08 June 2010

10th Birthday Celebration for IPC’s Library building

By Tracey Armstrong & Moira Blake with photos provided by Emu Izaki

A very pleasant celebration

On Monday, 3rd of May, the IPC Library celebrated its 10th birthday in its current premises. Mr Ohashi (Chairman of the Board of Trustees) and Professor Wayne Edwards (President) hosted a very enjoyable soiree which brought together past library staff, friends of the library, IPC Deans and lecturers, plus career counsellors and international liaison staff from local schools. A very pleasant evening was had by all with lovely nibbles and drinks to lubricate the vocal chords for some sparkling conversation and networking opportunities. Current lecturers and library staff had a great time reminiscing with former library staff and discovering what they are up to these days. Students didn’t miss out either, as they were treated to birthday cake all day long – 8:30am to 11pm!

President Wayne Edwards showing his delight at being able to celebrate the 10th birthday of IPC’s beautiful and functional library building.

Tina Sims, Principal of Awatapu College, addressing the gathering

The “jewel in IPC’s crown”

At the evening function, President Wayne Edwards thanked Mr Ohashi for his vision of the library and described it as a “gem”, the “jewel in IPC’s crown.” He highlighted its popularity on campus, with close to 90,000 visits to the physical library and over 48,000 searches of the virtual library in the 2009 academic year. Tina Sims, Principal of Awatapu College and member of the IPC Academic Advisory Committee also spoke. She emphasised that the resources of the library are not just the books, magazines, DVDs and on-line resources, but include the librarians, who are themselves a valuable and professionally trained resource. Librarian, Tracey Armstrong, then thanked Mr Ohashi and former and current Library staff for their hard work, and made a toast to the “future unlimited success of the IPC Library.”

Before the new building

IPC Library started its life in 1990 in the Media Centre, now known on campus as the Octagon. By the end of the first year the small but growing collection became a challenge to house – especially as the space was an eight-sided room! So, late in 1990, when Mary McKenzie was Librarian, it was relocated to C Block, a block of classrooms and offices. A large room was soon added as the collection continued to expand and a need for provision of study facilities was recognised. Over time, it became apparent that another move would be required in order to continue providing the excellent quality of service to which students and staff had become accustomed. Plans for a new library building commenced.

The vision

In 1999 the plans were finalised by Librarian, Liz Chisholm, and local architect Tom Clarke from Clarke, Cantlon & Co. The new Library would have spectacular views across the Turitea Valley and house all the library collections in one open space. In addition, it would provide various study and social interaction areas, a photocopying and printing room, teachers’ resource room and two tutorial rooms – a wonderful environment for both study and relaxation.

Jill White, the then Mayor of Palmerston North, and Mr Ohashi cutting the ribbon to open the new library building on 3rd May 2000, and Liz Chisholm (far right) watching

The library entrance as it was in 2000 and still is today.

The dream comes true

On Wednesday 3rd May 2000 that vision was fulfilled when Mr Ohashi (Chairman of the Board of Trustees) and Mrs Jill White (Mayor of Palmerston North) officially opened the beautiful fan-shaped building the library now occupies. The fan is a symbol of friendship and respect in many cultures and the giving of a fan is a wish for unlimited success for the recipient. We certainly wish the students and lecturers that pass through our doors unlimited success!

10 years later

Today the Library looks as fresh and relevant as it did when it opened, a true measure of the foresight of all involved in its planning. In the words of Liz Chisholm, who began working at IPC the day the bulldozers moved in, “The building doesn’t only look beautiful and provide beautiful views. It is a very pleasant building to work in ... is conducive to study ... has fulfilled the dreams people had for it ... and we can see today that it is really standing the test of time.”

A line-up of librarians past and present: Sonia Holloway, Janet Anderson (current), Christine Crampton , Tracey Armstrong (current), Judi Kercher, Liz Chisholm, Mary McKenzie, Leanne Hickman, Karen Loversuch (Absent due to sickness: Chris Allen (current), Louisa Smith, Tracey Watson)"	The library today – still a great place in which to study	Tracey Armstrong (Librarian today), with Liz Chisholm and Mary McKenzie (librarians in 2000)

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