Carolyn Robertson – Libraries and Information Manager

The desire to work in a stimulating learning environment, helping people to become confident information seekers led Carolyn Robertson into a library career. Working with talented colleagues to engage people in a lifelong relationship with libraries has been “incredibly satisfying” and continues to keep her excited and enthusiastic about her job.

Early Career

Starting work at Lincoln College (later to become Lincoln University), Robertson then went to the specialised Canterbury Medical Library before joining the University of Canterbury as manager of information services.

Robertson’s association with Christchurch City Libraries began in 2000 when she completed a two week professional development placement at Christchurch City Libraries – a library service she admired for its well known reputation for innovation and excellence. She subsequently “fell in love with the place”.

When the position of Central Library Manager became available in 2003, Robertson seized the chance to secure a permanent position there and loved the opportunity to be part of the team providing such a diverse and comprehensive range of services to the wider community The next step in Carolyn’s involvement with Christchurch City Libraries occurred in early 2005 when she was appointed Libraries and Information Manager for the network.

Libraries and Information Manager

First on the agenda in her new role was working with the library’s management team to contribute to the Council’s long term plan for 2006-16. Long awaited new libraries at Parklands and Upper Riccarton also opened in 2005-6.

A review of the library’s management structure followed in 2006. This was a challenging process that brought about significant changes and provided the opportunity to assess management roles and responsibilities throughout the organisation. Robertson observed “The changes ensured that we would be well positioned to keep delivering excellent library services to our customers.”

Planning for the future of Christchurch City Libraries remains a significant focus for Robertson and her team. One of the main initiatives over the last two years, has been the development of the Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan, a framework to guide the future development of the library network. The plan, which involved working closely with elected members and key community stakeholders, was approved by Council in August 2008, seeks to address Christchurch’s changing geographic and demographic needs over the next 20 years.

A driving passion for Robertson is to see library customers “find what they are looking for and to be surprised and delighted by new discoveries”.

“Whether it’s having access to a comfortable, non-commercial space to relax, socialise or learn in, read a newspaper online, participate in a storytelling programme, use a computer to contact friends, read material in their own language, reserve a new best-seller or research their whakapapa – we want those, and other, needs to be met” she says.

Looking to the Future

Carolyn Robertson is enthusiastic about the ongoing place of technology and digitization in the library, enhancing access and providing greater recreation and information choices for customers. She is proud that Christchurch City Libraries is a leader in the provision of online services and digital content through its website.

As she sees it, the library has a mandate to be vibrant, welcoming and relevant to all. The best library experience is always the result of a partnership between customers and staff.

Robertson is proud of the enduring and strong relationship Christchurch City Libraries has with local communities. “Our focus is very much on delivering high quality customer service and fantastic resources, and always thinking: how can we make it better?”