Category: General

A game of thrones: lifting the lid on loos

Linda

Lavatory, bog, loo, dunny, crapper.  Wharepaku, WC, thunderbox, longdrop, latrine.
There are numerous names for the smallest room in the house – the toilet – and their origins are just as varied as the terminology.

With every healthy adult producing, on average, 500 litres of urine and 145 kg of faecal matter every year we definitely all need access to a loo.  These days most modern New Zealand homes have at least one, if not two, porcelain thrones.

Interior of a bathroom showroom displaying ceramic toilets, wash basins and baths, possibly Christchurch

Interior of a bathroom showroom displaying ceramic toilets, wash basins and baths, possibly Christchurch. The Press (Newspaper) :Negatives. Ref: 1/1-017902-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/29948323

It wasn’t always like that.  In the days before city wide waste management and underground sewer networks the toilet was literally the “out house”, often located at the bottom of the garden.  Before that the “night soil” man would make weekly visits to homes to remove waste.  This article  gives a good overview of the process while a broader history of New Zealand’s sanitation can be found on Te Ara.

Public facilities were first introduced to Aotearoa in 1863 with the building of a public men’s room in Auckland.  Note that ladies had to wait nearly four decades before they too had access to “restrooms” in Auckland.

Wellington lagged behind in the provision of male conveniences but was one of the first cities to provide for women.

Former public toilets on Cambridge Terrace now house a restaurant bar while the subterranean men’s urinals now houses a pizza place.

Public toilets, Cambridge Terrace, Wellington

Public toilets, Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Evening post (Newspaper. 1865-2002) :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper. Ref: 1/4-021247-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22755210  (Photo taken 1973)

Kent Terrace and Oriental Parade, Wellington

Kent Terrace and Oriental Parade, Wellington. Ref: 1/2-116556-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22838426  (Photo taken 1920s)

Rest stops are no longer just for bodily functions but in some cases also serve as public art works.  The 2023 award for the most attractive wharepaku went to Rotorua’s Okere Falls Scenic Reserve conveniences, while notable architecture features in Northland’s famous Hundertwasser toilets. Further south at Tirau the public conveniences are housed within a corrugated iron sheep dog while Wellington’s waterfront has its Lobster loos (more correctly named the Kumutoto Public Toilets).

As you move around the city you can find Wellington City Council’s listing of accessible toilets here and Continence NZ also provides a list of Toilet Maps to assist people in locating facilities when travelling around the motu.

Continence NZ also issues a Toilet card to those with bladder and bowel problems, who may need to use a bathroom urgently.  Crohn’s and Colitis NZ offer a similar “I can’t wait” card to be presented to the management of premises who may permit use of their toilet facilities.

On presentation of this card to a business, the staff should be understanding of the request and provide access to the business toilet facilities.

As a business you may wish to display a window sticker indicating your responsiveness to and support of card holders.  Says the CCNZ website : Placing a CCNZ sticker in the window of your business that you recognise the “I Can’t Wait” card can truly change lives.

Honouring the card allows people with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other medical condition to use your facilities in the event a cardholder needs one urgently.

In the event of a large scale emergency you may not have access to a functioning toilet and will need to consider an alternative.  Have you, your whanau and your wider community given thought to what you would do if, after a destructive earthquake for instance, you don’t have available toilet facilities?
See Wremo’s guidelines here or print out the handy pdf instructions and add to your emergency kit along with the appropriate supplies.

As reducing water use becomes a concern there has been an increase in interest for water efficient toilets.

Flush toilets are large users of water.  Water we cannot necessarily afford to waste particularly given Tw Whanganui a Tara’s water issues and a forecast dry summer.

According to a 2016 IFLScience article (someone else did the math on this) we can save water by weeing in the shower:

An average flush for a modern, Western-style toilet uses 6 liters (1.6 gallons) of water, and the average adult pees about seven times every 24 hours. That means that each day of weeing takes 42 liters (11.1 gallons) of toilet water to flush away. Assuming that people urinate the same way every single day, this means in just one year, the average person uses 15,330 liters (4,050 gallons) of toilet water.

As with all science though there are those who have differing opinions.  Six years later the same site had an article headlined “Urogynaecologist Explains Why You “Need To Stop Peeing In The Shower“. Turns out what might be a good move for the environment may not be so good for your bladder.

Alternatively we can seek out more water efficient toilet design.  Toilets, as with other appliances, have an efficiency rating for water use.  The latest style four star toilets use as little as 3 litres of water for a half flush and 4.5 litres for a full flush.  Most older style lavatories use between 7-12 litres per flush and lack the dual flush function.  Although, according to a spokesperson for a central plumbing supply business, some of the new European designs are so water efficient some customers feel the flush is not as “complete” as they would like.  If you are considering bathroom renovations, or a new build, then check out the water efficiency rating of the new loo.

This recent Spinoff article claims the correct use of the half and full flush functions can save millions of litres of water a year and while that may be true a look at the flush buttons on some new model toilets seemed unnecessarily complicated.

Which leads to the age old question of lid up or down when flushing.  If you were ever in any doubt that the lid down is the correct thing to do when flushing, you won’t be after reading this and watching the attached video.

On the subject of the flushing loo – let’s correct a piece of misinformation.  Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 movie Psycho is often said to be the first movie to show a flushing toilet.  Apparently this is incorrect according to the entertainment site, Collider.   Hitchcock first showed a toilet in a movie scene almost 30 years earlier,  In Psycho however the focus is on the toilet and the flushing water, which is in fact a movie making first.

Can the wharepaku be a place of serenity and style?  Absolutely.  Apparently, along with water efficiency, the  present trends are for rimless porcelain, set flush (no pun intended) against a wall, with soft closing lid option.  A word of warning though – if you ever need to upgrade your toilet seat make sure you know what make model graces the throne room.

In an innovative design, the Finns have come up with an all wood toilet to replace the traditional glazed porcelain models.  But is the world ready to trade the porcelain pony for a stylish, biodegradable wooden model?  Time will tell.

The ultimate in toilets though must go to Japanese designers who incorporate smart technology into their product.  This writer for one, was nearly reduced to tears on arrival at a Tokyo hotel and finding a loo complete with a control panel of functions (all in Japanese) but no obvious flush button.

Turns out the flush button was behind the shallow, curved cistern top which operated as the handwash facility before the water went in to efficiently flushing the bowl.  I might have learned that had I first visited the TOTO toilet museum 🙂

via GIPHY

So now we’ve got to the bottom of bogs, shed some light on loos, provided you with maps to pitstops when you take the summer roady and flushed out some fun facts on the wharepaku.  Here’s hoping this final blog for 2023 provides you all with some light relief.  [Yes, you may groan]

If you want further reading check out our fascinating list below.  Who knew there was so much riding on the topic of toilets and sanitation?

Kiwi-as toilets : where to go when you need to go in New Zealand / Knox, Jo
“Kiwi-As Toilets is a quirky and light-hearted coffee table book and travel guide that takes the reader on a tiki tour of New Zealand’s top toilets. This compilation of convenient convenience stops is full of facts and photos of fancy flushers, interspersed with splashes of toilet humour and toilet euphemisms. From toilets that celebrate their region’s heritage and scenery or showcase art and architecture, to wonderfully weird WCs and fun facilities, this eclectic collection of toilets celebrates everything that’s Kiwi-as.” (Catalogue)

Pipe dreams : the urgent global quest to transform the toilet / Wald, Chelsea
“Presents a lively, informative, and humorous deep dive into the future of the toilet–from creative uses for harvested “biosolids,” to the bold engineers dedicated to bringing safe sanitation to the billions of people worldwide living without it.” (Catalogue)

 

Flushed : how the plumber saved civilization / Carter, W. Hodding
“Presenting a quirky and fascinating history of plumbing from the Harappan of the Indus Valley (circa 3000 BC) to the Roman Empire, from Victorian London to modern Boston, this entertaining text also follows the author’s own travails in plumbing.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Bum fodder : an absorbing history of toilet paper / Smyth, Richard
“Humans are, along with other primates, the only animals to wipe their bottoms after defecating. Richard Smyth provides the definitive history of how we have wiped over the centuries. From the Romans and ancient China to the modern day, drawing on literature from Rabelais and Jonathan Swift to the story of Myleene Klass and Pope Benedict’s toilet roll Richard Smyth has compiled the definitive history. Along the way, Richard Smyth also provides fascinating stories such as how toilet paper became a rallying cry for anti-taxation campaigners in the US to the history of the Groom of the Stool, once one of the most influential positions in the Royal Court.” (Catalogue)

The story of shit / Dekkers, Midas
“We are very discreet. We disappear into a small room, perform the task, flush, wash and reappear as if nothing happened. Of course, hygiene is necessary – some faecal bacteria, if re-ingested, can cause very serious problems – and unpleasant aromas are best kept at bay. But in all this hygienic discretion have we lost touch with an integral part of ourselves – something as much a part of living as breathing, eating and sleeping? Something enriching, creative and even enjoyable. In The Story of Shit, Dutch biologist Midas Dekkers presents a personal, cultural, scientific, historical and environmental account of shit, from the digestive process and the fascinating workings of the gut, to the act of defecation and toilet etiquette. With irreverent humour and a compelling narrative style, Dekkers brings a refreshing, entertaining and illuminating perspective to a once-taboo subject.” –Publisher description.” (Catalogue)

Holy shit : managing manure to save mankind / Logsdon, Gene
“If we do not begin turning manure into fertilizer to help feed a growing population, Logsdon argues we will all be in deep shit. Holy Shit completely covers the manure field including information on: How to build a barn manure pack with farm animal manure; How to recycle toilet water for irrigation purposes, and; How to get over the fear of faeces and muck. With his trademark humor, his years of experience writing about farming and waste management, and his uncanny eye for the small but important details, Logsdon artfully describes how to manage farm and pet manure to make fertilizer. This fresh, fascinating and entertaining look at an earthy, but absolutely crucial subject, is a small gem and is destined to become a classic of the agricultural canon.” (Catalogue)

The wastewater gardener : preserving the planet one flush at a time / Nelson, Mark
“Mark Nelson, PhD, has worked for several decades in closed ecological systems research. As one of eight brave souls enclosed in the pioneering Biosphere 2 experiment for two years in 1991-1993, Nelson learned first hand how essential the proper use of human waste is to the health of the planet. This realization, combined with his lifelong love affair with constructed wetlands, led to the development of Wastewater Gardens, an ecological way to treat human waste and preserve water quality.” (Catalogue)

Greywater, green landscape : how to install simple water-saving irrigation systems in your yard / Allen, Laura
“Save thousands of gallons of water annually and have a beautiful yard no matter the weather by capturing and reusing water from sinks, showers, and washing machines. This empowering and easy-to-use manual offers practical, long-term strategies for water management, with easy, do-it-yourself instructions and step-by-step photography to guide you through construction and installing a variety of systems throughout your house and garden.–COVER.” (Catalogue)

The composting toilet system book : a practical guide to choosing, planning and maintaining composting toilet systems, a water-saving, pollution-preventing wastewater solution / Del Porto, David
“From systems for cottages to year-round systems with micro-flush toilets and graywater gardens, the wide range of ecological recycling toilet options are featured in The Composting Toilet System Book. More than 40 systems, including those you can buy and those you can build, are featured.” (Catalogue)

The compost toilet handbook / Jenkins, Joseph C
“From the author of The Humanure Handbook, an expert guide to compost toilets you can build yourself. The Compost Toilet Handbook is an illustrated instructional manual explaining how to make, use, and manage compost toilets, which are waste-free toilets that rely on the biological process of composting to recycle toilet material. It is based on the author’s 40+ years of first-hand experience with “composting as a sanitation alternative.” The 254-page indexed book has 161 pages of color photos including 203 photos or illustrations from 13 countries where compost toilet systems are in use. The 2nd half of the book includes case study reviews of compost toilet projects in African prisons and schools; Haitian schools, orphanages, and villages; schools in Mozambique; neighborhoods in Mongolia; a school and village in Nicaragua; and an ecovillage in the US. Along with the nuts and bolts of compost toilet construction, use, and management, the book covers emergency preparedness, cold weather composting, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, health, and safety.”–Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)

The humanure handbook : a guide to composting human manure / Jenkins, Joseph C
“There are almost seven billion defecating people on planet Earth, but few who have any clue about how to constructively handle the burgeoning mountain of human crap. The Humanure Handbook, third edition, will amuse you, educate you, and possibly offend you, but it will certainly pertain to you–unless, of course, your bowels never move. This new edition of The Humanure Handbook is: The Tenth Anniversary Edition Richly illustrated with eye-candy artwork Perfect for reading while sitting on the “throne” Revised, improved, and updated 256 pages of crap ” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

 

Sparking curiosity ….

