Shane - Libraries Senior Customer Service Officer
• How long have you worked at HCC?
I started at Naenae Library in 1996 and have been working in some form or other with libraries since then. The first incarnation of my current role started in 2002
• What attracted you to the role?
Initially I just wanted some money as I was only 15! But I decided to stay with libraries because of the work diversity and the people, both staff and customers, with whom I had forged strong bonds.
• Things about the job that you enjoy the most…
Never a dull moment! Well sometimes there are, but those are almost always welcomed! Diversity of work, people I work with who I consider friends, increasing responsibility and opportunity to develop professionally.
• What is your view of the main benefits of working at HCC / in Lower Hutt?
Being a division of a larger whole there is lots of opportunity to meet new people from other council divisions, both for work and for recreational and social purposes. HCC is increasingly keen on communication across divisions and this is a great way to feel a part of the bigger picture.
Working in the Hutt – everything is so close you can do all your shopping during your lunch break! And lots of parks and grassy areas to have a sit/lie down, and actually be able to see the sky without tall buildings in the way.
• What skills & attributes do you think someone will need to do your job?
Definitely interpersonal communication. We work with a vast array of people, both staff and customers, from all walks of life. It is vital to be able to relate to them all in order to provide excellent service – which at the end of the day is what we are here for.
A sense of humour – don’t take anything, especially yourself, too seriously. There’s always a bit of fun in everything we do.
Lateral Thinking – thinking outside the box is a great skill in any environment, enabling you to come up with fresh solutions to old problems, and being able to spot the new problems!
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