Celebrations and acknowledgements

Congratulations Paul Brunton OAM

2012-02-02T18:38:00.001+11:00

I am delighted to see that Paul Brunton, Senior Curator of the Mitchell Library of the State Library of New South Wales, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours for 2012. Paul is known to us as a first rate professional, a generous colleague in sharing his expertise and overall fine person to know. I note that in the article about his award in the “Australian" newspaper on the 26th January, the first line states that Paul Brunton may not be a “household name”. Whilst this is a very good article overall I would think there is grounds for disagreeing a little with that judgement - certainly in the academic, archives and library worlds. He is a popular presenter of talks at local libraries for instance and of course at his State Library where he inevitably attracts good audiences. Paul is also often the “go to” person for journalists doing stories about manuscripts or rare historical materials. The journalists recognise him as articulate and able to summarise for the public the worth for historical research purposes. He is the all round professional.

Paul is a very talented speaker and presenter. An example of his skills can be viewed through his talk at the Mosman Municipal library in Sydney on one of his favourite topics , Miles Franklin, from whom the Library has a large donated collection of papers and manuscripts.

I think it is fair to say Paul is an expert on these papers. In this talk Paul engrosses the audience for almost an hour talking without notes on Miles. His fluency and knowledge on display there underpins the huge value of his curatorship to the State Library of NSW, Australian history, and Australian archivists and librarians.

In quoting from "The Australian" newspaper article again, I note Paul tells us he started at the State Library 40 years ago after his post-grad studies at Sydney University - a very brilliant career. Paul has been a great collector for the Mitchell Library, touring the globe for valuable additions to the Library. He says he is honoured to receive the award and we are honoured to have him as our colleague and very pleased he has received this fitting recognition.

Faye Lawrence

Congratulations Patricia Gallaher and Lynn Allen

2011-08-29T16:52:00.002+10:00

On 17 March 2011, the Library Board of Western Australia conferred two new Fellows: Patricia Gallaher OAM and Dr Lynn Allen.

Patricia Gallaher’s honour reflects her dedication to public library services in the State; support for the library and information profession, and encouragement of access to the arts.
Dr Allen was state librarian for 12 years and also national president of ALIA during that time.

Congratulations Dr Gill Hallam

2011-08-29T16:44:00.001+10:00

Dr. Gillian Hallam, Information Consultant and Adjunct Professor with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia, is the winner of the 2011 Information Professional of the Year by the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Australia and New Zealand Chapter. The announcement was made during the SLA 2011 conference in Philadelphia. The award is sponsored by Dialog and you can read more here.

Vale Betty Cox (nee Malthus) 1925 - 2011

2011-05-09T16:56:00.001+10:00

Betty Malthus was appointed Chief Librarian of Blacktown Municipal Council in 1966 to plan and establish a public library in Blacktown. The library opened in April 1967 and was an immediate success with the population. Prior to her appointment at Blacktown, Betty was Chief Librarian of Manly Municipal Library for the period 1961 to 1966.

While Betty was at Blacktown Library, she planned and managed the establishment of 4 branch libraries (Lalor Park - 1968, Mount Druitt - 1977, Riverstone – 1978, Quakers Hill – 1983). She was also instrumental in the planning and organisation of the move to a new building for Blacktown library, renamed the Max Webber Library in 1980. She also oversaw the expansion of Lalor Park branch from a children’s only to a full adult and children’s library.

During her stewardship of the library service, many innovative programmes and co-operative ventures were developed, resulting in the library being named “the best” library in Sydney by the Sydney Morning Herald in 1981.

Betty acknowledged that playing a role in the rapidly changing development in the Blacktown Council area was rewarding both professionally and personally. Her contribution to the development of the library service and Blacktown up till her retirement in 1990 was incalculable and should always be remembered.

Betty is survived by beloved husband Laurie Cox.

Australia Day Honours 2011

2011-01-27T13:11:00.002+11:00

The ALIA Board of Directors are pleased and proud that a number of ALIA members, library leaders and library supporters have been acknowledged in the 2011 Australia Day Honours with biographical notes.

Congratulations to:

Spencer Routh, OAM, For service to the library and information sciences sector, particularly through the University of Queensland.

Aladin Rahemtula, OAM, For service to librarianship through the Supreme Court of Queensland, and to the community through the preservation of legal heritage.

David Clune, OAM, For service to librarianship, and to the documentation and preservation of the history of politics, and to the Parliament of New South Wales.