Linda

A former colleague once told me that I found too many things interesting.  I, on the other hand, failed to understand how she could be so passive in the face of all the fascinating information that surrounded her.

Librarians are, by their nature, curious people.

That is, they have a desire to find things out, ferret out information, know more.

This has the advantage of making librarians a great addition to a trivia/quiz team.

Without curiosity, and no doubt a few errors, most scientific advancement would never happen.  The majority of progress, both personal and professional, is down to asking “What if …”  “Why does …” “How can I …” and similar questions.

When interviewed in regard to his recent knighthood for services to New Zealand rugby, Sir Wayne Smith said of his career :

“You need a growth mindset.  You need to be curious … You share some ideas and get a few back and that makes you stronger and helps you get better …”

It’s not just rugby coaches though – curiosity is a useful trait for all business people as noted in the Disney quote at the start of this post.

Curiosity sparks innovation and creativity.  The need to understand and learn more encourages problem solving.  Curiosity leads to out of the square thinking.

via GIPHY

In this blog we have compiled some resources to help you better understand curiosity and how to harness it to your advantage.

How to be curious. By: Jones, Dan, New Scientist, 02624079, 10/15/2022, Vol. 256, Issue 3408  Database: MasterFILE Complete (Library registration required)
Curiosity can be a boon and a bane by turns. The secret is to know when to let it loose and when to keep it in check, says Dan Jones

Entrepreneurial Curiosity, Innovativeness of the Entrepreneur, and Company Growth by Peljko, Ž & Auer Antončič, J 2022,  Sciences (2076-328X), vol. 12, no. 11, p. 424, viewed 16 May 2023.
Database : Academic Search Elite (Library registration required)
Researchers have studied entrepreneurial curiosity and innovativeness as determinants of entrepreneurial behavior but have not linked them with company growth in a model. The intention of this enquiry was to examine the associations between the entrepreneur’s psychological constructs of entrepreneurial curiosity and innovativeness and business growth, as examined by the conceptualization and analysis of hypotheses. … This study contributes to the entrepreneurship knowledge base by presenting empirical testimony on the associations between entrepreneurial curiosity, entrepreneurial innovativeness, and firm growth, as well as presenting advanced cross-nationally analogous measurement instruments of entrepreneurial curiosity and innovativeness. The entrepreneur’s curiosity is important for their innovativeness, and this innovativeness is essential for business growth. [adapted ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How Leaders Can Leverage Curiosity For Inclusion: Why wouldn’t every leader lead with curiosity? by Kaye, B & Giulioni, JW, 2021, , Leadership Excellence, vol. 38, no. 11, pp. 40–42,  Database: Business Source Premier (Library registration required)
In a pulse survey, we asked leaders across the country how important curiosity is to a variety of business factors and outcomes. In her book, The Business of We, Kriska writes that well-meaning people truly want to connect with others about their differences. In fact, our text analysis of the responses of more than 250 leaders who participated in a recent study paints a vivid picture of curiosity’s role in the workplace. [Extracted from the article]

TED Talks have a curated page of talks on curiosity.

If you want to take a closer look at the topic you will find the following books on curiosity within the Wellington City Libraries book collection.

via GIPHY

Curious habits : why we do what we do and how to change / Mathers, Luke
“Attention to detail is great perfectionism is a curious habit. Chocolate is awesome; using it to treat anxiety is a curious habit. Honest self-awareness is admirable; constantly beating yourself up is a curious habit. We have habits for a reason, we repeat things that feel good and move away from the stuff we don t like. Our habits solve a problem and make life easier. Unfortunately, our habits can turn on us. This book teaches us how to use curiosity as a superpower. It takes the blame and shame out of habit change so that we make the change not because we HAVE to, but because we WANT to. Drawing from the collective wisdom of evolutionary biology, neuroscience, Stoic philosophy and even Instagram, leading mindset coach Luke Mathers helps us embrace the power of curiosity to recognise when habits start to impact negatively our health and happiness. Curious Habits offers an entertaining, thought-provoking and non-judgmental exploration into why we do the things we do, and how to reset for a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

The art of exploration : lessons in curiosity, leadership and getting things done / Wood, Levison
“Levison Wood talks about his secrets of discovery for the first time in this revealing manual of what it means to be an explorer in the modern age. The man who has walked the Nile, the Himalayas and the Americas discusses his lessons from a life on the road, how he managed to turn a passion into a lifestyle, and what inspired and motivated him along the way. Wood explains how he and other explorers face up to life’s challenges, often in extraordinary circumstances and demonstrates resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. He shares examples of pioneers in many fields, using their work to show how we can all develop our own explorer’s mindset and how these lessons can be applied in daily life. With chapters on curiosity, teamwork, resilience and positivity this is a book that provides a tool kit — no matter your age or profession.” (Catalogue)

The power of wonder : the extraordinary emotion that will change the way you live, learn, and lead / Parker, Monica C.
“The Power of Wonder takes readers on a multidisciplinary journey through psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, literature, and business to share some of the surprising secrets behind the mechanics of wonder and guides readers in bringing more of it into their lives. Readers will learn about the components and elicitors of wonder, and how it can transform our bodies and brains. From taking a daily “awe walk” to discovering a new and all-consuming interest in something you’d never given much thought to before, this book shows readers how to become more wonder-prone and reconnect with a reverence for the world and all the fascinating people in it”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Stop, ask, explore : learn to navigate change in times of uncertainty / Ball, Joan P
“Your business announced a major restructuring and your role is put at risk. You just graduated into a changing marketplace. You finally have the career you always wanted, but you wonder if there is more to life than what you’ve built. Interruptions and disruptions will block your path throughout your journey. You need to learn to navigate them. This book offers readers a practical framework for navigating life’s inevitable turning points, thresholds and transitions-at work at home and in between. Drawing upon more than a decade of research and work with established and emerging leaders across the globe, leadership consultant, Joan Ball invites emerging and established changemakers and their teams to reimagine their relationship with interruptions and disruptions-life’s What Now? Moments. This book guides you on a quest to recognize the creative potential that exists in the times between what was, What Now? and what might be.
Stop, Ask, Explore is a lively and eye-opening book that introduces field-tested tools designed to allow you to more effectively engage interruptions and disruptions and develop the hopeful curiosity and experimental mindset needed to lead yourself and those around you in an era of unrelenting and exponential change. Discover how to learn, discern, choose and confirm the right way forward, rather than mindlessly ‘pivoting’ our ‘bouncing back’ without direction. They don’t teach this in business school, yet navigating change successfully will be the difference between those who thrive or survive in the new world of work”– Provided by publisher” (Catalogue)

Curiosity : art and the pleasures of knowing
“Curiosity explores the notion of intellectual and creative curiosity. Compiled in association with author and U.K. editor of Cabinet magazine Brian Dillon, this richly illustrated book explores objects, artworks and narratives drawn from a variety of disciplines–scientific, occult, anthropological and aesthetic–taking as its guide a sensibility that developed in Europe in the early modern period and tracing it at work in disparate historical and contemporary contexts. Contributors to the volume include Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin, Agency, Aura Satz, Aur lien Froment, Charles Le Brun, Corinne May Botz, Gunda F rster, Jeremy Millar, Laurent Grasso, Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka, Matt Mullican, Nicolaes Maes, Nina Katchadourian, Pablo Bronstein, Philip Henry Gosse, Robert Hooke, Roger Caillois, Tacita Dean, Thomas Gr nfeld and Toril Johannessen.” (Catalogue)

Why? : what makes us curious / Livio, Mario
“This is a fascinating examination of perhaps our most human characteristic, our innate curiosity, our deep desire to know why. Why are we more distracted by a cell-phone conversation, where we can hear only one side of the dialogue, than by an overheard argument between two people? Are children more curious than adults? What is the source of the morbid curiosity that causes bystanders to gather at crime scenes or traffic accidents? What evolutionary purpose does curiosity serve? How does our mind choose what to be curious about? Why? explores these and many other intriguing questions. Curiosity is essential to creativity. It is a necessary ingredient in so many art forms, from mystery novels and film dramas to painting, sculpture, and music. It is the principal driver of science, and yet there is no scientific consensus on why we humans are so curious or about the precise mechanisms in our brain that are responsible for curiosity. Mario Livio investigates curiosity through the lives of such paragons of inquisitiveness as Leonardo da Vinci and Richard Feynman. He interviewed a range of exceptionally curious people from an astronaut with degrees in statistics, medicine, and literature to a rock guitarist with a PhD in astrophysics. Because of Livio’s own insatiable curiosity, Why? is an irresistible and entertaining book that will captivate anyone who is curious about curiosity.”–Jacket.” (Catalogue)

Curious : the desire to know & why your future depends on it / Leslie, Ian
“This is a book about our extraordinary capacity to take pleasure in discovering, learning and understanding – an analysis of why curiosity makes the world go round.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Creative acts for curious people : how to think, create, and lead in unconventional ways / Greenberg, Sarah Stein
“What do they teach you at the most prestigious design school in the world? For the first time, readers have the opportunity to find out. Featuring contributions from some inventive and unconventional minds – including founder David Kelley, Choreographer Aleta Hayes and Google Chief Innovation Evangelist Frederik Pferdt – and packed with ideas that help you nurture the art of learning, discovery and curiosity, this provocative and highly-visual guide is a definitive resource for readers who want to expand their creative tool kit and lead with curiosity.” (Catalogue)  Also available as EBook Libby

Cracking the curiosity code : the key to unlocking human potential / Hamilton, Diane
“In Dr. Diane Hamilton’s provocative new book, she uncovers what could foreseeably be the next movement to enhance human performance, a critical and direct link to improving motivation and communication-based issues that challenge organizations. Drawing on decades of research and incorporating interviews from some of the top leaders of our time, Hamilton examines the factors that influence curiosity including fear, assumptions, technology, and environment (FATE). Her ground-breaking research provides an action plan to transform individuals and organizations. The organization that can stimulate its workers’ curiosity can enhance employee engagement, emotional intelligence, innovation, productivity, and the many other by-products that come with that intrinsic, but under-utilized attribute. By developing curiosity and the ability to communicate without fear of repercussions, second-guessing or judgmental responses, employees can be better aligned and emotionally committed to their jobs, which in turn, can lead to improved productivity.” (Catalogue)

The power of curiosity : how to have real conversations that create collaboration, innovation and understanding / Taberner, Kathy
“Use the power of curiosity to transform challenging conversations into productive, meaningful, relationship-building experiences at work, home, or school. As leaders, parents, or teachers, navigating difficult conversations is part of the job. How do we keep calm and achieve a productive outcome, all while keeping our relationships intact? The secret is curiosity. Curiosity is the innovation-driving, emotion-calming skill that comes so naturally to us as children, but gets so easily buried beneath our busy, multitasking lifestyles. The good news is that we simply have to relearn what we already know! In The Power of Curiosity, mother-daughter executive coaching team Kathy Taberner and Kirsten Taberner-Siggins walk you through the Curiosity Skills and introduce a step-by-step process to use anytime-but especially when challenging conversations arise.” (Catalogue)

If you would like more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Introverts and Extroverts : working with, or managing, different personality types

Linda

 

Christina is the confident, social type, always among the last to leave the party and who can work a room with ease.  An extrovert.  For her, social events and personal interaction are energising.

Will, however, is the one in the corner at a work event, looking uncomfortable, hoping to someone might talk to him but kind of hoping no-one will.  An introvert.  Social situations for Will are often challenging, and talking to strangers is something he finds draining, requiring lots of time to recharge afterwards.

These are of course the opposite end of the personality spectrum with the majority of people sitting somewhere between the two, combining aspects of both personality types.  That makes them ambiverts.  Ambiverts are happy to attend a social event, chat to people, then just as happy to go home and recharge.

So to first check – although you probably suspect which group you fall into – take this quick pop quiz

Psychology Today provides definitions of both extroversion  and introversion 

Extroversion is a personality trait typically characterized by outgoingness, high energy, and/or talkativeness. In general, the term refers to a state of being where someone “recharges,” or draws energy, from being with other people; the opposite—drawing energy from being alone—is known as introversion.
 

