Last month we farewelled Shelly Lausberg after two years with the QPLA Board. We extend our thanks to Shelly for her dedication and commitment to public libraries during her time on the Board and wish her all the very best in the future.
Shelly has kindly shared a few words around her experience on the Board, which may encourage new Board members in the future.
Initially, I joined the Queensland Public Library Association as the South Queensland Representative to expand my strategic knowledge of public libraries across Queensland. I then took on the role of treasurer for the QPLA to develop skills in areas I was unfamiliar with. Both roles have lead to substantial knowledge growth.
In my 2 years on the board in these roles, I have found that this participation has been one of the most beneficial ever to my career. I have learnt so much and gained so many valuable contacts across the State. Public libraries have shared their approaches, strategies, policies and experiences and together we have achieved outstanding outcomes for community across the state. Having a network of peers to tap into when dealing with decisions around book challenges, social justice movements, and potential boycotts of platforms you use every day is truly priceless.
I also was thrilled to be a part of delivering a Professional Development event as well as a Conference which benefits librarians in small, medium and large Councils as well as Indigenous Knowledge Centres and Independent Library Services.
The friendships I made whilst on the board have also been a highlight. The QPLA isn’t just another networking group — it’s a vibrant community of librarians where anyone can tap into the wonderous brains trust. It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to shape the future of libraries in Queensland. – Shelly Lausberg, Logan Libraries