James Sourris, OAM, For service to the arts and to the community through the development of the motion picture industry and through philanthropic contributions, particularly to the Queensland Art Gallery and the State Library of Queensland.

Ron Store, OAM, For service to library and information services, and to education.

Congratulations and thanks to the continuing work of the National Library of Australia Digitisation volunteers, who were recognised on Australia Day 2010.

Ainslie Drew - ALIA Fellow

2010-12-17T09:35:00.001+11:00

Ainslie Dewe has been conferred with the distinction of Fellow of the Australian Library and Information Association. ALIA fellowships are awarded to distinguished members of the profession and Ainslie joins an elite group.

Ainslie Dewe is University Librarian at La Trobe University, in Melbourne. Prior to taking up this appointment in 2008, Ainslie was University Librarian and Director of Knowledge Management at Auckland University of Technology from 2002 and 2008 and was Director, RMIT University Library, also in Melbourne, from 1997 to 2002.

Vale Norman Horrocks

2010-10-25T20:02:00.001+11:00

ALIA is saddened to inform members and the library community of the death of Norman Horrocks, professor emeritus, School of Information Management, Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who died peacefully during the night 14 October.

In 2006, Norman was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his lifetime devotion to library and information science and was the only person to have been elected to Honorary Membership in the three national library associations, Canadian, British, and American. Norman was very proud of his membership of four national library associations, those of Canada, UK, USA and Australia and his links with colleagues in those countries were highly valued. His loss will be felt by many in the countries where he made his home at various times and throughout the world.

Vale Michele Huston

2010-09-03T11:21:00.003+10:00

"She encouraged and championed new thinking from perspectives well away from the traditional areas in cultural institutions. The Australian library sector has lost much with her passing, but she leaves a legacy in the people she encouraged and in many of the web initiatives she set in place." Mal Booth

Vale - Bob McKee CILIP CEO

2010-08-16T20:35:00.001+10:00

Bob McKee PhD MCLIP FRSA

At the time of his death Bob McKee was Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). He was previously Chief Executive of The Library Association, one of CILIP’s predecessor bodies. Bob was a prominent member of the library and information community. Bob was attending the International Federation of Library Associations Congress in Gothenburg, Sweden. He was attending the meeting as a member of the Governing Board and Executive Committee of IFLA.

University of Queensland 100 reunion

2010-07-09T14:31:00.001+10:00

The photos and news about the University of Queensland 100 reunion celebrations can all be found on the UQ website.

Vale ~ Suzanne Mourot

2010-07-06T09:17:00.003+10:00

Miss Suzanne Mourot held the position of Mitchell Librarian at the State Library of NSW between 1973 and 1979. Last week she passed away at the age of 91.

Miss Mourot was born in New Caledonia. She joined the Public Library in 1944. Her considerable talents were quickly realised and she worked across the Library's collections, both published and unpublished. She was particularly interested in collection arrangement, and was instrumental in regularising the cataloguing and description of the pictures and manuscript collection during the late 1950s. Her roles included Manuscript Librarian, Dixson Librarian, with responsibility too, for the pictures collection.

At various times she also held the positions of Deputy Mitchell Librarian and Associate Mitchell Librarian, before being appointed Mitchell Librarian in 1973. She retired in 1979. Her corporate history, however, does little to capture the respect and high regard with which she was held, and the influence she had on this Library. Miss Mourot was widely admired for her authority and knowledge of the collections she administered, and she was keenly involved with their interpretation and promotion. She led the very successful Captain Cook Bicentennial Exhibition in 1970.

Book supplier honoured

2010-06-17T13:54:00.000+10:00

Len Woodley, founder of Standard Book and ALS Library Services, received a Medal of the Order of Australia ‘for services to the community and book industry’, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Professor Paul Sturges OBE

2010-06-16T11:41:00.001+10:00

Professor Paul Sturges has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Professor Sturges was the Chair of IFLA's Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) between 2003 and 2009, and has been involved in international librarianship for many years, contributing a tremendous amount through his work in the area of freedom of access to information and freedom of expression. For more information see the IFLA article.

Queen's Birthday Honours 2010

2010-06-15T16:30:00.001+10:00

Congratulations to Janice Rickards and Jennifer Muir who each received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to libraries.

Vale - Alan Smith

2010-05-27T12:26:00.000+10:00

Alan Smith, former Professor of Distance and e-Learning at the Central Queensland University, and acting university librarian from 2005 to 2006, died last week after a short illness.

