Service to School Libraries
Described by a senior colleague as “one of the most gifted and committed school librarians I have encountered in my career in education”, Kristin School Head of Library Services, Alison Hewett, has faithfully served the school for almost a decade.
Also observed to be the “epitome of the modern librarian”, Alison’s vision and energy to develop the library as the hub of the school and centre of learning and engagement is delivering demonstrable benefits.
Championing the role of the library as the expert repository for digital literacy, Alison oversaw Kristin becoming the first school in New Zealand to offer Overdrive eBook services. Having overseen that collection grow from 800 to now over 8000 titles, Alison has furthermore introduced both the MackinVIA and 24/7-available ProQuest eResources.
Alison continuously reviews and acquires contemporary resources and proven classics alike to maintain an overall library collection of about 40,000 titles which actively integrate with and reflect the school’s IB curriculum from kindergarten to Year 13.
Always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of a librarian – including emailing staff and students after hours and at weekends with astute reading recommendations – Alison furthermore shares her knowledge and expertise through active involvement in the wider librarian community.
While Alison’s role as content curator and dedication to expanding the quality and quantity of the school’s library resource was already recognised and highly-valued by teachers and students alike, the value of those endeavours gained even-greater appreciation during the recent Auckland and national lockdowns.
Congratulations Alison.