Gig Review: Victoria University SIM Orientation Wellington Fri 26 Feb 2010

Kia ora koutou!

Again, another great event that I'm glad I went to. Lotsa schmoozing and networking went on and met some cool people.

I did not attend the full day that all VUW SIM students attended (involved learning about research and logon's and passwords and all that unnecessary stuff), but I did join in at 3pm when we had guest industry professional speakers talk for 15minutes about how they got to where they are and what they love about what they do.

Guest industry speakers were:

• David Jones (aka DJ) as a representative from Te Roopu Whakahau. DJ is currently the Maori and Pacific Island's Subject Librarian at Victoria University and is doing a great job developing a Maori and Pacific island collection to be housed on the main floor of the central library at Kelburn Campus.
  
  
• Paula, representative from RMAA (Records Management Association of Australasia)
  Totally engaging and entertaining speaker, who says that
  "Building relationships and relationship management will be the most important skill to learn in the Master of Information Studies and your career." Amen!
  
  
• Rachel Esson (a personal favourite of mine), a LIANZA member, and currently head of Research and Learning Services at Victoria University's Library and on the TELsig committee (Tertiary Education Libraries special interest group)
  PLUG --> TELsig workshop 18th March and
  "How to make a difference" Conference in July
  

• Joanna of ARANZ (Archives and Records Association of New Zealand)
  Started at Fletcher Challenge, was there for 10 years and established their archives and now works as an archives and records management consultant and is also doing a Masters in "Maintaining and Sustaining Community Archives".
  
  Quote from Joanna: "Your education is preparing you to enter into any sector of the profession", and this was reiterated by Alastair Smith in closing the formal part of the day for the students.

And after the speakers, there was scones, cakes, fruit and non-alcoholic liquid to be consumed in the School of Information Management communal area! Fabulous afternoon, well-spent couple of hours out of my day. And by "spent" I mean, time, because it didn't cost anything to attend!

Your grand tour of the major centres was a success Timothy, congratulations. I thoroughly enjoyed this event.

H