Vale ~ Paul Reynolds

2010-05-27T12:19:00.004+10:00

New Zealand internet commentator Paul Reynolds has died suddenly. He served on the New Zealand Government Digital Strategy Advisory Group, the Capability Panel for the Advanced Network (KAREN), the New Zealand Library and Information Advisory Commission, and the board of Auckland War Memorial Museum. Much more detail about his contribution to the library industry in New Zealand and Australia (via NSLA) is included in the notice on Hard News.

Paul was an avid blogger and shared his insights in presentations and articles. Paul's final presentation : Living and learning in the cloud is available on his blog.

Dr Trish Milne - ALIA Fellow

2010-04-19T17:15:00.002+10:00

Dr Patricia Milne (Trish) has been conferred with the distinction of Fellow of the Association. ALIA fellowships are awarded to very distinguished members of the profession and Trish joins a very elite group.

Trish has made an outstanding contribution to the field of library and information science as an educator, researcher and by sharing her knowledge through publication. In these ways she has helped others to become aware of issues facing the profession and encouraged them to explore new directions and ideas to strengthen its intellectual base.

As an educator, Trish has demonstrated energy and enthusiasm in her teaching, design and delivery of programs which have engendered in her students a commitment to promoting library and knowledge management and delivering excellent services. Further, Trish has made an important contribution to the discussion on LIS education needs and the role of ALIA and library course providers. During her career Trish maintained a focus on excellence in teaching and learning and scholarship, pioneering the development of quality online teaching and learning at the University of Canberra, recognised when she received a New Initiative Grant to facilitate the development of the university’s first online course, the Graduate Certificate in Information Access and Delivery.

In awarding the distinction of Fellow of the Australian Library and Information Association on Trish Milne, the Association recognises the significant and valuable contribution Trish has made to education for and development of the library and information services profession in Australia and her dedication to the aims of the Association.

Her fellowship will be awarded at an event in mid 2010.

HCL Anderson award winner - Jan Fullerton

2010-03-29T10:24:00.002+11:00

Jan Fullerton, Director General of the National Library of Australia has been awarded the ALIA HCL Anderson Award.

The HCL Anderson Award, the highest honour which the Australian Library and Information Association bestows on an Associate member, has been awarded to Jan Fullerton, Director General of the National Library of Australia. Theaward recognises Jan's outstanding service to the library and information profession and to the practice of library and information services. The National Library of Australia has taken on the important leadership role ofencouraging libraries to work together more collaboratively and thus provide better access to information resources. At the same time the National Library, under Jan's leadership, has responded innovatively to changes intechnology so that all Australians now have greater access to its own resources.

Vale ~ Marlene Magee

2009-12-09T10:20:00.003+11:00

Marlene Magee worked at Redland Libraries for almost 25 years in roles that enabled her to help people in the community, something she loved to do. She was the very hard working Outreach Services Librarian for the last 10 years and prior to that she was a wonderful and much loved Mobile Library Assistant.

Library staff and Marlene's many friends across council and in the library world will miss her sense of humour, tremendous energy and positive outlook as well as her courage and determination. Marlene was known as the "networker par excellence" and has friends everywhere through her great commitment to her job, her sporting activities and her other community involvement.

Vale ~ Kay Poustie OAM

2009-10-30T17:09:00.003+11:00

Colleagues and friends are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kay Poustie OAM, ALIA Fellow, on 29 October 2009, after a brief illness.

Kay was a deeply respected and treasured colleague whose immense contribution and passion for public library services was recognised Australia wide, and in international circles. Kay will be sorely missed, but her legacy to the library profession and public library members will live on.

Kay contributed tirelessly to the library and information profession and to the promotion of ALIA throughout her 46 years of ALIA membership. Through her positions in the WA Branch, the Public Libraries section (WA Group) and on the ALIA Board of Education, Kay influenced the development of the library and information profession in Australia. She contributed to the quality of public libraries and was dedicated to the delivery of excellent service and to ensuring free access to information through the public library system. Kay worked unstintingly to raise the awareness of influential decision-makers about the importance of public libraries.

Kay was also committed to the importance of continuing professional development. She generously shared her broad experience with colleagues; her enthusiasm for ALIA and the professional comradeship it offers encouraged others to support and enjoy the Association. As part of that commitment, she was chair of the finance committee for the first ALIA Biennial Conference held in Perth in 1990, and then returned as program chair of the ALIA Biennial Conference when it was held again in Perth in 2006.

