Rob Baigent is helping lead Hamilton City Libraries in exciting new directions – without the usual piles of books and magazines at his desk.
As Matihiko Digital Services Leader, Rob is responsible for the online channels delivered and managed by Hamilton’s public library network. His role encompasses the online catalogue, website, social media, e-books and the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa (APNK) free internet service.
Rob’s role is integral to the changing nature of libraries globally as they shift from being traditional repositories for books and magazines to community and learning hubs where digital technology is accessed, explored, understood and learned from. Rob will also help develop The Makerspace – a new initiative where digital learning will be the key focus – at the Central Library.
Rob bristles with excitement when talking about The Makerspace and what will be offered there. “We’ll have 3D printers and a laser cutter – and some of the stuff you can make is really amazing. You wouldn’t necessarily have access to that anywhere else.”
“We facilitate access to technology,” Rob says. “People actually learn for themselves by developing those skills.”
Rob says a major project for his team has been the recent upgrade to the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa (APNK) which provides free network across the entire Hamilton City Libraries network. The project saw every APNK device replaced, leading to a spike in use.
“The number of people who’d logged into our APNK system increased by 16% in the first two weeks after the upgrade roll-out, and 32% of our customers visiting the Central Library were using the new APNK Chromebooks,” he says.
“Things like that are really rewarding for us, seeing how people are adopting new technology.”
A complete overhaul of the Hamilton City Libraries website is another successfully completed recent project Rob points to as a success for the team.
Rob joined Hamilton City Libraries in April after a varied career which has included stints at other libraries, including the National Library of New Zealand and Waitakere Libraries (absorbed into the larger Auckland Libraries operation as part of the super-city merger). A role with The University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services audio-visual team propelled him into the digital sphere, and he has now worked in the libraries’ sector for more than 20 years.
It is a period in which the sector has changed immensely, Rob says.
“You can’t be stagnant,” he says of working in libraries. “You’ve got to anticipate the needs of the customers.”
Rob says the planned new library at Rototuna offers some exciting opportunities to further meet the needs of a fast-growing community. As a relative newcomer to Hamilton – having left Auckland to join Hamilton City Libraries – he is enjoying exploring the local parks and reserves with his family.
Rob has experience and expertise as a copy writer, and despite the digital focus of his role, he still enjoys reading recreationally. His tastes are for science fiction and fantasy, and he is also an avid comic book reader.
“Those are what I read to get away from the technology stuff!”