Prize-winner in our midst

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.