Kay's activities were not restricted to the field of librarianship. She was active in the wider community through Zonta International, an international service organisation for executives in business and the professions, and from 1989 to 1992 served on the Board of Meath Homes for the Aged in Western Australia.

Kay was awarded an ALIA fellowship in 1997. Her Fellowship citation provides more details of her contributions to ALIA and our profession.

In 2008, Kay was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the library and information services sector, to the community through the Zonta International movement, and to aged welfare.

ALIA mourns the passing of a very distinguished ALIA member.

Jan Richards
ALIA President

Leila Hoffman - Honorary Membership of ALIA

2009-09-23T14:33:00.003+10:00

The Board of Directors has awarded Leila Hoffman Honorary Membership of the Australian Library and Information Association in recognition of the noteworthy service she has given in promoting the Objects of the Association.

Other recipients of Honorary Membership include Redmond Barry awardees

The Board of Directors acknowledges her loyalty to the Association as well as her tireless work to promote Australian children’s literature through school libraries. Leila’s drive and enthusiasm as President of the WA Branch of the LAA School Libraries Section in the late 1970s and early 1980s and as national President of the LAA School Libraries Section has contributed to the strong position the Association holds now.

The Board also recognises her 1992 Zonta International Woman of Achievement honour and her 2000 Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her founding work in three important separate areas: Equal Pay for Women, the WA Young Readers Book Award, and the Perth Hebrew Congregation Library.

Dr Alison Gregg - life member CBCA (WA Branch)

2008-12-17T14:26:00.003+11:00

Dr Alison Gregg is well known for her work on the Orana editorial committee for many years as well as IBBY Australia and the Children's Book Council of Australia (just to acknowledge a few of her roles). It is great to hear that she was recently made a life member of the Western Australian branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia.

Retirees at Dreaming 2008

2008-11-17T21:13:00.009+11:00

In the months leading up to ALIA Dreaming 2008 at Alice Springs early in September the ALIA Retirees had been planning a get -together for members interested in staying connected during retirement. Robin had arranged a "spot" in the schedule and we hoped to meet colleagues and friends in amongst the busy program.

As it turned out there were only three of us who met...Mylee, Robin and Val had been talking in teleconferences for nearly a year and finally had the opportunity to see each other, have a celebratory drink together and get acquaninted in person. It was a real joy!

The conference was a wonderful experience. The quality of speakers and the range of topics was superb and enough to keep all of us enthralled for the whole three days. We met colleagues old and new from all over the world and found, as usual, that we share a passion for our profession even though we are officially "retired" (but still working part time or as volunteers).

All three of us who attended were amamzed at the range of projects being undertaken by librarians in large and small communities all over Australia and the world. As could be expected with the venue being Alice Springs many of the conference papers and presentations had a focus on indigenous culture and library services to indigenous communities. These examples were inspiring.

The venue and the social events were just spectacular, taking advantage of the unique features of the unusual location. We met local wildlife, stargazed at a clear desert sky and danced in the red dust. The convention centre caters well to such an event and the whole population of the town showed us real outback hospitality.

We thoroughly recommend attending ALIA conferences as a way of keeping contact with colleagues and in touch with our profession, especially at the bargain price offered to Retiree members! We look forward to another great time at ALIA Brisbane in 2010, in conjunction with IFLA! See you there.

Regards, Val Hooper

Greetings from Ex Libris - Canadian retirees

2008-09-17T20:58:00.002+10:00

[transcript]
Dear Mrs. Hooper:

As President of the Ex Libris Association, the Canadian national association formed in 1986 for retired persons whose careers have been in libraries and related areas, I would like to congratulate you on the formation of your ALIA Retirees Group.

Like the ALIA Retirees Group, ELA provides a forum for library retirees to keep in touch and up-to-date on library issues. We advocate for libraries in stress and support research in library history. Our web site at http://exlibris.fis.utoronto.ca/ describes our activities in more detail.

We at ELA wish your association all the best.

Yours truly,
Janet Jacobson, President
Ex Libris Association
352 Mountbatten Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 5W3
jdgj@rogers.com

Lorna Prendergast ~ ALIA Retirees committee

2008-08-26T14:50:00.003+10:00

Due to living all of my life in the beautiful south-eastern corner of Australia, at Bairnsdale, I found obtaining further education extremely difficult to say the least. The nearest university was at Melbourne, about 280 kms away. So on turning sixteen I passed the Commonwealth Entrance Exam and became a telephonist at the Bairnsdale Telephone Exchange during the last year of World War 11. After six tremendous years, I had no option but to resign when I married Jim, in 1950, as that was the policy.

