In the 1990s, I worked at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds Campus as a cataloguer, in the audiovisual section, and as a health liaison librarian. After leaving Deakin in 1997, I spent 10 years living and working in Adelaide, Armidale, and Brisbane, all while completing my library degree, which I earned in 1996. That year, I also had the opportunity to undertake a secondment at Central Queensland University in Rockhampton, which was a highlight of my career.
I returned to Deakin in 2007, joining the Waterfront Campus library as a casual librarian. Over the years, I progressed into temporary liaison roles for Architecture and Building and Health. By 2009, I was a full-time Library Officer, and in 2015, I became a Client Experience Librarian, a position I still hold today.
Throughout my career, I’ve always worked in client-facing roles, assisting staff and students with their information needs, running digital literacy sessions, and managing casual library staff. The friendships I’ve made with colleagues have been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, with many lasting outside of work through library dinners, outings, and catch-ups!
The library landscape has changed significantly over the years, especially with the shift to digital resources. When I began, the primary information sources were print materials, journals, newspapers, and CD-ROM databases. I’ve also seen the transformation of our library spaces, notably the renovation of the Waterfront library in 2013, which added a vibrancy to the entire campus.
I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and skills during my time at Deakin and hope I’ve been able to help students and staff navigate our diverse library resources.
Wishing Deakin a wonderful 50-year celebration!
