar >
Useful resources for leaders and teams
There are many ways to approach Te Tōtara, as teams and individuals. Your approach may be:
- comprehensive or bite-sized
- starting at the roots or starting at a particular capability area
- engaging individually or as a team exercise, sharing team capabilities about the knowledge, skills and attitudes that make up librarianship
- sharing with key stakeholders in your organisation or sharing with groups in your communities.
Professional Registration
Your reflections on the areas in Te Tōtara and the learning goals you set can be used to demonstrate your professional development in applying for professional registration and revalidation.