Introversion is a basic personality style characterized by a preference for the inner life of the mind over the outer world of other people. … Compared to extroverts, introverts enjoy subdued and solitary experiences.

Regardless of what group you identify with, being outgoing or retiring, can impact on how you are perceived in the workplace, your leadership style and relationships with others.

An extrovert who draws like minded people to them may make up a team of similar personality types, overlooking a competent, yet quieter, personality.  A team that is made up of extroverts can impact on functionality as much as an introvert dominated group.

Interestingly much more is published about either being introverted or from the introverts perspective than that of the extroverts.

If you identify as an introvert how do you hold your own quieter place in a “loud” world?  Can you be a successful leader if you tend to have introvert qualities?  If you are an extroverted leader how do you engage with introverted team members? 

The thing to remember is we are all different.  There’s no “right” or “wrong” personality type.

via GIPHY

This collection of resources will help guide you to understanding yourself and your colleagues and employees.

How to Be a Great Boss Even if You’re an Introvert
Embrace traits that improve relationships with your staff.

Do you have to be loud to be successful at work? This is an audio transcript of the Working It podcast episode — Managing introverts in your team: quiet voices in a loud world
 

Managing Introverts and Extroverts in the Hybrid Workplace.
Dhawan, Erica. Harvard Business Review Digital Articles. 8/19/2021, p1-4. 4p. , Database: Business Source Premier (access with library registration)
With many introverts opting to work remotely and extroverts more likely to want to go back to the office, how do you ensure your entire team remains engaged, productive, and happy?

Unique Problems Introverts Face In The Workplace.
By: Finkle, Jane. Leadership Excellence. Jul2019, Vol. 36 Issue 7, p28-30. 3p. , Database: Business Source Premier.  (access with library registration)
The article discusses the unique issues confronting introvert employees in the workplace and how they can effectively resolve them. Also cited are the importance of interpersonal relationships to succeed in one’s job, the calm and powerful perspective that introverts can contribute in the workplace, as well as tips on how leaders can compel introverts to speak up in group and supervisory meetings, as well as in improving relationships with coworkers.

Marketing Yourself If You’re Not An Extrovert
If you are introverted, doing things such as attending networking events and mixers or speaking in large groups may be things that you shy away from. However, there are ways you can still excel

It’s Possible to Be an Introverted Entrepreneur—Here’s How
Whether you just launched a startup or have been running your small business for years, if you are an introvert, you likely face challenges unique to your quiet temperament.

Stop Telling Introverts to Act Like Extroverts
Evy Kuijpers, Joeri Hofmans, and Bart Wille in Harvard Business Review, October 17, 2022 (online)
It’s well-known that engaging in extroverted activities such as networking and public speaking can help people advance their careers. Research has further suggested that in some cases, even naturally introverted people may be energized and feel better in the moment when engaging in these behaviors. However, studies have also shown that acting more extroverted than you are can take a substantial mental toll in the longer-term, leading to lower energy levels and potentially cancelling out the personal and professional benefits. As such, the authors argue that naturally more-introverted people should carefully weigh the benefits of putting on an extroverted face, and should make sure to give themselves time to recharge if and when they do decide to participate in extroverted activities.

The introvert’s edge : how the quiet and shy can outsell anyone / Pollard, Matthew
“Introverts can not only still be salespeople; they can be incredible salespeople–without changing who they are!” (Catalogue)

 

 

The introvert’s way : living a quiet life in a noisy world / Dembling, Sophia
“For anyone who loved Susan Cain’s Quiet, comes this practical manifesto sharing the joys of introversion…This clever and pithy book challenges introverts to take ownership of their personalities…with quiet strength. Sophia Dembling asserts that the introvert’s lifestyle is not “wrong” or lacking, as society or extroverts would have us believe. Through a combination of personal insights and psychology, The Introvert’s Way helps and encourages introverts to embrace their nature, to respect traits they may have been ashamed of and reframe them as assets. You’re not shy; rather, you appreciate the joys of quiet. You’re not antisocial; instead, you enjoy recharging through time alone. You’re not unfriendly, but you do find more meaning in one-on-one connections than large gatherings. By honoring what makes them unique, this astute and inspiring audiobook challenges introverts to “own” their introversion, igniting a quiet revolution that will change how they see themselves and how” (Catalogue) 

Quiet : the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking / Cain, Susan
“At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who invent and create but prefer not to pitch their own ideas; who favour working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labelled “quiet”, it is to introverts we owe many of the great contributions to society – from Van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with the indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Susan Cain charts the rise of “the extrovert ideal” over the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects – how it helps to determine everything from how parishioners worship to who excels at Harvard Business School. And she draws on cutting-edge research on the biology and psychology of temperament to reveal how introverts can modulate their personalities according to circumstance, how to empower an introverted child, and how companies can harness the natural talents of introverts. This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.” (Catalogue)  Also available as an E-book format or audiobook  

The power of personality : how introverts and extroverts can combine to amazing effect / Loehken, Sylvia
“Management writers have come up with many tools for explaining how different types of personalities can work best together. But they have ignored the most important personality difference of all – the difference between introverts and extroverts. This book is the first book to fill that gap. This book follows up from Sylvia Loehken’s international bestseller Quiet Impact, published in the UK in June, and will be required reading for all managers and anyone who wants to understand their colleagues better.” (Catalogue)

Quiet impact / Loehken, Sylvia
“Most literature on business, communication and success is focused on extroverts, who feel comfortable networking, talking and being the centre of attention. But at least 30% of the population are introverts, and they are now finding their voice. Quiet Impact : How to Be a Successful Introvert is already an international phenomenon. Using the latest psychological research, and Dr Loehken’s own extensive experience coaching introverts in the workplace, it is packed with practical advice which is easy to implement. Dr Loehken identifies 10 strengths specific strengths that introverts often have (such as independence, perseverance and writing), and also identifies ten specific hurdles they often have to overcome (such as hyperstimulation, intellectualism and fear of conflict).” (Catalogue)  Also available as an E-book

The introvert entrepreneur : amplify your strengths and create success on your own terms / Buelow, Beth L.
“A practical guide to help introverts harness their natural gifts and entrepreneurial spirit.   Think you have to be loud and brash to be successful in business? Think again. The strengths and traits of the typical introvert lend themselves well to entrepreneurship, as well as “intrapreneurship” and a range of business roles. In The Introvert Entrepreneur, professional coach Beth Buelow shows readers how to harness their natural gifts (including curiosity, independence, and a love of research) and counteract their challenges (such as an aversion to networking and self-promotion). She addresses a wide range of topics –from managing fears and expectations and developing a growth mindset to networking, marketing, leadership skills, and community-building–informed by interviews with introverts who have created successful businesses without compromising their core personality. Filled with fresh insights and actionable advice, this essential guide will support anyone who’s striving to make a difference in a loud and chaotic world.” (Catalogue)

Taking the work out of networking : an introvert’s guide to making connections that count / Wickre, Karen
“Networking has garnered a reputation as a sort of necessary evil in the modern business world. Some do relish the opportunity to boldly work the room, introduce themselves to strangers, and find common career ground–but for many others, the experience is often awkward, or even terrifying. The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or “fixing” their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is a self-described introvert who has worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years. She shows you to embrace your true nature to create sustainable connections that can be called upon for you to get–and give–career assistance, advice, introductions, and lasting connections. Karen’s “embrace your quiet side” approach is for anyone who finds themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for those who would rather be curled up with a good book on a Friday night than out at a party… With compelling arguments and creative strategies, this new way to network is perfect not only for introverts, but for anyone who wants for a less conventional approach to get ahead in today’s job market”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Quietly powerful : how your quiet nature is your hidden leadership strength / Miki, Megumi
“In the uncertain, changing, global and interconnected world, the ‘alpha’ or ‘hero’ leadership style alone is outdated and inadequate. Quieter professionals, who are often overlooked or taken advantage of without recognition, have immense value to contribute to organisations. In this book, Megumi Miki shares her own experience and those of many other quiet professionals who have achieved great success in the business environment. Megumi believes that a shift in our beliefs about leadership will allow talented quiet professionals to view their quiet nature as a strength and to succeed in their own way, rather than seeing it as a disadvantage. She aims to empower quieter professionals and those outside majority groups to fulfil their potential. Quietly Powerful challenges quiet professionals to reframe the story they tell themselves about their leadership potential – and encourages organisations to expand their ideas about what good leadership looks, sounds and feels like.” (Catalogue)

Self-promotion for introverts : the quiet guide to getting ahead / Ancowitz, Nancy
“Get noticed . . . and get ahead.  All too often, introverts get passed over for job offers and promotions while their more extroverted colleagues get all of the recognition. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In Self-Promotion for Introverts(R), business communication coach and intrepid introvert Nancy Ancowitz helps introverts tap into their quiet strengths, articulate their accomplishments, and launch an action plan for gaining career advancement. You will learn how to: Promote yourself without bragging– when networking, on job” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The introvert’s complete career guide : from landing a job, to surviving, thriving, and moving on up / Finkle, Jane
“This handbook demonstrates how to use your introverted qualities to their best advantage, then add a few extroverted skills to round out a forceful combination for ultimate career success. Includes keys to navigating each stage of professional development–from self-assessment and job search to survival in a new position and career advancement”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)
Available as an E-book

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Subscription services

Linda

In 2020 when the world began panic buying toilet paper, our household wondered what all the fuss was about.

Our quarterly delivery of mixed paper products – tissues, toilet paper and paper towels, had just arrived and been stored in the laundry cupboard.  We’ve subscribed to this service (products are made from bamboo and recycled sugar cane with limited packaging) for some years and have found it reliable, flexible and – importantly – we never run out because someone has forgotten to add these regularly used items to the shopping list.

In the past, subscriptions – where you pay a recurring amount at regular intervals for your chosen product or service – were used for publications, gym memberships and not much else.  Some were annual, like a magazine subscription, others monthly or quarterly.  Then came subscription television services, and, as the internet developed, on-demand streaming services started up followed by meal delivery boxes and now the subscription model is being used to sell – and purchase – a wide range of products and services.

Since early 2020, Covid lockdowns and working from home have driven a rise in such services and the article Innovative Subscription Services: Turning a Crisis into a Win looks at how and why the subscription industry took off during lockdowns.

These days you can also arrange for flowers or potplants, coffee, health and beauty products, alcohol, cheese and clothing to be delivered to your door on a weekly, monthly or quarterly cycle.

For a consumer, in a busy world, it’s convenient to have things delivered without leaving home, and for retailers the move into e-commerce has been driven by necessity.  A subscription service, for some, is the basis of their entire business, while for others it’s an addition to their retail models.

For a business, a subscription model allows for less uncertainty and ensures a regulated income stream which in turn assists planning.

The Foliage Studio in Ngaio offers a tiered subscription model for houseplants.  Director Cam says that offering a subscription service “… helps with planning regarding stock and cashflow.”  When setting up the subscription model, used to share the love of houseplants, research went in to what would work best.  Amongst the considerations were the need to offer a variety of products, ensure enough products were in the supply chain, whether the cost of subscriptions covered product costs and also consideration of shipping, packaging and associated costs.  The original model proved a successful formula although “minor tweaks” were made to “delivery schedules and secure packaging options”.  Ongoing benefits to business has been increased exposure to the service from satisfied customers along with a noticeable  increase in store visits.

If, as a business, you are thinking of developing a subscription service, or adding one to your offerings, here’s a reading list to help you decide what may be best.

Not sure if this is the right approach for you?  Then Subscription Model? Is This Really The Best Approach for Me? might be a helpful read.

How Subscription Services Work & Why You Should Use Them claims Subscription services are one of the best things you can do for your ecommerce site and briefly outlines seven reasons for adopting a subscription model.

Another article 6 Most Popular Subscription Services [+Tools They Use to Drive Growth] gives examples of  nine companies it considers to be offering successful models.

Done your research and ready to give it a go?  Have a look at How to start a subscription business : A 2023 guide

If it’s ideas you’re wanting here’s some subscription service ideas that you could either add to an existing business or start up : 53 subscription box gift ideas for every interest and hobby and  The 67 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift for Every Interest

Be aware though that The rising power of subscription services warns :
Adding a subscription service into a new DTC offering is a great strategy, although giving customers the ability to auto-replenish won’t just sell itself. Businesses need to understand their new B2C customers and develop a mutually value-driven relationship.

