OUR HISTORY
Incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1939, LIANZA operates as a not-for-profit supporting the library and information sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, ensuring that New Zealanders have equitable access to world class innovative library services in all aspects of their lives, from school to university and from public to private sector.
Over the years, LIANZA has been involved with the creation of the Country Library Service, was a driving force in the National Library Service and the establishment of the LIANZA Children’s Book Awards, and supported establishment of library certificates, diplomas and degrees.
WHO WE ARE
LIANZA is your library and information sector professional organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our presidents, council and committees are supported by the LIANZA Office.
OUR MISSION
Strengthening our members to be innovative and responsive to future information needs.
OUR VISION
People and communities connected and empowered by information.
WHAT WE DO
LIANZA provides membership services, a bi-annual conference, grants & awards, a community of practice, networking, professional development and advocacy.
WHY JOIN LIANZA?
CONNECT
- Grow your connections and networks with other library and information professionals.
- Join a community of peers through LIANZA social and professional events.
- Join the LIANZA community on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Enjoy relevant and regular communication through a digital magazine, email newsletter, blog posts and webinars.
GROW
- Gain skills and experience beyond your workplace through contribution to LIANZA committees and advocacy work.
- Participate in professional development opportunities.
- Seize opportunities to develop your leadership experience.
- Participate in the LIANZA Professional Registration scheme.
BENEFIT
- Join other members to advocate for the value of libraries using the platform of your trusted national association.
- Gain generous member discount rates to the biennial LIANZA conference.
- Find job opportunities through vacancies and networks.
- Professionally registered members and personal members receive member discounts ranging from 20–30% to all LIANZA and budgeted LIANZA Community events and activities including LIANZA Conference, weekend schools and study days.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
01
PARTNERSHIP
LIANZA's formal partnership with Te Rōpū Whakahau began in 1995 – the goal of this partnership was to provide mutual support and to set a visible example of the partnership principles described in the Treaty of Waitangi. The partnership is ratified every year at the LIANZA AGM by the Tumuaki and LIANZA President.
02
PROFESSIONALISM
LIANZA launched the Professional Registration scheme in 2007 – an important milestone for any librarian and information professional. RLIANZA gives employers the confidence that their staff are up-to-date reflective professionals who have taken care of their own professional development.
03
ADVOCACY
LIANZA advocates on behalf of library and information professionals within the sector. Recent submissions have included New Zealand Health and Disability System Review (2019), Equal Pay Amendment Bill (2019), Review of the Copyright Act 1994 (2019), Reform of Vocational Education (2019) and the Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill (2018).
04
FUTURE-PROOFING
In 2015 LIANZA and Te Rōpū Whakahau co-hosted Taking Libraries to 2025: The Future of Libraries Summit, which looked for concrete actions to cement the integral role that libraries play in their communities. 160 New Zealand Library and Information Sector professionals joined us to debate, discuss, and brainstorm the future of our profession.
05
ADVISING
In 2011 LIANZA submitted questions on library and information issues to all political parties prior to General Election for first time and in 2017 sent briefing documents sent to incoming Ministers of Internal Affairs, Culture and Heritage and Education. LIANZA presidents met with the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon Tracy Martin, in early 2018.
06
INTERNATIONAL
In 2019 LIANZA won the bid for New Zealand to host the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Auckland in 2022. It will be the first time in over 40 years that this international event is held in this region and will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for library and information professional in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.