We raised four great kids, two girls and two boys, and then in 1967, I had the opportunity to work at the East Gippsland Public Library, following in the footsteps of the famous Australian author, Hal Porter. Our library service covered 21,056 square kms. over some of the most rugged and isolated areas in Victoria. People in these outlying districts loved to see the "Bookie" coming (Keith Ridout has recently completed 45 years on the Run).

I was studying for the ALAA by correspondence when our fifth baby notified us that she was on the way. So after two wonderful years at the public library I was despatched back home again. I continued to study for the ALAA and had two lovely years with our baby girl who won all our hearts. In 1972 I was invited to join the staff at the Bairnsdale Technical School Library and remained there for about 15 years until the Senior School became a TAFE College.

During my time at the Tech, The Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (now a branch Of Monash Uni.) was established at Churchill (about 160 kms away) which afforded me the opportunity to complete a BA and B Ed there; and a Grad Dip Ed Admin from Hawthorn Institute of Education. This stood me in good stead when I was appointed Librarian in charge of the East Gippsland TAFE College Library. Establishing a new library was a challenge which I thoroughly enjoyed thanks to the help I received from the VATCL librarians and the computer groups. Jim and I love to travel, so while on leave I took every opportunity to meet overseas librarians and check out their libraries, this was particularly useful when setting up the internet as they were a little ahead of us at that time.

I enjoyed every aspect of my library work. Remarks from proud mothers that their children had excelled due to the books available at the public library; or seeing the Technical school girls and boys take their positions in the workforce: or helping provide an opportunity for older TAFE students, like the one who said, "TAFE has given me another chance in life", was the icing on the cake. I still marvel at the changes in information dissemination in my lifetime....it is a long way from when the library was a few books held in the sports cupboard during my school years, to the internet and the wealth of knowledge, so readily available, affording people the opportunity to study almost any thing any where in the world.......it even beats the old adage ‘The right book in the right hand at the right time!’

I retired in 1993 and have continued to enjoy my family, travel, research and voluntary library work with the East Gippsland Family History Group and the Public Library. My husband, Jim is a military historian, author and artist, so between us we rarely have a dull moment.

Vale ~ Jean Hagger

2008-08-26T11:40:00.002+10:00

Jean Hagger (11 October 1917 – 16 July 2008) was one of the foundation members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers (then the Australian Society of Indexers) and was a life member of the Society. more

Roxanne Missingham - ALIA Fellowship

2008-08-26T11:38:00.002+10:00

The ALIA Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Roxanne Missingham has been awarded the distinction of an ALIA Fellowship. The Fellowship will be conferred at the ALIA 2008 Biennial Conference in Alice Springs.

Roxanne Missingham has made a distinguished contribution to ALIA and to librarianship over several decades. Roxanne’s professional contributions throughout her career have been characterised by implementation of best practice, development of customer-focused services and transparent processes for collaboration and cooperation within the library community.

Roxanne has demonstrated untiring energy and enthusiasm in contributing to ALIA groups, committees and events and in being an advocate for librarianship in professional and government settings.

Roxanne has worked in a number of special libraries, at the National Library of Australia (NLA) and now as Commonwealth Parliamentary Librarian. Her career has involved a focus on customer services, including implementation of services to remote users when she worked in the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, and CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology. Roxanne has been an early adopter of technology, successfully implementing systems to support customer-focused service models – including automated systems, electronic databases, full-text electronic resources and websites.

On behalf of the library community, we congratulate Roxanne on her ALIA Fellowship.

Christine Mackenzie - ALIA Fellowship

2008-08-26T11:37:00.003+10:00

Christine is seen here with library legend, Stephen Abram.

The ALIA Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Christine Mackenzie has been awarded the distinction of an ALIA Fellowship. The Fellowship will be conferred at the ALIA 2008 Biennial Conference in Alice Springs.

Christine Mackenzie has demonstrated sustained high achievement and leadership in library and information services during her career. Christine is an innovator, collaborator, networker, motivator, risk taker, strategic thinker and developer of others.

As a strategic leader, she has introduced new technologies and reinvented library service using Web 2.0 tools to change organisational culture and embrace the future. She has developed staff and encouraged innovation and enthusiasm for new directions and the opportunities that new technologies offer.