The Harvard Business Review considers the psychology behind subscription services and looks at some of the main reasons why they fail.

via GIPHY

For more in-depth reading try these two offerings from the Wellington City Library collection.

The automatic customer : creating a subscription business in any industry / Warrillow, John
“How smart companies can use subscriptions to win customers, increase cash flow, and ignite growth What do Zipcar, Netflix, and WhatsApp have in common? They are pioneers of the new subscription economy in which people pay automatically for much more than publications. John Warrillow, the acclaimed author of Built to Sell, offers a blueprint for winning subscribers for any kind of business. He explains, for instance, – The nine different subscription models and how to apply each in your business. – How Dollar Shave Club turned shaving into a subscription. – The secret psychology of selling a subscription. – The eight reasons why customers stop subscribing. Whether business owners want to transform their entire model into a recurring revenue engine or just pick up an extra 5 percent of automatic sales, they will find great insights and examples in Warrillow’s book”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Subscribed : why the subscription model will be your company’s future – and what to do about it / Tzuo, Tien
“Companies like Netflix, Spotify, and Salesforce are just the tip of the iceberg for the subscription model. The real transformation–and the real opportunity–is just beginning”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

 

The membership economy : find your superusers, master the forever transaction, and build recurring revenue / Baxter, Robbie Kellman
“The membership business models of Netflix, ZipCar, and other industry giants revealed–and how you can use them to lead your company to the top of the food chain For decades, consumers and businesses have joined clubs, bought products and accessed services using a subscription model. But it has only been in recent years that the model has been perfected. Join Today shows how nimble companies that have developed a Membership Model are thriving. Companies including those that rent, lend or offer unlimited or premium access instead of just ownership, have the opportunity to leapfrog industry leaders. In terms of strategic business models, this is one that allows for breakthrough growth. The book also explores how industry leaders like AmEx, Uber, Weight Watchers, and Salesforce.com are radically rethinking how they provide value to their customers.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Te Araroa walkers and Wellington business

Linda

 

Kia tupato kia pai to hikoi
Me te titiro whanui, kia koa
Ki nga taonga kei mua i a koe

Walk the path in safety
Look deeply and learn
From your surroundings*

*Inscription on the Te Araroa foundation stone at Shorland Park, Island Bay.
The stone marks the end (or beginning) of the North Island section of 3000 km Te Araroa trail.

*********************************************************************************

They usually arrive at our door mid-late afternoon.

They shoulder backpacks with attached trekking poles and carry bags of supplies picked up on their traverse of the city.

They’re sweaty and puffing if it’s a warm day. Sodden if it’s a wet one.

They’re seeking a couple of nights in a warm, dry space in which to wash, sleep, refuel and restock before moving on.

They are Te Araroa through walkers and they come from all points of Europe, North America and sometimes New Zealand and we are Trail Angels  – locals, usually living near a trailhead, who offer accommodation or a backyard campsite, amenities, maybe a meal, transport and advice to those who are walking New Zealand end to end.  

Te Araroa (The long pathway) is a 3000km network of 87 separate trails/tracks that runs the length of Aotearoa from Cape Reinga to Bluff.  The trail traverses a range of public and private land and is managed overall by the Te Araroa Trust although DOC managed facilities account for approximate 45 percent of the route.  Some parts are linked by stretches of road walking.

The TA is gaining popularity and is moving up to take its place alongside lengthy hikes such as the Camino de Santiago, (Spain), the Appalachian Way (USA) and the Pacific Crest trail (spanning the eastern coast of the north American continent from Mexico to Canada).  

With the opening of New Zealand borders late last year international TA hikers began arriving almost immediately. Many are trying to complete the journey within the terms of their visa (usually three months).  Allowing 3-5 months is recommended depending on speed and ability. 

As of January 2023 there were 4000 trail walkers registered with the Te Araroa Trust.  Along with through walkers there are also section walkers – often New Zealanders – who do a small, different, section of the trail as time permits.

Walkers are either NOBO or SOBO – that’s trail speak for North Bound (beginning at Bluff) or most usual South Bound – beginning at Cape Reinga.

Some are hard core and walk the full distance. Others find the road walking sections or detours not to their liking and opt to hitch a ride, catch a shuttle service or even bike. They drop off trail to do other activities including adding in some extra walking in the form of one of the Great walks.

However they choose to do it Wellington is an important stop on their itinerary.

In good weather a SOBO exits the Tararua ranges at Waikanae, then using routes like the Escarpment track and Wellington’s network of walkways they finally reach the Southern Terminus at Shorland Park in Island Bay, around 1700km after leaving Cape Reinga.

Once across the Strait the path takes them along the Queen Charlotte Track to Pelorous where they begin the arduous trek along the Richmond Ranges. Eventually they will drop down to St Arnaud in the Nelson Lakes area to pick up their “bounce boxes” – packages mailed on ahead. From there it’s through the Travers-Sabine and down to the St James Walkway and another supply pick up.  Depending on progress some will terminate their walking here while others will push on through the southern section to Bluff.

If they’re heading northwards they do this route (or variations of it) in reverse.

Either way they arrive in Wellington tired, hungry and in need of restocking equipment and preparing food packages to mail onwards to a pick up point.

Which means that when in the city they spend.

These aren’t the usual cruise ship day tourists sitting on a bus or maybe purchasing a coffee in a CBD café.

Once clean and rested, TA walkers head to outdoor equipment stores and supermarkets. They make menu plans and purchase up to a month’s worth of meals and snacks. Sometimes dehydrated, just add water and wait, meals. Sometimes more substantial supplies like rice and pasta. They measure out their supplies, package them up and post on to a supply drop point en route

If they are waiting for a ferry they allow themselves around 3 days in the city to stock up, relax and take the opportunity to sample capital life.

On the Te Araroa facebook group there has been some discussion around costs to walk the TA. It varies for everyone but estimates have ranged from NZ$10, 000 to a more detailed $16,000 and upwards over the course of three months or so. This includes replacing equipment, food, supplies, koha, accommodation and transport. It doesn’t necessarily include things like the cost of airfares to New Zealand, flights from Invercargill back to Auckland when they head back to their home country and so on.  The official TA site suggests a minimum budget of NZ$10,000 is needed along with contingency funds. 

TA walkers are a sizeable tourist market in Wellington but a hidden one.  A spokesperson for Dwights Outdoors in Mercer Street says they have seen an increase in international hikers since the start of the 2022-23 season with TA walkers now providing a noticeable portion of business.  There have been two distinct waves – the first in October as the early departures prepared to head to Northland before beginning the long trek southwards.  Then again in December as the southbound trekkers reached town with a need to resupply before crossing the Strait.

Dwights now offers TA walkers free shipping to a trail destination of choice on instore purchases over NZ$150*. (*Ts & Cs apply).  In one memorable purchase around NZ$600 of dehydrated meals were purchased by a couple preparing to tackle the Richmond ranges and routes onwards from there.

Next time you see a couple of trampers, fully kitted up and looking a little dishevelled on Lambton Quay, give them a welcoming smile.  They’re most likely international visitors fulfilling a physically challenging ambition.  They’re in our city for a few days and they’re great for our economy.

“To know Papatuanuku you have to go through slowly, on foot”
– Hone Tuwhare**

**Quoted in A walking guide to New Zealand’s long trail : Te Araroa by Geoff Chapple, 2017 : p13

If you’re inspired and want to know more about Te Araroa here’s some of the WCL resources on offer. 

Te Araroa : the New Zealand trail / Chapple, Geoff
“Geoff Chapple has created a continuous hiking trail through New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff. This is his story – he describes the dream of establishing a long pathway, and how his dream became a reality.” (Catalogue)

Also available as EBook Overdrive

 

A walking guide to New Zealand’s long trail : Te Araroa / Chapple, Geoff
“This is the guidebook of Te Araroa Trail: The Long Pathway, a continuous trail running from Cape Reinga to Bluff, 35 years in the making, which officially opened in late 2011. The book maps the 3000-kilometer trail in 40-kilometer sections, with maps by leading map maker Roger Smith of Geographx. Author Geoff Chapple is a modern-day visionary who took the concept of a continuous trail running the length of New Zealand and turned it into a reality. Until recently the CEO of the Trust, Chapple complements the maps with a running commentary describing the landscape, the flora and fauna encountered along the way, as well as the special features of particular parts of the trail. Photographs of the trail illustrate each section. Each of the 12 regional sections opens with a stunning 2-page 3D map. A short introduction describes the history of the trail as well as the variety of New Zealand’s landscape along the way: forest, farmland, volcanoes and mountain passes, river valleys, green pathways, and the urban areas of seven cities. This book is an accessible guide both for those who only want to walk parts of the trail and dedicated trampers who intend to walk its entire length.” (Catalogue)

Te Araroa : walking New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometre trail / Watson, Mark
“In January 2015 Mark Watson left sunny Cape Reinga to walk and photograph the length of Te Araroa. The journey would take him nearly six months, through constantly changing landscape, geology, and many different kinds of forest. He walked urban pathways, farm tracks, beaches, roads, regional and national parks and reached Bluff – amid winter storms – in July. His visual record of the trail’s scenery is presented in nine geographic sections matching the structure of the trail, with introductory text and captioned photographs to describe the landscape, diversity, culture and history of each region. Te Araroa, the long trail, was established by Geoff Chapple and officially opened in December 2011 by Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae. Mark Watson’s book features a Foreword by Geoff Chapple, founder, Te Araroa.”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)

Bewildered : leaving everything behind for 3000km in the wilds of New Zealand / Waters, Laura The pants of perspective : one woman’s 3,000 kilometre running adventure through the wilds of New Zealand / McNuff, Anna
“A thrilling, coming-of-age journey that will make you yearn to go on your own adventures.” – Runner’s World Anna was never anything like those ‘real’ runners on telly—all spindly limbs, tiny shorts and split times—but when she read about New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometre-long Te Araroa Trail, she began to wonder… perhaps being a ‘real’ runner was overrated. Maybe she could just run it anyway? Travelling alone through New Zealand’s backcountry for 148 days, she scrambled through forests, along ridge-lines, over mountain passes, along beaches and across swollen rivers. Running up to 52 kilometres in a day, she slept wild most nights, and was taken into the homes and hearts of the kiwi people in between. The Pants of Perspective is a witty, colourful and at times painfully raw account of a journey to the edge of what a woman believes herself to be capable of. It is a coming-of-age story which will lead you on a roller coaster ride through fear, vulnerability, courage and failure. For anyone who has ever dreamt of taking on a great challenge, but felt too afraid to begin—this story is for you.” (Catalogue)

Broken heels and bicycle wheels / Blair, Larry
“As 2018 drew to a close I embarked on what was to be my grand odyssey, a North – South walk of Aotearoa. Following the Te Araroa route, I was to walk 3,000km over the next six months. Spoiler: I didn’t. After some ups and downs, I binned that idea and had a crack at biking it instead. Broken Heels and Bicycle Wheels is my tale from that six month period. It’s a fairly raw retelling of my trip as I lived it, warts and all…”–https://lawrenceblair.com.” (Catalogue)

 

Lillibutt’s Te Araroa adventure / O’Rourke, Maris
“When Lillibutt the kunekune pig decides to walk from Cape Reinga to Auckland she meets others along the way and overcomes some scary challenges during her long adventure.” (Catalogue)  Te reo version

 

 

Scenic playground : the story behind New Zealand’s mountain tourism
“This lavish book explores the story behind the promotion of New Zealand’s mountains – through posters, advertisements, hand-coloured photos and more. It explains how the country built its reputation as an alpine playground and, alongside, how mountains became central to belonging to Aotearoa”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)

 

     New Zealand outdoor magazine Wilderness is available in hardcopy or e-journal formats along with copies of Walking New Zealand also in hardcopy or e-journal

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Starting out or moving on : job hunting resources at WCL

Linda

Is 2023 the year you step onto the career ladder?

Are you returning to work after a break?

Maybe you’ve had time to reflect over the summer break and feel it’s time to move on and are looking for a new job?

Let Wellington City Libraries and our extensive job-hunting resources assist you.  We have many, and varied, resources that may help you.

If you are new to job hunting you might find this blog piece aimed at Job seekers helpful.

There’s plenty of other resources too, regardless of what stage you are at in your career or job-hunt.

If you’re starting out;
Looking for a job;
Assessing your skills;
Getting your cv (resume) prepared;
Brushing up on some work skills;
Gaining confidence for an interview;

Read on to learn more.

