One of the things that you will have realised by now, dear readers, is my unbounded admiration for the members of our profession working hard across the country to deliver excellent and community-focussed information and library services. We are, I believe, a profession with quite exceptionally talented people in it; people who make such a difference to their communities.
Friday 14th December marks the retirement of one of these exceptionally talented library professionals who has, throughout her career, made such a difference to the communities in which she has served. I am, of course, talking about Elizabeth Farr who retires from Stirling Libraries this week and to whom I want to pay the warmest of tributes.
I first got to know Elizabeth through going to our annual conference, back in Peebles days. Since then I have been fortunate to visit Stirling Libraries on a number occasions and Elizabeth and the team have always made me feel so welcome.
But, Elizabeth's outstanding contribution is not centred around making befuddled professors feel welcome. No, it is centred around her passionate commitment to libraries and their life-changing capacity. She is a consummate information professional; consistently promoting the centrality of public libraries in society, maintaining the highest standards of service delivery and seeking new ideas and ways of enhancing provision. And still, she finds time to advocate for our profession, be a fantastic manager, a wonderful colleague and friend to many as well as simply being a lovely human being too.
Elizabeth has quite simply been a star in our profession and I know those of you who know her will echo my sentiments. Elizabeth, you will be so much missed by your colleagues in Stirling and, indeed, right across Scotland. However, you go with much love and good wishes from all the friends you have made throughout our profession. Enjoy retirement Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is a true survivor of tumultuous times, savage cuts and really radical service change. She's used her wide range of professional skills to help support the public, the service and the staff to take Stirling Library Service to be, arguably, the best in Scotland. I've also visited on many occasions and I think of all the staff today because I know you will miss her. Elizabeth - a long, healthy and happy retirement to you and just remember to take the maximum number of books out every time you visit ;-)
ReplyDeleteDecember 14, 2012 | Rhona Arthur
Elizabeth, impossible to follow or improve on those lovely comments. You truly deserve your retirement. Thank you for all your support over the years.
ReplyDeleteDecember 14, 2012 | Sheila Miller