Christine has been an active ALIA member for over 20 years. She has served as ALIA President and Vice-president, and has had a commitment over several years to the ALIA Online Content and Regulation Advisory Committee and Public Libraries Advisory Committee. Her international representative work has contributed to a positive reputation for Australian libraries overseas.

Christine is currently a member of the IFLA Metropolitan Libraries Section (MLS) Standing Committee, and was a former member of a select group of international public librarians on the Bertelsmann Foundation’s International Network of Public Libraries.
On behalf of the library community, we congratulate Christine on her ALIA Fellowship.

Vale ~ Olive Riley ... World's oldest blogger

2008-07-16T15:58:00.002+10:00

Olive Riley - the "world's oldest blogger" passed away this week at the grand age of 108. Mrs Riley was born in 1899 in Broken Hill, Australia, when Queen Victoria was still on the throne, and survived two World Wars and the Great Depression.

Her blog is "The Life of Riley" at Olive left school in 1914 and was introduced to blogging at age 106.

For more information see this feature from the Google Blogger team.

Beverley Giegerl ~ Queens birthday honours

2008-06-12T18:24:00.001+10:00

Congratulations to Clr Beverley Giegerl, past President of Public Libraries NSW-Metropolitan who has been honoured in the Queen's Birthday awards. Bev has received a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to local government and to the community, particularly through the provision of library services.

Further details.

Vale ~ John Merewether

2008-03-04T18:13:00.002+11:00

John Merewether, one of the State Library of NSW volunteers, supporters and benefactors died late last week after being in ill health for some time.

John had a special affection for and devotion to the Library. He was very proud of his family heritage and relationships with David Scott Mitchell, who was his great-great uncle. In 2007, the centenary year of David Scott Mitchell's bequest, John gave a most generous benefaction to establish two annual fellowships, the David Scott Mitchell Fellowship and the Merewether Scholarship for the study of Australian and New South Wales history.

In Memoriam ~ Jean Helena Collins

2008-02-14T16:58:00.001+11:00

It is with heartfelt thanks that ALIA acknowledges the kind bequestof $2,000 from the estate of Mr Stanley Collins who died last year. The gift was given in memory of his late wife Jean Helena Collins. Jean,who died in 1987, was a member of the Association when she was a young woman, while working at the NSW Public Library, Macquarie St, Sydney.

Vale ~ Harrison Bryan

2008-02-13T13:30:00.002+11:00

ALIA is saddened to inform members and the library community of the death of Harrison Bryan AO MA Hon LLD FASSA FLAA, on 12 February 2008 at the age of 84.

A pillar of the Association, he served as a member of the General Council for a record 25 years including two as President in 1973 and 1974. His many other important contributions to the Association, also included a period as Editor of Australian Library Journal (1954—1957 and 1980-1981).

Harrison Bryan’s career in libraries began at the University of Queensland where he later held the position of University Librarian from 1950 to 1963. In that year he moved to the University of Sydney as University Librarian until 1980 when he became Director General of the National Library of Australia, a position he held until 1985. Throughout his career Harrison Bryan was always concerned with the development of library services in Australia.

In 1984, in recognition of his outstanding service to the library and information profession in Australia, the Association conferred on him the HCL Anderson award, the highest honour that can be bestowed on an Associate member. In the same year he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for public service, in particular in the area of librarianship.

The funeral will be in Melbourne.

Kay Poustie OAM

2008-01-29T13:04:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to Kay Poustie, previous chair of the Library Board of Western Australia and ALIA Fellow, who received a Medal (OAM in the General Division) in this year's Australia Day Honours’ List. The award was given for service to the library and information services sector, and to the community through the Zonta International movement and aged welfare.

Library commemorates life of Sir Edmund Hillary

2008-01-14T09:41:00.000+11:00

Christchurch City Libraries has created an information page about Sir Edmund Hillary in response to the many enquiries they have received since his passing was announced.

Don't miss Paul Brunton's TV appearance!

2008-01-11T12:20:00.000+11:00

Paul Brunton of the State Library of NSW appears in the first Australian episode of the exciting new genealogy detective series Who Do You Think You Are? Tune in to SBS Television this Sunday night (13/01) at 7:30pm. The premiere follows actor Jack Thompson as he unearths more than a couple of surprises from his past and features Paul Brunton, unveiling some of Jack's family secrets held at the State Library.

