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Pam McKirdy wanted a basic qualification in library studies so she could start a new career after taking time out to raise her two now-school-age children. She chose to study with the Open Polytechnic because of the flexibility, and because the papers seemed useful and interesting.
“I liked that the materials were available in print, not just online. It means I can take my reading to the playground, to work or just work through them at home. And having print materials means I can make notes or highlight points that are interesting or important.”
Pam studied languages before she married and had children, and was initially worried about taking on a new subject area, and studying in a different way.
“When I was at University we didn't have computers and since I did languages I didn't write a lot of essays or have to do much reading or research. I am really enjoying myself this time around because it's so different to my previous experience. I felt more of a sense of accomplishment finishing my diploma than when I completed my first degree. “
Another benefit of studying with Open Polytechnic is the way students can gain intermediate qualifications while working towards a higher qualification.
For example since beginning her studies Pam has finished a level 5 Diploma in Information and Library Studies and a specialist Certificate in Library Services & Literature for Children & Young People. She’s now working on a Level 6 Diploma in Information and Library Studies.
“Then I’ll look at the Bachelor in Applied Science – just because I’m having so much fun!”
The support she’s received from Open Polytechnic has made the process of learning by distance that much easier, Pam says.
“I’ve had great communication with my tutors, and I’ve found them very responsive to student queries. And I’ve also found the online forums extremely valuable because you can ask the tutor questions and bounce ideas off other students. Often another student will come up with a question which I hadn't thought of that might be important. I have found the online library catalogue and databases very useful and the library has a great fast courier delivery service.”
Fitting study around family life hasn’t been a problem, Pam says. It’s just a matter of getting your priorities right.
“When time is short, study has priority over housework. I often study in the early hours of the morning, or in the afternoons before my children come home from school. I also think it's great for my kids to see me enjoying study.”
And in career terms, she says, the qualifications have already been a help.
“The study has given me practical skills and insight into areas of librarianship that help me do my job better. And it will help when I look for full-time work.”
Please note: This version is only available to students who began studying this qualification before 11 September 2012.
If you are a new student and want to enrol in this qualification, please visit the revised qualification page.
If you started studying this qualification before 11 September 2012 you can complete this qualification version, or you may be able to enrol in the new version, depending on the courses you’ve completed. If you have any questions or want to find out more about the new version, please contact us.
If you want to continue studying the version you’re enrolled in, you will need to complete all courses by Trimester 3, 2014 because this version will close at the end of 2014.
Qualification information
This Diploma is an entry-level qualification for librarians and is suitable for people with no prior experience in libraries, as well as those currently working in a library. It must be completed before you can enrol in the Level 6 Diploma, and is also a starting point for a Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.
Since he was a child, Vinesh Chand has always been fascinated by electronics. After finishing high school in Fiji, Vinesh moved to New Zealand to complete an engineering diploma.
Michelle Wire wanted a qualification that would kick start her journey towards obtaining a degree, so she chose the Open Polytechnic Certificate in Tertiary Study Skills (Level 4).
