Update with details

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Thought I would do a blog post with a bit more detail about our project rather than just a reflective piece.

Our initial work was around Auckland Libraries’ summer reading programme Kia Māia Te Whai. The plan was to expand the programme to other libraries in New Zealand but after a fair bit of discussion we realised that 1. We probably wouldn’t be able to deliver it an attractive price point and 2. It would require more development work than were able to commit to during our project timeframe. Other libraries clearly recognise the value of Kia Māia Te Whai (especially the Māori content) so expansion of Kia Māia Te Whai is not out of the question, it’s just it will be something we probably end up recommending rather than end up developing ourselves.

During our conversations with other libraries about Kia Māia Te Whai we realised that there is a need for some sort of bicultural training offering for library staff. We realised that the training capacity within Auckland Libraries isn’t available at most other libraries in New Zealand or indeed other organisations. This has led to us exploring the development of bicultural awareness training for Auckland Libraries staff that could then be offered to other libraries or institutions. There’s no substitute for engaging with Mana Whenua but perhaps we can help give people the confidence to make that initial approach.

Another topic that came up during our conversations was interest in maker spaces. This has since morphed into support for primary and intermediate school maker activities and at the moment is the most advanced of our products. While some schools are quite familiar with maker activities and easily integrate these activities into their curriculum there are plenty of others who seem unsure of the way forward. Perhaps they have the tech but are unsure of how to use it or maybe they have been to training but are not ready to commit to buying the tech either way we think this is something libraries can help with.

The third area of work is around information/research services for businesses. Auckland Libraries already do some paid research work for corporate clients but there hasn’t been any work put into promoting or expanding the service. We are probably looking at providing services to small businesses that are just starting out. Not so much the startups that are working in shared workspaces and attracting support and venture funding but more the person starting a business at home who could benefit from a network of peers. Someone who doesn’t know what they don’t know.

So that’s about where we are at. Hard work but we are still energised. Thanks so much to all the people who have given their time to talk to us, your advice has been invaluable. If anyone wants to find out more about our work then get in touch, the conversation is always free.

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