Wilma Radford honoured

2007-12-11T12:26:00.000+11:00

Well renowned figure in the library world, the late Wilma Radford, was remembered at a function for donors to the Wilma Radford Memorial Fund. A book of 19th century handcoloured lithographs entitled Modern Architecture (c. 1850) was acquired for the State Library of New South Wales Rare Books Collection as a memorial to Radford who worked at the library for nearly 30 years.

Vale ~ Tony Mays

2007-12-10T11:14:00.000+11:00

Tony Mays, well-known to many for his work as a founding member of the National Library of Australia's Systems Development Section, as well as for his role as Deputy Librarian at the University of Newcastle, has died after a long illness. Colleague Kerry Webb recalls that "Tony loved a discussion -- never an argument, but always a spirited logical exchange of ideas. His clarity of thought stimulated debate, often on the theme of injustice suffered by those having difficulty changing their circumstances. " Kerry's tribute to Tony appears on page 41 in the December 2007 issue of inCite (vol 28, issue 12).

Vale ~ Andrea Stretton

2007-12-06T18:29:00.000+11:00

Andrea Stretton, arts journalist and devotee of (Australian) literature, has died at the age of 55. Andrea and her mother Dulcie were great supporters of children's literature and reading, and of the CBCA. Both are honoured, and missed.

Vale Harold Weir

2007-11-28T11:46:00.000+11:00

"Harold Weir, Parliamentary Librarian from 1978 to 1982 and distinguished staff member prior to his appointment, passed away in late August. He made a very considerable contribution to the establishment of the library's research services, particularly the establishment of high-quality service and was instrumental in much of the early automation, including the implementation of word processing, connection to external databases and development of staff skills. His contribution lives on through the successful Bills digest service, the research service itself and the use of new information technologies."' inCite, November 2007, volume 28, issue 11, page 41

Vale ~ Barbara Abbott 1943-2007

2007-11-09T12:29:00.000+11:00

"Barbara Abbott, a respected ALIA member for almost forty years, died tragically in a road accident in Tasmania in April. Barbara was a committed reference librarian who is remembered by colleagues as an approachable, friendly person who would always go out of her way to help others..." Incite, October 2007 Vol 28, Issue 10

Vale ~ Helen Hoffmann

2007-10-22T10:22:00.000+10:00

Our colleague Helen Hoffmann passed away on 15 October. Helen was a terrific contributor to ALIA, particularly as ALIA representative on the Australian Committee on Cataloguing (ACOC) from 1981 to 2003. An ALIA silver pin recipient in 2004, Helen was active in the Victorian Group as well. She joined La Trobe University Library in 1969 and made a major contribution to collection growth and access. She was Chief Cataloguer at La Trobe from 1977 until she retired in 2003. Many ALIA members benefited from Helen's advice and thoughts. She contributed to her profession through many committees, conference papers, journal articles and reports. We will all miss her.

ALIA Retirees member Val Hooper

2007-09-24T18:51:00.000+10:00

I have really enjoyed my journeys in librarianship and now in “retirement” I still derive great joy from the little things like helping a “senior “ to learn to use the Internet or a non-reading teenager to return eagerly to the little local library to borrow “another book like you gave me last time”!! I did both of these today in my casual position at our (soon to be amalgamated) country-Queensland Shire Library.

My journey began many years ago when as a young teacher I was drawn to the school library as a way to enrich the lives of my students and myself!! In Papua New Guinea (with a new baby) I embarked on the ALA “Registration” and finished when I came back to Oz (with second baby!). I returned to teaching and eventually embraced Teacher Librarianship via Brisbane College of Advanced Education (later to become QUT) courses and the wonderful professional and personal fellowship of SLAQ.

When teaching lost its gloss in my middle-later years I shifted to working in a largish regional Public Library and found that the wide ranging skill set of a “used” Teacher Librarian was easily transferable to public libraries, much to my own amazement and that of colleagues from both public and educational sectors. When, after a few more years, my husband and I made our “tree change” to country Queensland I found ready acceptance in the local school as a contract Teacher Librarian and the local public library as a contract Library Co-ordinator and casual Library Assistant. Just enough to keep me interested, up to date, on my toes and meeting lots of fascinating people from all kinds of backgrounds and interest areas. And I can take time out to look after the vines we have planted, to keep in touch with friends and colleagues from far and wide and to travel. This picture shows the benefits of retirement…everyone should see the Canadian Rockies before they die!! NZ in 2008 and Italy in 2009, here I come.

