ALIA Retirees member Val Hooper

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

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!"