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.

News gathering

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.