IN DEPTH
Changing Continents: Durham to Dunedin
CILIP President Paul Corney continues his Presidential Musings, this time with Mike Wall who shares his experience of taking on a new role on the other side of the planet during a global pandemic. It was never going to be easy, but it was worth it.
FEW people in their 50’s up sticks and move across the world in search of a new life and challenge. When I discov- ered (via Twitter) at the beginning of this year that Mike Wall (@MikeWall2704) was in transit to New Zealand I got in touch.
I am delighted Mike agreed to my request to publish his journal and thoughts on what it feels like to change continents and test positive for Covid while in quarantine about to start a new life and job in your newly adopted country.
Mike Wall has worked in libraries since 1987, following completion of a sport science degree and a postgraduate library qualification. His first roles were in hospital and then public libraries before moving to the University of Bristol. During his 26 years at Bristol he worked in most areas of the Library, becoming Deputy Librarian in 2014. Once his children had left home he then moved to Durham University as Deputy Librarian in 2016. The experience of moving to (almost) the furthest English University away from Bristol provided some preparation for moving to the University of Otago in 2021, which is the furthest Univer- sity from Durham in the world.
Mike Wall – It all began in October 2019 when a vacancy for University Librar- ian at the University of Otago was an- nounced. Informal conversation with the recruitment consultants confirmed the role looked very interesting. Research intensive university, strong international profile, medical school, small city centre location. Discussed opportunity with wife, Wendy,
38 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
Paul Corney is President of CILIP.
and family, including son who lives in New Zealand and had previously lived in Dunedin and his partner who had studied at Otago.
Research undertaken into moving to New Zealand: financial, logistics, cultural, etc.
And then...
November 2019: application made and subsequent long list interview with recruit- ment consultant.
December 2019: informal interview with university including to assess willingness to commit to an interview in Dunedin. Discussion included that the process was two-way giving both Otago and I the opportunity to assess if the fit is good for both parties. Discussion with Durham University Librarian about the role and potential move.
With the interview confirmed, Mike also booked flights and accommodation for his wife, Wendy, as it was crucial that she felt comfortable with the move and setting up a new life halfway across the world. The pair flew out in February 2020, and the inter-
June 2021
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