South Wairarapa District Council has recently concluded a process to review the library structure to ensure it is fit-for-purpose to deliver high-quality service to customers across the Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough libraries.

Following a Council decision in May to disestablish the Wairarapa Library Service, a consultation proposal was presented to library staff which outlined a functional library structure consistent with modern New Zealand professional library practice.

This structure would provide opportunities to learn and develop specialist library skills, create career trajectory from junior to senior roles, ensure a more contemporary range of services is available for customers, and create a more resilient structure for the future. 

The feedback received from library staff during the consultation period strongly supported the proposal and what was trying to be achieved, and overall, feedback considered a functional library model would benefit both staff, customers and the community. The proposal included the disestablishment of four roles and the creation of four new functional lead roles.

“This has been a robust process which involved each and every library staff member to ensure they understood the drivers of this change. Support has been provided throughout, and we appreciate the team’s professionalism and dedication throughout this transition” shares Janice Smith, SWDC Chief Executive.

In June, the proposed structure was confirmed, with adjustments to some roles made following feedback. Redeployment for some affected staff members was proposed and an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for new roles where they were not similar to an existing role.

Unfortunately, two of South Wairarapa’s long-serving staff members have departed from the library service. Both have made a significant contribution and commitment to library services and South Wairarapa’s communities for decades.

“We know the South Wairarapa community will join us in expressing our sincere thanks to both for their service and in wishing them every success and happiness in the future,” said Smith.

“We look forward to celebrating their time at SWDC with an appropriate send off in the near future”.

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Media contact

Email  media@swdc.govt.nz