Tracey - Librarian, Heritage and Research

Practical experience as project manager for the MHST student exhibition “Cuba Character” helped Tracey secure her current position.

Librarian, Heritage and Research at Upper Hutt City Library

Tracey KearnsI graduated with a Post Graduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage studies in 2015. I am currently the Librarian, Heritage and Research, at Upper Hutt City Library. My team is small (there are just two of us in Heritage) and as such my job has a broad and varied range of tasks. These include working on a Pop Up Museum, digitising material, writing policy, meeting donors, accessioning material, arranging and describing, research as well as organising and hosting events.

During my study I did a placement in the Photographic Archives at Alexander Turnbull Library, arranging and describing digitised images from Ans Westra. As part of my special topic paper, Exhibition Studies, I was project manager for our student and National Library collaborative exhibition “Cuba Character”. These opportunities gave me practical experience in the sector that impressed during my interview and aided me in securing my position. I use the knowledge I gained during my intensive year at MHST every day in my job. Conal and Annie have been amazing pillars of knowledge and support, which I must add, does not cease when you graduate. To be a part of the MHST is to be a part of an exciting extended whanau .