Kaeo librarian wins outstanding service award

Sabine Weber-Beard, the Far North's award-winning librarian, in her happy place.

Public Libraries of New Zealand presented a former volunteer with the Kaeo Library a national Outstanding Service to Public Libraries Award at its annual conference earlier this month.

Sabine Weber-Beard was the only librarian in the Auckland/Northland region to receive the award, which recognises librarians who make a difference to the quality or delivery of library services.

Now senior librarian and systems administrator with the Far North District Council, Ms Weber-Beard began working for Far North District Libraries as a volunteer at Kaeo in 2000.

Far North District Council manager — community and customer services Jacine Warmington said she nominated Ms Weber-Beard because of her tireless work.

"Libraries have a key role helping to strengthen society, and supporting the growth of our economy," she said.

"Sabine is a great librarian who has made a substantial difference to the quality and delivery of library services, not only in the Far North, but across New Zealand and internationally."

She had begun making a difference as soon as she started working in Kaeo, where she trained other volunteers to use library computer systems.

"Since becoming a permanent member of staff in 2001, Sabine has initiated numerous projects that are used across the Far North library system. She is also a regular contributor to the wider library sector in New Zealand and overseas," she said.

She ensured more people and groups gained access to libraries. This included helping set up the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa, which provided free internet access at all Far North libraries, and establishing shared service arrangements with community libraries at Rawene and Mangonui.

Ms Weber-Beard, who is now qualified in Information and Library studies but had no library experience before she volunteered in 2000, said she was blown away by the award.

"I was so happy for other winners, like Bernie Hawke from Dunedin and Cath Sheard from South Taranaki Council. These are colleagues I look up to, and it didn't even register when my own name was called out," she said.

Her most cherished achievements were helping to ensure the Kaeo Library reopened in a new home after the council moved offices, and initiating joining the Overdrive consortium to supply e-books to Far North libraries.

"Winning the award is a great honour, but none of this would have been possible without the support I have always had from managers, who recognised what I was trying to do,"
she said. Ms Weber-Beard's next challenge is to help bring the World Library and Information Congress to New Zealand for the first time. She is part of a working group bidding to host the event in 2020.

To help prepare for the bid, she will be attending the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Kuala Lumpur in August, after winning a participation grant.