Librarian, Library Assistant – Kaitiaki Pātaka Pukapuka
“Nothing is out of scope for a library – whatever the community needs and wants, that’s what we do! ” – Dany Miller-Kareko, Pouturuki, Community Hub Manager
About this career
Librarianship is not what you might think it is! – it is not all about books and quiet! Libraries today are vibrant public spaces staffed by kaimahi with diverse skills and backgrounds.
Today’s libraries are participatory, engaging, designed and co-created with local communities – with the vision to respond creatively to local needs.
Libraries are changing and continue to change and need more diverse, younger and Māori and Pacific kaimaihi. There are great opportunities available to train and have a rewarding, meaningful career!
Find out more about library careers and financial support available by watching this Video:
Find out more about a career as a Librarian here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/arts-and-media/culture-heritage/librarian/
Find out more about a career as a Library Assistant here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/arts-and-media/culture-heritage/library-assistant/
Find out more about studying Librarianship and Information Management at Raukawa here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/qualifications/view/RK0018/9241
Find out about becoming an Archivist here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/arts-and-media/culture-heritage/archivist/
Our Whānau Career Story
Dany Miller-Kareko
Where do I work and what do I do?
Pouturuki, Community Hub Manager at Te Paataka Koorero o Takaanini
I have been with Auckland Libraries for two years and most recently have the privilege of being the Pouturuki (Community Hub Manager) at Te Paataka Koorero o Takaanini.
What was my career pathway to get where I am / and what led me to this?
I tipu ake ahau I te tāwharau o Taranaki Mounga
Ko Ngāpuhi tōku iwi
Ko Ngāti Pakahi tōku hapū
Ko Mangaiti tōku Marae
E noho ana ahau ki Tāmaki Makaurau ināianei
Ko Dany Miller-Kareko tōku ingoa
I was raised in beautiful Taranaki and after finishing school, moved briefly to Palmerston North to be with whānau. Unsure of exactly what I wanted to do going forward, I started work for Inland Revenue in a customer services role and eventually, seeking new challenges and opportunities, moved with my partner to Tāmaki Makaurau.
After shifting here, I moved into advisory mahi working mainly with Māori and Pasifika communities. Along the way, I discovered my passion for people and eventually moved into a leadership role at Inland Revenue.
I knew I wanted to do something to broaden the scope of my work with communities and after seeing a position advertised at Auckland Council, realised libraries might fulfil these aspirations.
“My why” for doing this job and making a difference for Māori
I have always loved libraries and my journey in the profession began as an extension of that keen interest. I have always found libraries to be safe, warm, inclusive spaces, so when I saw a role in library management, I knew it would be a great fit for me!
The specifics of my career journey have been relatively unplanned, I have never had a strong sense of exactly which jobs I want to do. But I do have absolute certainty about what I want to achieve and contribute to my community.; That is the basis upon which I navigate my career.
What I love most about my role is that there is no such thing as a typical day. Nothing is out of scope for a library – whatever the community needs and wants, that’s what we do! Most of my time is spent planning and supporting my nine staff, but I also work in the hub, engaging with customers and running programmes.
The kind of work we do is hard to measure all at once. It is the culmination of a lot of small impacts. We hope that when people interact with us, something about their life has improved. In that way, our work is a lot of small things adding up to a bigger picture.
