Library & Learning Centre - Te Whare Pukapuka Wāhanga Whakapakari Ako

Open Polytechnic employs a wide range of learning and teaching experts who provide academic and learning support to our distance learners.

We also use contractors, mostly off campus, who are subject matter experts in their fields who provide academic support and marking services. 

As a specialist provider of open flexible distance learning, we also employ highly skilled courseware design and development, and education technology professionals, administration and customer support staff, as well as library and learning centre staff who are all focused on helping Open Polytechnic learners achieve their educational goals. 

Find out more about our workforce by selecting an area below.

We have been approved to provide:

• Videography
• Illustration & Graphic Design
• Animation & Motion Graphics
• Audio Production
• Copywriting & Editing
• Website Design
• Digital & Interactive Content

For further information on the Creative and Media Services contract, please visit the New Zealand Government Procurement page.

Select an area

• Board of Directors
• Executive Team
• Academic Staff
• Library & Learning Centre - Te Whare Pukapuka Wāhanga Whakapakari Ako
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    Karen Hannay

    Library & Learning Centre Manager

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Karen Hannay

    Role at Open Polytechnic

    I manage the Library & Learning Centre, a fantastic team dedicated to supporting students with study skills, exam skills, academic writing, APA referencing, digital literacy, information literacy and research skills. We also provide free and easily accessible books, articles and other information resources related to your course.

    Experience

    I have a Masters in Library & Information Studies and a Bachelor of Arts and have worked in tertiary, public and national libraries.

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    Estelle Barnard

    Library & Learning Support Liaison

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Estelle Barnard

    Role at Open Polytechnic

    My responsibilities include assisting students in finding relevant information to help them complete their assignments as well as providing them with tools and strategies to sustain a culture of lifelong learning. I also liaise with staff members in the Psychology, Communication Studies and Pharmacy areas to ensure the Library & Learning Centre can supply all the latest course related materials as well as assist staff members with their research projects. I also support staff members and students in the Adult Education and Mental Health study areas by offering Library & Learning Centre services where needed.

    Even though I’ve worked in this role since October 2004, I’m still enjoying the challenges of staying on top of new developments and communicating with a variety of Library & Learning Centre patrons. I’m also a qualified secondary school teacher, but prefer the more orderly world of the Librarian.

  • 

    Judith Burns

    Library & Learning Support Liaison

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Judith Burns

    As the Library and Learning Support Liaison for Business, Applied Management, Marketing, Economics, Financial, Foundation & Bridging and Fitness, my role is to support staff and students in research, teaching needs, course development, information literacy and study skills.

    Experience

    I have an MSc in Library and Information Studies gained in 2002 from Robert Gordon University in Scotland.

    I then worked as a Public Librarian in Aberdeen for several years, before immigrating to New Zealand in 2009.

    I worked for Consumer New Zealand for several years, managing their small Library, and returned to the Open Polytechnic in 2018.

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    Kendal Paton

    Customer Services Representative, Loans and Delivery

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Kendal Paton

    Experience

    Before my employment at the Open Polytechnic I worked in a customer service role at Hutt City Libraries.  This led me to study with the Open Polytechnic in the Information and Library Studies programme and I became aware of the challenges faced by many of our students.  I aim to assist them by providing a friendly and efficient service.

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    Sarah Le Gros

    Senior Loans and Delivery Librarian

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Sarah Le Gros

    Role at Open Polytechnic

    As a part of the greater Library & Learning Centre team I enjoy engaging with students and assisting them to connect with our resources. We aim to deliver a prompt and friendly service to all students.

    Experience

    Prior to starting work at the Open Polytechnic I worked in both a small public library and a college library.  I enjoy my role in the Library & Learning Centre and in meeting new challenges as we all move towards a more electronic based service.

  • 

    Stephanie Houpt

    Team Leader Library & Learning Support

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Stephanie Houpt

    Role

    I am team leader of the liaison and learning support team. I am also responsible for providing library and learning support to staff and students of accounting, real estate, law and humanities.

    My experience

    I am fortunate to have been involved in learning and education for most of my career. I initially trained and worked as a teacher and worked mostly in primary schools before training as a librarian.
    I started my library career in a law firm and then worked at Wellington Medical & Health Sciences Library in a number of different roles. I am very happy to be continuing my involvement in learning here at the Open Polytechnic.

  • 

    Tania Norfolk

    Library & Learning Support Liaison

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Tania Norfolk

    I joined Kuratini Tuwhera Open Polytechnic in 2020 and am currently the Library & Learning Support Liaison for Education and Built Environment.

    I have many years’ experience working in tertiary education including as an information and learning liaison, research advisor, and learning designer. I have worked across many subject areas including health, psychology, creative arts, trades, education, and business.

    I enjoy helping learners at all levels, from those who have never undertaken tertiary study, through to those at post-grad level. Information literacy is a particular passion - helping learners and staff navigate the expanse and diversity of the information world. I look forward to supporting you.

    Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou – Seek after learning for your wellbeing

  • Tom Avery

    Systems Co-ordinator

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Tom Avery

    Role at Open Polytechnic

    I work with technology to ensure the Library & Learning Centre resources are accessible to students and staff.  I also work as a Liaison Librarian and my subject responsibilities are Library and Information studies. 

    Experience

    I’ve worked in public and tertiary libraries across Wellington.  I’m professionally registered with the Library and Information Association of New Zealand. 

  • 

    Vita Lods

    Library & Learning Support Liaison

    Open Polytechnic

    Read more about Vita Lods

    Role at Open Polytechnic

    I joined Kuratini Tuwhera in 2021 and am currently the Library & Learning Support Liaison for Built Environment, Engineering and Trades. My role is to provide information literacy and research support to students and staff. I believe in nurturing lifelong learning and am passionate about helping students to strengthen their skills and achieve their study goals.

    Experience

    I have worked in high schools as a School Librarian, where I have taught information literacy, developed a passion for meeting diverse needs within communities and in cultivating an inclusive learning environment. Showing manaakitanga in all interactions is important to me. I completed a New Zealand Diploma in Library & Information Studies through Open Polytechnic in 2020 and hold a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington.

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