Assess your skill set
If you are a school or university leaver, not certain about your skill set, or maybe someone thinking of changing careers, a good starting site is Careers New Zealand.  Here you will find tools that can assist you figure out what roles your skills and experience may be a good match for.  There is also guidance on cv preparation and other useful information.

Find a vacancy
To apply for a job you need to first know what companies are seeking workers and what roles are being advertised.

If you know what you are looking for and already have a cv prepared you can create a profile and upload your documentation to Seek or Trademe jobs.  Both these sites allow you to create alerts so that you are emailed a listing whenever a job in your area of interest is advertised.

For an experienced worker, looking to change roles or companies, there are a variety of recruitment agents in the Wellington CBD.  Some specialise in certain roles such as labour, IT, professional or executive recruitment.  Others have a more general approach.  Link here for a brief alphabetical Recruitment agents listing

Don’t forget the power of networking.  See our blog listing networking groups in the Wellington region or the one about using Linkedin for effective networking.

Prepare your CV/resume
Your cv and covering letter are what will attract a prospective employer to you.  Or not.  So how do you get noticed in among all the other applications?  Like everything, there are trends to how to present your cv and this article outlines some of the resume trends you should be aware of while this one suggests some things that should be on your cv.  If you are uncertain about some information, ask a trusted friend or colleague to check it over.  There are also professional companies that will work with you to produce a standout cv.

Acquiring or brushing up on skills
If, as you read through a job description, you feel you need some new or additional skills to be appropriately qualified for a role then there are many courses available to help you upskill.  Our blog on Professional development looks at some of the online options including Linkedin Learning courses available free with your library registration.

In person courses are offered throughout the year from Wellington High School‘s Community Education Centre or Victoria University‘s short course options.

Acing interviews
You’ve done all the above, and now you have an interview.  What next?  If, like many people you get nervous when faced with a panel of interviewers asking you questions then preparation is the key.  Look for the company website and brush up on your knowledge of their structure and people.  For a senior role, check to see if the company Annual Report is available and have a read.  Sometimes you may be questioned on how much you know about an organisation, for example, how it may be funded.  This is when your research will pay off.  There’s also the chance of an “awkward” question.  Have a look at the advice offered in this HBR article  How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Failed” in a Job Interview.

On the Wellington City Libraries website enter “Employment interviewing” in the catalogue search box to find resources that can help you prepare answers for those sticky questions.  And don’t be afraid to go into an interview with a list of questions you want to know about the company.

So that’s some of the many ways we can help your job search succeed.  You’ll also find more resources listed on our Aramahi/Careers Information page.

Within our broader library collection we also have resources like those listed below, that library users are welcome to borrow.  Or contact your friendly and helpful library staff for further suggestions.

The new rules for job hunting : changing jobs in a changing world / O’Neil, Tom
“The rules have changed! With economic uncertainty after COVID 19, as well as redundancies and unemployment on the rise, it has never been more important in New Zealand to secure strong and long-lasting employment. You may already have (or maybe think you have) the skills to gain a new career or win a dream job but if you are unable to sell yourself to a prospective employer. In reality, that potential is unrealised with most people. With sections on resumes, social media, preparing and sending impactful covering letters, the do’s and don’ts in an interview, interviewing tips (both ZOOM and traditional), networking, direct marketing, salary negotiation and career goal-setting, this book is packed with information. The book also includes up-to-date tips and information about social networking, online resources and long-term career planning. Discover how you can stand out from the competition and receive more job opportunities and better value job offers than ever before. ‘THE NEW RULES FOR JOB HUNTING’ will help you to discover and identify personal key career highlights and assist in marketing your skills to potential employers. New Zealander Tom O’Neil has been a professional recruitment and human resources consultant for over twenty years. He is sought after for Interviews for television and radio commentary regarding employment and has articles about career development printed in a wide range of magazines and newspapers. He is a significant contributor to the bestselling career guide ‘What Color Is Your Parachute?’ which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Tom has also been the author of the bestselling book ‘You’re Hired’, (published by New Holland) and is in demand globally for his workshops and public speaking. Gaynor O’Neil is a senior recruiter and works with Tom in their international personal development and resume writing businesses”–Publisher’s website.” (Catalogue)

What color is your parachute? : your guide to a lifetime of meaningful work and career success / Bolles, Richard Nelson
“In today’s challenging job-market, as recent grads face a shifting economic landscape and seek work that pays and inspires, as workers are laid off mid-career, and as people search for an inspiring work-life change, the time-tested advice of What Color Is Your Parachute? is needed more than ever. This completely updated edition features the latest resources, strategies, and perspectives on today’s job market, revealing surprising advice on what works–and what doesn’t–so you can focus your efforts on tactics that yield results.”– Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)  Available as EBook Overdrive

Love + work : how to find what you love, love what you do, and do it for the rest of your life / Buckingham, Marcus
“We’re in the middle of an epidemic of stress and anxiety. A global pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives. Average life expectancy in the United States is down. At work, less than 16 percent of us are fully engaged. In many high-stress jobs, such as distribution centers, emergency room nursing, and teaching, incidences of PTSD are higher than for soldiers returning from war zones. We’re getting something terribly wrong. We’ve designed the love out of our workplaces, and our schools too, so that they fail utterly to provide for or capitalize on one of our most basic human needs: our need for love. As Marcus Buckingham shows in this eye-opening, uplifting book, love is an energy, and like all forms of energy, it must flow. It demands expression-and that expression is “work.” Whether in our professional accomplishments, our relationships, or our response to all the many slings and arrows of life, we know that none of this work will be our best unless it is made with love. There’s no learning without love, no innovation, no service, no sustainable growth. Love and work are inextricable. Buckingham first starkly highlights the contours of our loveless work lives and explains how we got here. Next, he relates how we all develop best in response to other human beings. What does a great work relationship look like when the other person is cued to your loves? What does a great team look like when each member is primed to be a mirror, an amplifier, of the loves of another? Finally, he shows how you can weave love back into the world of work as a force for good, how you can use your daily life routines to pinpoint your specific loves, and how you can make this a discipline for the rest of your life. Today, too often, love comes last at work, and we are living the painful consequences of this. Love + Work powerfully shows why love must come first-and how we can make this happen”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Career remix / Brown, Damon
“An author, two-time start-up founder and four-time TED speaker offers testimonials, plans of action, and road-tested insight to encourage job seekers to use their existing skills and resources to change careers, manage transitions, and thrive in the current job market.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Coming back : how to win the job you want when you’ve lost the job you need / Germer, Fawn
“A street smart, inspiring, practical and utterly honest book for renewing or resuming your career. Millions of mid- and late-career professionals are wondering why our careers are dying. We’ve been fired, downsized, job-eliminated, or we’ve left work voluntarily to raise children, care for loved ones, or go to school. Our unemployment rate is more than three times the national average. It takes twice as long to get hired, usually for far less money than we were making. Is it age discrimination? Maybe. But it’s not that simple. So many of us have lagged on skills and technology, shrugged off social media, or ignored the rate of change and let younger people become the face of our profession’s future. Our “track record” really doesn’t matter. We want to come back, but we aren’t ready. Coming Back offers clear advice, including: -Make yourself visible and relevant by sharing articles and information on your field with colleagues and on social media. -Use LinkedIn to build your network in your industry and identify decision makers. -Tell interviewers about what you will do-don’t rely on what you have done. -Stop grousing about “those millennials” and start working with them. -Volunteer strategically to build leadership skills and networks. Coming Back shows how you can save a career if still employed or get one back if cast out. Fawn Germer, one of the nation’s most popular leadership experts and global motivational speakers, has personally interviewed more than 300 CEOs, senior executives, professors, lawyers, organizational experts, industry leaders and professionals. The result is a tactical, tough-love call to action: to learn, re-tool, connect, grow, and get ready to work again”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

HBR guide to changing your career
“You’re well into your career and yet you’re not where you want to be. Perhaps you’ve done everything you need to do to be named a partner, but your firm has encountered a crisis that’s put all promotions on hold. Maybe a hobby or sidegig has helped unearth a new passion you’d love to pursue full-time. Perhaps you’ve come to realize that your current role is no longer meaningful. Or maybe you’ve exceeded all of the goals you set for your current career and you’re ready for a new challenge. How do you envision possible new professional selves, explore your options, and embark on a dramatic career makeover when you have a mortgage to pay, kids to support, college and retirement funds to feed–and a full life and full-time job? Can you really set aside the years you’ve invested in your education and current industry? How can you make a radical change when there are so many demands on you? Whether you know what you want your second act to be or you have no clue–only that what you’re doing isn’t a match, this guide will help you chart a course and make the switch. You’ll discover how to: – Break free of what your career is now to consider what it could be – Get an accurate picture of the skills and abilities you bring to the table – Create experiments that won’t sabotage your current job – Assess the financial implications of making a change – Develop a compelling way to tell your story–tying even seemingly unrelated jobs into a cohesive narrative – Build expertise in a new field – Land a new role– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Rethink your career : in your 40s, 50s and 60s / Maxwell, Joanna
“Have you accumulated plenty of wisdom and experience, but others think you’re all washed up? Perhaps you’re bored with your current work but not sure what’s next. Don’t panic! Work reinvention expert Joanna Maxwell shows you how to refresh a current career, pursue a new direction or leverage your experience to start your own business. The practical exercises and inspirational real-life stories in “Rethink Your Career: will help you: – clarify your strengths, talents and skills – find creative new ways to think about your work future – take stock of your finances and deal with your fears – make your best decision and put your new plans into action.” (Catalogue)

Ultimate job search : master the art of finding your ideal job, getting an interview and networking / Williams, Lynn
“A one-stop shop for all job hunters, this fifth edition of Ultimate Job Search takes the stress out of job hunting and provides advice on every stage of the process including: preparing a poweful CV that will get you noticed ; sample cover letters and emails that are really persuasive ; making a great impression at interviews ; dealing with offers and rejections in a positive manner.”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

How to write an impressive CV & cover letter : a comprehensive guide for jobseekers / Whitmore, Tracey
“Your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile are your first communication with a prospective employer. As the job market is more competitive than ever, grabbing an employer’s attention and making the right first impression has never been more important. If you compromise on the quality of your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile, you reduce your chances of winning an interview. This book, which will appeal to anyone from entry level to board level, is a step-by-step guide on how to approach job hunting and achieve a killer competitive advantage by producing an impressive CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Invaluable views and advice from senior HR and industry professionals, who are often the first point of entry, are provided throughout the book. How to Write an Impressive CV and Cover Letter will support jobseekers through the entire job-hunting process. It offers access to practical, real-life examples of CVs and cover letters that have secured interviews and helped individuals win their dream job. Readers will gain access to these documents, together with valuable templates, as part of the book.” (Catalogue)

Get that job : interviews : how to keep your head and land your ideal job
“The ultimate guide to preparing for the interview process, maintaining focus, handling difficult questions, and maximizing your chances of landing that dream job.”Whether you’re a school leaver, a recent graduate, an established professional on the move, or someone looking to return to the job market, any research and preparation will be critical in improving your performance in an interview setting – from being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, through to knowing the questions to ask that will ensure you are remembered after the interview is over. Whether it is in person, on the telephone or via a video conference, Get That Job: Interviews will prepare you for even the toughest interview – including tips on preparation and pre-interview research, strategies for different types of interview, advice on staying calm under pressure, and ways to cope with the questions from hell.” — Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Planning, goal setting and forming new habits

Linda

The beginning of a new year is a time for many of us to start mapping out our short and long term personal and professional goals.

What do you want to achieve this year?  It might be gaining new customers, aiming for and achieving a new role or maybe working towards more work-life balance.  
So how are you going to get there?

This short article shares some weekly planning tips from entrepreneurs.

A recent study suggests that by using paper, rather than a digital tool makes your planning more effective.  Paper users “developed higher quality plans and fulfilled them at a higher success rate than their counterparts who used mobile phones.”

But should you make a plan or set goals?  This article looks at the difference between plans, goals and resolutions and the pros and cons of each.

Current thinking is focusing on changing behaviour patterns and developing new (and breaking old) habits.


In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear explains why bad habits are so difficult to break. 

(Clear’s book is in high demand from the Wellington City Libraries collection but it is available in a number of formats).  

