Weclome to the first LINT 5 LINTerview.

What do the Bertelsmann Foundation’s International Network of Public Libraries, Viclink, the Australian Library and Information Association, Learning 2.0, the SIRSI/Dynix Institute, Yarra Plenty Regional Library, Australia’s first library unconference and the Brisbane City Council libraries all have in common?

Yep. It’s Christine MacKenzie. She’s presented, practiced, presided, participated or published for these library groups. That’s why she’s our first LINTerviewee. Here’s her LINT 5….

1. What was your first library job?

I started out at the State Library of Victoria in the Reference &
Research Section, it was a wonderful introduction to the world of
libraries. That was a time of exceptional and eccentric librarians. I
still love the smell of the place!

2. Which library has impressed you the most and why?

The Helsinki libraries are the standout for me. Maija Berndtson is a
real out there librarian, she is always looking for the next thing. The
Library 10 in the centre of Helsinki packs more into its 800 sqm than
any other I have seen. (http://www.lib.hel.fi) They have amalgamated an
internet library and a music library to create a new kind of facility
where people can create their own music or videos, borrow a musical
instrument, edit their photos or even read or borrow a book.

3. Is there someone you have worked with you’d like to acknowledge?

There are lots of people I’ve met and worked with over what is now a
long career – colleagues who have shared their experiences and provided
advice, generous people who have encouraged and supported me. I’ve been
lucky to work with some really smart people who are taking libraries to
the next level.

4. What advice would you give to new librarians starting out today?

Seize every opportunity you can – don’t knock back a chance. If someone
offers you a new project, a new job, a training opportunity, a position
on a committee, a chance to speak at a conference – grab it! This can be
a wonderful profession to be in – the opportunity to travel, to engage
with a community of like minded people all around the world.
Librarianship is a bit like the Catholic Church – it shares a mission, a
role and a common language and understanding.

5. What is your earliest memory of a library?

My aunty taking me to the Maffra library in the late 50s and early 60s.
I couldn’t believe all those books on the shelves were there for the
taking! (being a precocious early reader) It was heavenly.