Finding Opportunity at University Library
For proud Aniwan woman Tanisha Naylor-Moran, a traineeship at the University of Sydney Library has opened the door to a supportive, busy and opportunity-filled workplace.
When I saw the library traineeships, I really wanted one because I’ve always loved books and I thought the environment would suit me.
The Library is large and complex with multiple floors, different teams, pods and a constant flow of projects. Despite that scale, Tanisha says she was given a warm introduction.
They took me around to all the work stations. Through the projects I’ve worked on, I’ve meet people at different levels. They really want me to be well-rounded.
As the Events and Engagement Artsready Trainee, her role touches almost every part of the Library. She began with minute-taking in workforce meetings, creating agendas and supporting the workforce manager with notes that she would eventually help analyse.
While also studying for her Certificate III in Business. She now oversees a weekly checklist of First Nations spaces across Library sites and has supported weaving workshops and other cultural activities. One of her proudest contributions has been creating the NAIDOC displays on Level 3.
They have Indigiverse comic books and other resources. It was really cool to work on something like that.
Tanisha also helps at the Level 3 “Ask Me, Help Me” desk once a week and has found she enjoys shelving more than she expected.
I’ve always loved books, so learning the Dewey Decimal System and getting used to the details behind it has been really interesting.
She says having mentors like AFL SportsReady’s Alumni Jamie Lee and colleague Belinda has made a noticeable difference.
Jamie-lee’s already been through it, so she’s great to bounce off. And Belinda always checks in about my priorities for the week.
The work environment has been a positive surprise, too.
I’ve worked in toxic workplaces before, so I was kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop. But people are genuinely helpful here, even when they’re busy.
A highlight has been learning about the Library’s wellbeing initiatives,
including a week where staff were encouraged to work from home or take leave.
With activities like puzzles and stretching available on-site.
I’d never seen anything like that in a workplace.
For anyone considering a traineeship, Tanisha’s advice is to embrace the variety, just like she has.
It’s fast-paced. You you deal with students, the public, alumni and colleagues.
So good time management and communication are really important. But it’s a great way to learn and get involved in lots of different things.
Since 2000, we have kick-started the careers of over 3,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Trainees.
The Warumilang Program is our dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program to assist First Nations peoples with tailored employment and training pathways that aim to provide opportunities for First Nations peoples to thrive and be successful.