A recent NZ Listener article Up and Atom is based on Clear’s work and includes input from Sir John Kirwan.  The advice is that to achieve big results you must first make little changes to your work/life patterns and embed these in your day to day thinking.

Whatever route you chose we have resources to help you set those goals, develop your planning and adopt some new habits to get you on your way.

Atomic habits : tiny changes, remarkable results : an easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones / Clear, James
“Atomic habit, noun. Definition: A small habit with big results. People say when you want to change your life, you need to think big: swap job, move house, change partner. But they’re wrong. World-renowned life coach James Clear has discovered a completely different way to revolutionise your behaviour. He knows that lasting change comes from hundreds of tiny decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call. He calls these atomic habits. Clear delves deep into cutting-edge psychology to explain why your brain is able to amplify such small changes into such big outcomes. He uncovers a handful of simple life hacks (the forgotten art of Habit Stacking, or the unexpected power of the Two-Minute Rule), to show how you too can grow tiny shifts into life-transforming changes in behaviour. And he reveals a simple four-stage method that will let you build atomic habits into your day-to-day life, starting now. These nuclear changes will have an explosive effect on your career, your relationships and your life.”–Publisher.” (Catalogue)  Also available in Hindi and on EBook Borrowbox , EBook Overdrive , EAudiobook Overdrive

Gearing up : leading your Kiwi business into the future / Kolb, Darl
“Published a decade ago and reprinted multiple times, the authors’ Changing Gears: How to Take Your Kiwi Business from the Kitchen Table to the Board Room was the first book that enabled Kiwi-sized firms to integrate business-school wisdom into their thinking. Gearing Up: Leading Your Kiwi Business into the Future is a completely revised and updated primer for owner-manager New Zealand businesses. The book introduces the business basics that haven’t changed (business models and financial drivers, leadership, team building, strategy and planning), while exploring how globalisation and digital transformations are challenging what we know about doing business. Throughout, the authors focus – through real examples – on the opportunities and challenges faced by the Kiwi men and women running our owner-operated businesses.” (Catalogue)

Also available as an ebook

Planning to win : a guide to business planning & financial modelling / Pender, Gordon
“There are many books on business planning, and many more on management and entrepreneurship. They tell you what their authors think should be included in a plan. Planning to Win is different: it explains exactly how to prepare a business plan it illustrates the elements of a good plan and how they fit together to produce a professional and compelling document. It also includes practical examples: stories from the authors clients that show what happens in the real world. You may need to raise equity capital and/or a bank loan. You may be planning a new venture (if you are very brave). You may want to win a competitive government grant (if you are very patient). You may be planning a joint venture or a new export business. Perhaps you need to show your parents you can take over the family empire and succeed. Or you may want to write the best business plan in your management course or business planning competition. Whatever your situation, one thing is certain: you will understand your business much better if you plan it well. Ultimately, your prosperity is at stake. You are risking your valuable time, your job, perhaps your whole business. Professional business planning will help safeguard your own interests first. If you want to prepare the best business plan and succeed, Planning to Win is for you.” (Catalogue)

Rethinking strategy : how to anticipate the future, slow down change and improve decision making / Tighe, Steve
“Business leaders are desperate for help to position their companies for future success in a climate where business has never been more competitive, volatile or uncertain. Corporate techniques for navigating this complexity have not adjusted to this new dynamic and organisations have suffered an upsurge in strategic surprises proving disruptive to previously successful business models. This book provides an innovative end-to-end process designed to reframe strategy as a resource, and strategic development as the organisation’s principal creative and learning activity, while recognising that strategic creativity is fundamental to successful business transformation.” (Catalogue)

Burn the business plan : what great entrepreneurs really do / Schramm, Carl J
“Carl Schramm, the man described by The Economist as ‘the evangelist of Entrepreneurship’, has written a myth-busting guide packed with tools and techniques to help you get your big idea off the ground. Carl believes that entrepreneurship has been completely misrepresented by the media, business books, University programmes and MBA courses. He believes that the perception of what it takes to start a business no longer matches the reality – which is bad news for everyone because it stops great ideas coming to life. Burn the Business Plan punctures the myth of the cool, tech-savvy 20-something entrepreneur with nothing to lose and venture capital to burn, showing that most people who start businesses are juggling careers and mortgages just like you. Burn the Business Plan is written to encourage you to get started. It demystifies the entrepreneurial process portrayed on television shows like Dragon’s Den. It doesn’t rely on largely irrelevant stories of overvalued tech startups, nor does it build on the largely mistaken narrative of a linear path from cold start to great success that is the essence of business planning, as taught in universities. This is the guide to starting and running a business that will actually work for the rest of us. Burn the Business Plan is for regular people who just want practical, real-world advice on how to start and run a successful business. It shows you how to avoid the common mistakes and what you need to do to put your enterprise on track for success.”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Do it for a day : how to make or break any habit in 30 days / Batterson, Mark
“The New York Times bestselling author of Win the Day challenges you to adopt seven powerful habits for thirty days and start your journey toward reaching your God-sized dreams”– Provided by publisher.Destiny is daily habits: our lives our built on our patterns of behavior, both constructive and counterproductive. Batterson believe you are only one habit away from a totally different life! Here he helps you identify changes that are “3M”: measurable, meaningful, and maintainable, and coaches readers step-by-step to change their lives. — adapted from back cover” (Catalogue)

The power of habit : why we do what we do and how to change / Duhigg, Charles
“Charles Duhigg takes us to the edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. With penetrating intelligence and an ability to distill vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives, he brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential for transformation.” (Catalogue)

 

Good habits, bad habits : the science of making positive changes that stick / Wood, Wendy
“Wood draws on three decades of original research to explain the fascinating science of how we form habits, and offers the key to unlocking our habitual mind in order to make the changes we seek.” (Catalogue)  Also available on EBook Overdrive and EAudiobook Borrowbox

 

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Let’s talk about trust – by guest author Brenda James

Linda

The blog piece below has been republished with kind permission of  author Brenda James.  Brenda is a Leadership and Career Development Specialist with 20 years’ experience in recruitment, coaching and HR.

Chapter on Trust in Brenda James’ book Believe.

With all of us facing a tidal wave of change right now and the requirement to be more agile than ever, trust is high on the list of competencies needed in our leaders. It is the one thing that changes everything. Trust is like a rising tide; it lifts every boat. It makes every other thing we are trying to do better.

It doesn’t matter how capable or talented your people are, they may never reach their full potential if trust isn’t present. But with trust, teams can accomplish everything they set out to do… and more.

DISTRUST IS CONTAGIOUS, BUT THANKFULLY, SO IS TRUST

In its 2016 global CEO survey, PwC reported that 55% of CEOs think that a lack of trust is a threat to their organisation’s growth. But many have done little to increase trust, mainly because they aren’t sure where to start.

Stephen Covey, author of The Speed of Trust says, “trust is the new currency”. He is talking about trust in teams and being trusted as a leader. We are often reminding leaders that to be trusted, one must be trustworthy.

As Harold Macmillan said, “A man who trusts nobody is apt to be the kind of man nobody trusts.”

TRUST LEADS TO HEALTHY CONFLICT

The absence of trust occurs when team members are reluctant to be vulnerable with one another, and are often unwilling to admit their mistakes, acknowledge their weaknesses or ask for help. Trust is critical because without it, teams are unlikely to engage in unfiltered, passionate debate about key issues.

In our work with leaders in the architectural industry, we see avoidance of healthy conflict within teams frequently, yet it’s been proven that innovation and creativity flourishes when there is a collision of differences in an environment of trust. We won’t innovate when we are not willing to take a risk. Where there is high trust, it encourages high risk taking and trust is the agent that makes synergy happen.

So, how can you be the catalyst to bring an upward spiral of trust in your team?

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

If you want to build trust within your team, then lead by example and show your people that you trust others. This means trusting your team, your colleagues, and your boss. Never forget that your team members are always watching and taking cues from you – take the opportunity to show them what trust in others really looks like.

DON’T PLACE BLAME

When people work together, honest mistakes and disappointments happen, and it’s easy to outwardly place blame. However, when everyone starts pointing fingers, an unpleasant atmosphere can quickly develop. This lowers morale, undermines trust, and is ultimately unproductive.

Instead, encourage everyone in your team to think about the mistake in a constructive way. What can you all do to fix what happened, and move forward together? And how can you make sure that this mistake doesn’t happen again? Focus on lessons learned, not who to blame.

KNOW EACH OTHER PERSONALLY

One fast way to build trust is to encourage your team members to see their colleagues as people. Think about creating situations that help them to share personal stories and to bond. It is amazing how little some team members know about one another, and how just a small amount of information begins to break down barriers.

Here is an exercise we have teams do, found in Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Advantage. Note: Use your own best judgment when asking team members or colleagues personal questions – don’t invade their privacy.

Personal History Exercise

This low-risk exercise requires nothing more than going around the table during a meeting and having team members answer a short list of questions about themselves.

Questions

Where were you born?

How many siblings do you have?

What is one challenging event from your childhood?

Alternatively, you could ask about

Favourite hobbies

First job

Worst job

By describing these relatively innocent attributes or experiences, team members begin to relate to one another on a more personal basis and see one another as human beings with life stories and interesting backgrounds.

This encourages greater empathy and understanding and discourages unfair and inaccurate behavioural attributions.

FINAL WORD

Trust changes everything, not in small incremental ways, but in profound ways, so it is worth every piece of energy you invest into developing trust within your team.

As a leader, it’s important that you set an example. Show your team members how critical trust is to you by demonstrating your trust in them, as well as in your colleagues.

It is well worth your time investment to pause, check-in, and think about what you are doing to build trust within your own team. It is the one thing that changes everything.

Believe : how new leaders step up and into their full potential / James, Brenda
“Why should others believe in your leadership if you don’t believe in yourself? No matter where or when you start to experience a dent in your self-belief, once it is triggered and activated, your outlook changes. You see everything through blurred lenses. You constantly look for evidence that you are not quick enough, deserving enough or smart enough. And, of course, you always find it. But what happens if your uncertainty is so high that it’s impacting your performance? Or your team’s culture and output? Or worse, your relationship with yourself? Believing in yourself is the remedy. But how do you tangibly develop this? Ask yourself: Is now your time to move from a place of insignificance and struggle? Is now your time to thrive and fulfil your potential? Is now your time to make an impact? In Believe, author Brenda James guides you to take a deep but safe dive inward. Chapter by chapter, through a method of introspection, you are encouraged to take simple action steps and embrace tools to help illuminate all the reasons why you should believe in yourself as a leader. Embrace the process and let its wisdom equip you with one of the key fundamentals of leadership – self-belief. Come on an inspiring journey that will fill your heart with possibility. Immediately – and forever.” – back cover” (Catalogue)

Other resources on the subject of Trust and leadership within the Wellington City Libraries collection include :

The trusted leader : bringing out the best in your people and your company / Galford, Robert M.
“Based on highly specific research and experience that covers a wide spectrum of managers and organizations, The Trusted Leader identifies the three critical types of trust that leaders need to master: strategic trust, organizational trust, and personal trust. It introduces a practical and effective formula for building organizational confidence, and provides a unique analysis of the obstacles to trust and the sources of resistance to the building of trust inside organizations. Through a series of interactive exercises, executives will learn how to determine where trust is missing and how it can be supplemented in people, departments, and even whole companies. Perhaps most timely are the book’s series of diagnostic tools and skills that help executives rebuild trust that has been broken or betrayed.”–BOOK JACKET.” (Catalogue)

The agile culture : leading through trust and ownership / Pixton, Pollyanna
“Many books talk about the importance of culture to agile success. The Agile Culture shows the reader how to make the specific culture changes needed for agile success. The authors provide proven tools and models for moving from “date-driven, internally-focused” cultures to “value-driven, customer-focused” cultures where agile can thrive and flourish. They offer clear rationales for using each tool, demonstrate it at work, present relevant case studies and examples, define expected outcomes, and show how to measure success. Using these techniques, students will learn to achieve the results promised by agile: a culture of continuous innovation, transparency, and trust.” (Catalogue)

Breaking the trust barrier : how leaders close the gaps for high performance / Venable, JV
“For former US Airforce Thunderbirds’ commander and demonstration leader JV Venable, inspiring teamwork was literally a matter of life and death. On maneuvers the distance between jets was just 18 inches. Closing the gaps to sustain that kind of separation requires the highest levels of trust. On the ground or in the air, from line supervisor to CEO, we all face the same challenge. Our job is to entice those we lead to close the gaps that slow the whole team down – gaps in commitment, loyalty, and trust. Every bit of closure requires your people to let go of biases and mental safeguards that hold them back. The process the Thunderbirds use to break that barrier and craft the highest levels of trust on a team with an annual turnover of 50% is nothing short of phenomenal. That process is packaged in this book with tips and compelling stories that will help you build the team of a lifetime.” (Catalogue)

Simple truths of leadership : 52 ways to be a servant leader and build trust / Blanchard, Kenneth H
“Leadership legend Ken Blanchard teams up with Randy Conley to share the most essential lessons on servant leadership and building trust from the heart of his leadership model. Effective leadership comes down to implementing everyday, commonsense practices to help organizations thrive-and yet so many leaders are still missing these fundamental principles from their personal and professional lives. Renowned business experts Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley disclose the simple truths about leadership they have gathered over their long and distinguished careers to help bring common sense into common practice. Featuring two sections -servant leadership and building trust -this book is a collection of Blanchard’s greatest hits. It is chock-full of profound and memorable (and in some cases counterintuitive) leadership wisdom, such as: Create autonomy through boundaries; People who plan the battle rarely battle the plan; A relationship with no trust is like a cell phone with no internet;. All you can do is play games; The most important part of leadership is what happens when you’re not there. This book will help readers incorporate these integral practices into their leadership style, build trust through servant leadership, and make a difference in their own life and the lives of those they influence”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Skin deep: talking about tattooing in Wellington (Part 2)

Linda

Part 1 of this blog can be read here

Regulation of the industry / health and hygiene

Tattoo parlours have traditionally had a slightly seedy reputation. These days professional commercial premises lean towards a welcoming, brightly lit vibe and – importantly – high levels of cleanliness.