Cheers to the Retirees group members
Val

Prize-winner in our midst

2007-08-24T14:47:00.000+10:00

Ana Pollak, formerly a State Libray of NSW staff member, has won the 2007 Dobell Prize for Drawing. Today's Sydney Morning Herald has a great article and a photo of her prize-winning drawing. Congratulations, Ana!

Vale Mary-Jane Gleeson

2007-08-20T14:13:00.000+10:00

Mary-Jane Gleeson died on 17 August 2007.

Mary-Jane made a significant contribution to the State Library of NSW during her time there. In particular, Mary-Jane leaves a tremendous legacy to present and future Librarians through her work on the Pay Equity case conducted in the Industrial Relations Commission in 2001 and 2002, which, in turn, led to the new industrial award for Librarian-related classifications. There is little doubt that through her leadership, intellectual ability, commitment, strategic thinking and solid hard work, Mary-Jane was perhaps the single most important contributing factor to this achievement. Some of us also knew Mary-Jane on a more personal level - as a friend and colleague who had great warmth and humanity and who commanded enormous respect both personally and professionally. Those of us who knew her feel her loss deeply.

News wanted

2007-08-15T19:00:00.000+10:00

We're looking for news about library colleagues. Please email us with any noteworthy items: retirements, relocations, promotions, huge travel plans, volunteer undertakings, you name it, we're interested in anything that helps us "stay connected" with each other and the library and information world.

ALIA Retirees Treasurer - Faye Lawrence

2007-08-09T15:55:00.000+10:00

In her own words, "I retired in mid 2006 , having worked in public and university libraries in Sydney and Papua New Guinea almost all my working life and I certainly agree with Pat Gallaher’s sentiments about it having been a marvellous career. I now find that I am even more interested in libraries as an avid user on the other side of the counter. I think the concept of Great Libraries for society is as important as ever. So I am very pleased that ALIA has agreed to sponsor our Retirees Group and its E-List because I think there could be benefits in our Staying Connected both for the Association and its aims as a whole, as well as to those of us who have had such a strong interest over many years." We should also mention that in 1991 ALIA conferred the distinction of fellow on Faye.

ALIA Retirees Convenor - Pat Gallaher

2007-08-07T18:01:00.000+10:00

In her own words: " I have worked in various types of libraries, here and in the UK for more years than I care to mention. I have loved every minute and feel so lucky that I found such a great profession. It has given me the chance to engage with so many diverse communities such as Mosman (NSW), Paraburdoo and Karratha, and 20 years in Geraldton, all in WA. Some great colleagues too!

I recently completed a 4 year term on the Library Board of WA, which was an interesting and satisfying experience. I am delighted with the response to ALIA Retirees Group and hope it goes from strength to strength, which will depend on its members! So please communicate! "

ALIA Retirees Group Secretary - Niki Kallenberger

2007-08-01T18:17:00.000+10:00

In her own words: "I retired from the State Library of New South Wales in 2005. Retirement is proving to be an intriguing “next chapter” in my career, and I’m enjoying new challenges in juggling paid and unpaid work, friends, leisure and travel alongside the more mundane aspects of everyday life. I work 5 – 10 hours each week as the ALIA Local Liaison Officer for NSW. I assist Syba Signs Pty Ltd with their professional development program for teacher-librarians (see http://www.sybasigns.com.au/). As well, in partnership with a good friend and former colleague, I have undertaken a number of consultancy projects in the library industry. Our consultancies have taken us to school libraries, community organisations, and government departments, both small and large. Retirement provides wonderful variety, to say the least!"

Vale - Joyce Fardell

2007-08-01T13:08:00.000+10:00

Joyce Fardell, one of the "matriarchs" of school libraries in New South Wales, has died recently aged 84. As a long serving Head of Library Services for the (now) NSW Department of Education and Training, Joyce played a highly influential role in improving school library facilities and ensuring the teacher-librarians who staffed them were well-qualified to do so. A passion for children's literature remained with her throughout her life. A tribute to Joyce appears in the September 2007 issue of inCite, with additional information about the many facets of her career a letter to the editor in the October issue.

News gathering

2007-07-24T17:16:00.000+10:00

In our fast moving electronic age it's important to remember to celebrate and acknowledge the lives and achievements of our colleagues. One of the priorities for the ALIA Retirees group is to do just that. This blog will be used to share news of interest to retirees and we welcome your contributions.