Far North library innovations shared with Pacific partners

Expertise developed by librarians in the delivery of online services to Far North library users is now benefiting schools and remote communities in Fiji.

Librarians at Suva City Council Library received advice and training on the latest technology innovations deployed in the Far North from two senior Far North librarians, Team Leader for Libraries Nicola Smith, and Outreach Services Librarian Roxanne Harrison.

The pair were part of a recent skills sharing visit organised by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) as part of its PacificTA programme which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

During the visit, the Far North librarians reviewed Suva City Council’s existing services and explored options to improve the use of library services. A key part of the exchange included providing advice on how to enhance digital platforms by using self-checkout machines and the use of digital content, such as eBooks and databases.

PacificTA is a local government initiative that teams New Zealand-based experts with counterparts in Pacific Island nations. The programme encourages skill sharing as a way to improve the way cities, towns, and villages are run. PacificTA was launched in 2012 and has been working with Suva City Council since 2018. The programme is funded by LGNZ.

You can read more about the PacificTA initiative here.