If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, advice from those within the industry is to think very carefully about who you get to do it and where.

A reputable studio often has a range of tattooists to choose from, portfolios on offer showcasing the work of each artist, and many businesses emphasise comfort and adherence to industry safety and hygiene guidelines as well as artist experience and areas of particular expertise or tattooing styles.

However at a national level the tattooing industry in New Zealand remains unregulated.  Anyone can purchase a tattooing gun and inks via the internet and start tattooing.  As tattooing involves piercing the skin, it is important that certain health and safety guidelines are followed.  Infection and blood borne diseases, if equipment is not hygienically prepared, are very real, and unpleasant, risks.

In 1998 the Ministry of Health published Guidelines for the Safe Piercing of Skin.

It is expected that they [the guidelines] will be used widely by operators who offer
body piercing and tattooing services in order to provide a framework
of minimum standards with respect to infection control in the industry.

These guidelines have not been updated although in 2010 the Ministry issued the  Customary Tattooing Guidelines for Operators.

Throughout New Zealand some councils have introduced their own bylaws to regulate tattooing and associated businesses.  Auckland has the most comprehensive and readily accessible set of guidelines.

In 2019, Wellington City Council planned to introduce a brand new beauty industry bylaw and sought responses about regulation of the beauty sector, following a Regional Public Health survey about infection-control procedures in nail salons in the Wellington region.  Feedback was received from a wide range of operators in the beauty industry including tattooists.

Due to the emergence of Covid in early 2020 changes were put on the back burner for now meaning that in Wellington commercial tattoo businesses continue to be self regulating.  However reputable artists and studios work to a code of ethics set out by the Tattoo Artists Association of New Zealand (TAANZ).

As with health services clients to a reputable tattoo studio are expected to sign a consent form.  The consent, waiver and release form at Buttercat studio lists nine points regarding health disclosures and acknowledgement of understanding of the tattooing process the client must sign prior to work being undertaken.  A further three points are initialled post work accepting satisfaction with the process and the care taken.

Kat from Sinatras Tattoos emphasized that complete honesty about any underlying health issues is important in both the tattooing and tattoo removal process and includes full disclosure about any medications that may increase bleeding risks.

via GIPHY

Remember in Part 1 there were unsuccessful moves in 1969 to introduce legislation preventing tattooing on anyone under the age of 18 years?  New Zealand continues to have no legal age restrictions on getting a tattoo.  It is generally accepted that if you are over the age of 16 years and capable of giving consent, then you can be tattooed.

Members of TAANZ, who follow the industry code of practice, will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 without the written consent of a parent or guardian.  It was with parental consent that Amy (our library colleague featured in Part 1) was able to get her first tattoo at the age of 15.

In 2018 an Auckland tattooist became the first to be prosecuted under the local Health and Hygiene Bylaw 2013 for tattooing an underage youth without parental consent.

Consumer rights

via GIPHY

Readers may recall an advertisement that ran on television a while back in which a man shrugs off his shirt to reveal a giant tattoo of his partner’s image, complete with the mis-spelled phrase No regerts.

Unless the man in question specifically intended that spelling the tattoo artist could be held responsible under the Consumer Guarantees Act.  As with any service, a tattoo from a reputable studio requires them to ensure all care is taken to deliver a product the customer is happy with.  If, for legitimate reasons, the customer is unhappy with the quality of the work or feels a mistake has been made, the studio is obliged to either fix the mistake or refund you the cost as per the Act.

Read more about your rights around getting a tattoo in Risks and regrets : what to consider before getting a tattoo.  Consumer (2022) issue 614 April/May.  pp 56-60

Tattoos and copyright

via GIPHY

In 2020 an Australian IP expert asked the question : Who owns the rights to your tattoo?  While primarily Australian in content the article noted :

In New Zealand, more restrictive rules around commissioned art and copyright mean a paying client can be the first copyright owner of a custom tattoo, regardless of whether they actively contributed to the design process.

A similar piece from two years earlier, by the NZ Law Society also asked But who owns that tattoo and found that :
To prevent any copyright issues in New Zealand, a reversal of the copyright law needs to be acknowledged and agreed to by both parties to be enforced and, while the artist could retain the rights to their design after its been purchased, they can’t retain the rights to the canvas the design is on – skin. Which opens a whole new bag of worms.

Whether you are providing your artist with your own design or whether the artist is designing one for you it pays to be aware of copyright considerations and raise the subject with your tattooist.

In recent years there has also been a growing awareness of cultural appropriation amongst tattooists particularly around the etching of indigenous designs on non-indigenous people.  A reputable artist may refuse to do such work if asked and is within their right to do so.

Tattoos in the workplace

In Wellington bars and cafes it’s almost de rigueur to have at least some ink, if not a lot, on display.
And it’s not just here.  In a recent attempt to attract staff a Nelson cafe offered up a $500 tattoo voucher to the successful applicants who stayed for six months.

Owner, Kymberly said, in response to our enquiries that “…, over the last couple of years many of our staff have opted to get matching whisky glass tattoos (Glencairns) and tattoos to celebrate various distilleries and whisky festivals, this was written about recently in an article in the New York Times about one of our most loved distilleries Ardbeg where it was noted that hardcore fans have tattoos as an ode to Ardbeg”

However not all employers or workplaces are open to visible tattoos and depending on the tattoo and its placement an employer is within their rights to request that it be covered. Employsure offers advice in this piece on physical appearance in the workplace

In 2019 both the New Zealand Police and Air New Zealand moved to permit visible tattoos within prescribed limits.

As part of a recruitment campaign the Police went as far as highlighting frontline staff with tattoos and the varied stories behind the skin art.

Both organisations have similar wording for new recruits.

From the NZ Police recruitment site :
Apart from Ta Moko or equivalent, you shouldn’t have tattoos in prominent places such as the hands or face. If you do these will need to be assessed.

Tattoos which are offensive, rude, or incite hatred are totally against our values are an absolute “no”. No exceptions. [sic]

Air New Zealand allows all staff  “… to have Tā Moko and non-offensive tattoos visible when wearing our uniform or normal business attire …  We ask employees to treat tattoos like they treat speech – you can’t swear, make hateful comments or lewd jokes in the workplace, neither can your tattoos.

 The armed forces have long had a tradition of tattoos and for those serving in any branches of the Defence Forces  Tattoos, including large and highly visible cultural tattoos are acceptable provided they are appropriate for a military environment and are complementary to the NZDF’s values and image.

Learn more in this op-ed piece by employment lawyer Susan Hornsby-Geluk: Can your boss ban your tattoo?

That signs off our two part blog looking at the tattooing industry in Wellington.  If you have any comments or feedback please feel free to get in touch.

Library resources
Along with the resources we listed at the end of Part one of this blog here’s some of the other items we have consulted or have available through Wellington City Library collections

The state of the industry: From tattooing fisherman and scaffolders to anyone and everyone.  
Looks at the development of the tattooing industry in New Plymouth and includes interviews with several artists and an overview of training.  (Stuff.co.nz  Feb 07, 2020)

The inked trail: How women are shaping tattoo culture in New Zealand
Profiles two female tattoo artists – Lura Nehren-Smith and Taryn Beri, a moko kauae specialist. (Stuff.co.nz  08 September 2019)

History of tattooing
This Wikipedia entry has a concise overview of tattooing history as well as an extensive reference list.

Flash tattoo portraits / Karena, Kia Maia
“Fantasy tattoo templates.” (Catalogue)

Inked
“Inked magazine covers pop culture and music for people that enjoy Tattoo art or have Tattoo designs on their bodies. Each issue has interviews with popular celebrities and the tattoo artists who decorate their bodies. There are tons of photos to inspire your next work of body art.” (Catalogue)

On Kanopy (library registration required to access)
Tattoo uprising
From antiquity to the present, TATTOO UPRISING reveals the artistic and historical roots of today’s tattoo explosion. This sweeping overview explores how tattoos were used in early Christian practices, how they were discovered halfway around the world during the voyages of Captain James Cook, and how they exploded in popularity in America beginning with artists like Ed Hardy.

Tattoo Uprising features some of the most extraordinary people of the tattoo world including Ed Hardy, Stoney St. Clair, Cynthia Witkin, Anne de Hey! and others, as well as unforgettable appearances by filmmakers Les Blank and Werner Herzog, who allows a rare glimpse at his Ed Hardy tattoo.

Tattoo Nation
For years people saw tattoos as a sign of rebellion. A middle finger salute to the rest of the world. Outlaw bikers got tattoos. Sailors on leave in Singapore got tattoos. Lifers in the joint got tattoos. But now in the United States one out of every three adults under forty has a tattoo! So what happened? How did tattoo go from something that was put on you to an expression that comes from within you? TATTOO NATION tells the story of a few people who helped transform the world of tattoo, and the way we think about tattoos, forever. This is the true story of the ink revolution

On Libby(library registration required to access)

Tattoo Style

The World’s most incredible tattoos

Tā moko : Māori markings / Howarth, Crispin
“The practice of tā moko, and the wearing of moko, was considered an art form of a bygone day for the most part of the twentieth century, as casualty of Aotearoa New Zealand’s colonial past. However, this unique Pacific art is enjoying a revival. Its embers fanned back to life by modern practitioners in the 1980s, it has once again become a powerful form of Māori cultural expression, identity and unity. In a first for Australia, ‘Māori markings: tā moko’ looks at not only the history of this living, breathing art of our region but also shares stories of today’s proud moko wearers and practitioners”–Foreword.” (Catalogue)

Mokorua : Nga korero mo toku moko kauae – My story of moko kauae / Tikao, Ariana

One woman’s journey to her moko kauae as an expression of her Kai Tahu identity.

 

 

Pakeha ta moko : a history of the Europeans traditionally tattooed by Māori / Bentley, Trevor
“Explore the hidden history of European men and women traditionally tattooed by Maori. In Pakeha Ta Moko, Trevor Bentley examines the extent and significance of Maori and Pakeha tattoo exchange both on ship and shore between the 1790s and 1840s. He uncovers the tattooing methods as well as the purpose and significance of the designs. Bentley examines why and how some captive Pakeha males were forced to receive facial tattoos while others voluntarily crossed cultures and submitted themselves to the ta moko ritual. Through in-depth research and interviews, Bentley explores this important part of early New Zealand history.” (Catalogue)

Patterns of the past : tattoo revival in the Cook Islands / Mangos, Therese
“Patterns of the Past traces the history and practice of tattooing (tātatau) through the ancient oral traditions of the Cook Island people, as well as from reports of early Western visitors and rich archival material. The book looks at the current practices of contemporary Cook Island tattooists, what the tattoos mean and what techniques and instruments are traditionally used. More than 250 colour and black and white images included.” (Catalogue)

Tatau : Samoan tattoo, New Zealand art, global culture / Adams, Mark
“Samoan tattoing, or tatau is an ancient Polynesian art tradition and rite of passage that reaches its most powerful expression in the full body male tattoo, the pe’a. Building on the internationally touring exhibition Tatau, this extraordinary series of images by leading photographer Mark Adams documents the story of tatau in the Pacific and its remarkable globalisation.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Skin deep: talking about tattooing in Wellington (Part 1)

Linda

“Show me a man with a tattoo and I’ll show you a man with an interesting past”
– Jack London

The art of tattooing has a long history.  Tattooing was common in Celtic cultures, indigenous communities of the Americas, throughout Asia and of course the peoples of the Pacific.

In this two part blog we look at the history of commercial tattooing in Wellington, modern day tattooing businesses, regulatory standards and legislation relating to the industry and rights associated with employment.  This blog does not cover traditional or cultural tattooing practices however resources relating to this will be referenced in our resource list at the end of the blog.

More than 100 years ago tattooists were offering their services from premises throughout the Wellington business area.  The electric tattoo machine was patented in the early 1890s and within 20 years tattooing via machine was being advertised to Wellingtonians.

Read this Brief history of commercial tattooing in Wellington to learn more.

Tattooing went rock ‘n’ roll in the late 1960s and early 70s, a time also marked by the counterculture and protests against the Vietnam war.  In Britain legislation was passed in 1969 making it
… an offence to tattoo a person under the age of eighteen except when the tattoo is performed for medical reasons by a duly qualified medical practitioner … Attempts to introduce similar legislation in New Zealand were unsuccessful.

Reporting at the time noted there were no regulations governing the operation of professional tattooists in New Zealand, they required no licence, nor did the methods or materials come under any health regulations.  It further noted there were only two professional tattooists in NZ at the time.

Today there are at least 14 tattoo businesses clustered in the vicinity of Cuba-Willis-Vivian Street.  Rogers Tattoo Art in Cuba Street is Wellington’s longest running tattoo business in operation since 1977.
At a recent tattoo expo held in New Plymouth over 250 tattooists from throughout the country along with international guests, showcased their artistry.

As we move into more modern times keep this social history in mind as we will return to some aspects of it further on.

We’re now going to meet Amy.

Amy is one of numerous Wellington City Libraries staff sporting tattoos (visible or otherwise).

“Believe it or not, some of us have piercings and tattoos and dye our hair because we think it looks pretty, not for any deep sociological reason”

– Alex Bell, The Ninth Circle

Amy got her first tattoo at 15, with parental consent (a point we will return to in Part 2 of this blog).

She has since gathered other designs signifying different life stages or just because “they looked good”.

Presently Amy is getting a series of fantastical creatures inked on her right forearm.

Based on illustrations from medieval themed manuscripts Amy intends to eventually have a sleeve of designs.  She’s done her research using art books from the library as well as internet design sites. For her the art works are personal for herself and this is the first piece that has been prominently on display.

Whether Amy realises it or not she is one of a young tattooed demographic.

A much quoted survey conducted around 2009 found one in five New Zealanders have a tattoo and for those under 30 years of age, the statistics become 1:3.  This should be no surprise to anyone who frequents any of the city’s cafes and bars.

Amy chose Rose Hu at Buttercat studios in Cuba Street’s Left Bank after seeing examples of her work online and following her social media for a while.  An owl design among Rose’s flash (ready to tattoo designs) drew Amy’s attention and she booked a consultation.  That was the beginning of an ongoing piece.

As an artist Rose’s work focuses on the cute and colourful. Her belief is that tattoos are an ultimate expression of agency and empowerment and aims to create a tattoo experience centred around these ideas.  You can see more of Rose’s work on Instagram.

Rose has been a qualified tattoo artist for a number of years and says everyone’s motivation to get a tattoo is different.  On finding a design, Amy emails it through to Rose who then draws it up, a layout is decided on consultation, photographed and then, over subsequent sessions the designs are etched onto Amy’s arm.

Of all Amy’s tattoos she is disappointed with one of her early ones as she feels the quality is not up to the standards she now expects.  She is considering her options regarding altering and reworking of this piece.

Kat from Sinatra’s tattoos specialises in laser removal of tattoos and is believed to be the only laser removal specialist operating from a local studio.

She has been doing laser removal for six years after first starting out doing cosmetic tattooing.  When a colleague who had previously done the laser removal work moved on he trained Kat to take over.

The four main reasons people consult Kat seeking tattoo removal are (in no particular order) :

Fashion changes
Visible placement
To remedy or remove poor workmanship
Partner changes

Not everyone wishes to have all traces of a tattoo removed.  Some use the laser process to alter an existing tattoo in order to have it reworked and care is needed to prepare the skin (or canvas) so it is suitable for tattooing again, a process Amy is considering.

The process can be a long, slow, and sometimes painful one with work usually done in 30 minute sessions.  Depending on the complexity anywhere between 3-4 (cover up) and ten or more (removal) sessions may be required.

Kat’s advice is to carefully consider the consequences of the design and placement.

Although name removals are regularly requested, Kat does a lot of facial work “… I see a lot of people who have left prison and are now wanting a fresh start.  I’m helping them remove [their tattoos] and change their lives.  It’s something I enjoy the most about my job”.

Even in the short time Kat has been doing removal work she has seen changes.  More younger people are requesting removal of fresh tattoos, something she finds sad.

“If I could do anything in the tattooing world it would be … to advise you to do your homework. Do your homework on the artist …. [and] think carefully about the meaning of the tattoo … and really think about placement”

Read more in Part 2

Wellington City Libraries tattoo resources

Wearing ink : the art of tattoo in New Zealand / Johansson, Dean
“Through the work of 20 of New Zealand’s best tattoo artists and photography, this book presents some of the best examples of tattoo art in New Zealand, including traditional Maori and Polynesian designs.” (Catalogue)

 

 

The art of the New Zealand tattoo / Nicholas, Anne
“”New Zealanders are the most tattooed people in the world. The popularity of this art form has inevitably led to sophistication. With the strong Polynesian influences and the renaissance of Maori culture in New Zealand the tattoo has developed in a way unmatched anywhere else in the world.” “Photographer Anne Nicholas has spent many months travelling through New Zealand tracking down the leading tattoo artists and through them the most tattooed people in this most tattooed country. The result of her research is a magnificent collection of photographs of some of the finest tattoo art. A wide range of tattoo is presented from full face Moko and Samoan traditional to modern fantasy, floral and pictorial images.”–BOOK JACKET. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

New Zealand tattoo : in the home of the tattooist’s art / Hoult, Chris
“New Zealand Tattoo is a celebration of tattooing here in its three rich traditions: Ta Moko (Maori tattoo), Tatau (Pacific Islands tattoo) and Tattoo (European and Asian forms).” (Catalogue)

Tattoo
“From Edo-era Japan to contemporary biker culture, Tattoo combines aesthetic and anthropological approaches The practice of tattooing has an extensive primitive history in Asian and African countries, where it had social, religious and mystical roles. In 3000 BC, Ötzi (whose mummy was famously discovered in the 1990s) covered his body in 57 tattoos. In the West, meanwhile, tattoos have long been signifiers of infamy and criminality, before becoming a badge of identity for various urban tribes. Tattoo examines the artistic nature of the practice and celebrates its many cultural expressions from ancient times to the present. Among the topics explored are Native North American tattoos; American tattooing from the Revolution through the 1980s; Russian criminal tattooing; European sideshow culture; Japan’s tattoo boom during the Edo period; tattooing in the Marquesas Islands, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand; and newly emerging Latino, Chicano and Chinese tattoo cultures. Alongside accounts of older tattoo practices (presented through rare artifacts, paintings and archival photographs) and contemporary cultural trends in tattooing, the book pays tribute to the pioneers of the modern era, those responsible for its transformation into the mainstream. In addition, it includes two “workshop” sections in which contemporary tattoo artists demonstrate their craft. The artists featured are internationally renowned, and many have created a style that has evolved into its own school. The book closes with a series of photos assessing the most recent currents in modern tattooing.” (Catalogue)

Tattoo : bodies, art, and exchange in the Pacific and the West
“Although Robbie Williams’s Maori-inspired tattoo, acquired recently when he toured New Zealand, may seem unusual and ground-breaking, it is in fact a revival of a practice begun in the late eighteenth century, when Westerners first made contact with the native peoples of the Pacific. Tattoo is both a fascinating book about these early Oceanic-European exchanges, that also documents developments up to the present day, and the first to look at the history of tattooing in Oceania itself.” (Catalogue)

Juxtapoz : tattoo
“The second book in a series from the seminal West Coast art and culture magazine, Juxtapoz Tattoo focuses on a subject very dear to the inked hearts of its readers. Most of the featured artists came up at the beginning of Tattoo’s modern renaissance in the mid 1990’s, hungry for a new approach, but steeped nonetheless in the traditions of their craft. Whether these gifted tattooists are creating a modern twist on a classic archetype, or pushing the boundaries of the future primitives aesthetic, innovation is the common goal.” (Catalogue)

The tattoo encyclopedia : a guide to choosing your tattoo / Green, Terisa
“This one-of-a-kind illustrated reference to the origins and meanings of nearly 1,000 tattoo symbols from around the world, is at once an unmatched guide for choosing a personal image and a fascinating look at the tattoo as a work of art.” (Catalogue)

 

Art on skin : tattoos, style, and the human canvas / Hajeski, Nancy J.
“Using visuals, this book showcases the beauty of the art of tattooing and aids in the choosing of a style, with detailed descriptions of the many different styles of tattoos, including fine art, cartoon characters, wildlife and more.” (Catalogue)

 

Customizing the body : the art and culture of tattooing / Sanders, Clinton
“”After looking at the sizeable collection of tattoo memorabilia, I entered the tattoo studio adjacent to the museum and, like many first-time visitors to tattoo establishments, impulsively decided to join the ranks of the tattooed. After choosing a small scarab design from the wall ‘flash,’ I submitted to the unexpectedly painful tattoo experience.” So began sociologist Clinton Sanders’ seven-year involvement in the world of tattoo culture.Customizing the Bodydiscusses tattooing as a highly social act-as a manipulation of self-image, as a symbolically meaningful form of body alteration in contemporary society. A tattoo changes “how the person experiences his or her self and, in turn, how he or she will be defined and treated by others.” Tattoos continue to be a mark of alienation from the mainstream, but they also have an affiliative effect, identifying one as a member of a select group. Common wisdom associates tattoos with life-long regret, but Sanders introduces passionate collectors-those who cannot resist the desire to “get more ink”-and tattooees who are very content with modest coverage. “(In the future) when I’m sitting around and bored with my life and I wonder if I was ever young once and did exciting things, I can look at the tattoo and remember.” Sanders’ immersion in this hidden social world-his years of hanging out in tattoo parlors and participating in conventions of enthusiasts-enable him to draw compelling portraits of tattoo collectors and artists. His interviews and observations reveal the ways in which artists are drawn into the work, their concerns in building their careers, and the nature of commercial exchange in tattoo studios. He juxtaposes an institutional view of art with the work done by highly skilled tattoo artists who are dedicated to erasing the negative stereotypes of their production and earning recognition for this marginally accepted form of body decoration. Author note:Clinton R. Sandersis Professor of Sociology at the University of Connecticut.” (Catalogue)

tattoofinder.com’s Tattoo-pedia : choose from over 1,000 of the hottest tattoo designs for your new ink
“Bigger. Badder. And more hardcore than ever. Following up the best-selling Tattoo Sourcebook, the editors of Tattoofinder.com return with a brand-new compendium of over 1,000 lush tattoo designs. Featuring classic tattoo designs, such as tribal, Celtic, and dragon, plus new categories, such as ‘geek’, this is a one-stop shop for tat newbies and ink pros alike. Tattoo-pedia not only helps you select the right style of tattoo, it also instructs you on how to create your own custom tattoo – perfectly unique to you. Complete with the latest information on tattoo removal, choosing the right studio, realistic pain and procedure information, and the latest advances in tattoo technology like tattoo ‘spas,’ this book has everything you need to get inked! Featuring artists like Friday Jones (who inked Angelina Jolie and Janeane Garofalo), Lyle Tuttle (who inked Cher and Jane Fonda), Edward Lee, Shane Hart, Brian Burkey, Rand Johnson, and more!” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.