March 2001

Who's where?
Recent movements in the library and information sector

Bertelsmann Foundation's International Network of Public Libraries
Christine Mackenzie, manager of Brisbane City Council Library Services, has been appointed to the Bertelsmann Foundation's International Network of Public Libraries. The Network, founded on the initiative of the Bertelsmann Foundation in 1996, currently consists of 24 innovative library professionals in 12 countries. The network pools know-how, supports the development of successful concepts, and promotes the transformation of knowledge into practice. Christine follows Kay Poustie (formerly of Stirling Public Libraries) as an active member; Kay becomes an associate member in recognition of her contribution to the work of the Network.

Neil McLean
An international search for uniform technical delivery standards for e-learning providers will be led by Macquarie University librarian Neil McLean, who has been seconded part-time as director of Instructional Management Systems Centre Australia for six months.

Standards are being sought for several formats - including the internet and intranets, interactive television, mobile phones, DVDs and CD-ROMs.

Neil McLean succeeds Ross Bosanquet, who has been named chief information technology officer at the University of New England, which hosts the centre.

Neil McLean is also chair of a Standards Australia committee now responsible for IT standards relating to education and training.

Library Board of Western Australia
The Library Board of Western Australia has announced the appointment of three new members for 2001, including children's author Glyn Parry, a former teacher and librarian, and winner of the Dymocks Writing for Young Adults award in 2000 for his novel Scooterboy. The other appointees are Dr Lenore Layman, senior lecturer in History at Murdoch University's School of Social Enquiry, and Michael Sonter, a partner with Downing Legal. Late last year the Library Board also elected as its new chairperson Graham McEachran, vice-president of Cap Gemini Ernst and Young.

The Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation
The Whitehorse Manningham Regional Library Corporation in Melbourne's eastern suburbs has appointed a new chief executive officer, Geoff Rockow. Formerly manager of information and arts at Monash Council, Geoff will replace Ian Boag, who has been the Corporation's CEO for more than five years.

Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation
David Roff has been re-appointed as chief executive officer of the Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation in Melbourne's southeast growth corridor. The positions of chairman and CEO were originally intended to rotate between the two municipalities on an annual basis. However, Casey Council at its last meeting voted to retain David Roff for the next two years. David, from the Shire of Cardinia, was first appointed CEO in 1998.

ALIA National Office News (ANON)
For many senior members of the Association, ALIA National Office needs little introduction or explanation of its activities. However, newer members are often curious about the scope of activities within the office, and the role of staff who work there. In this and future issues of inCite, we intend to assuage that curiosity.

Farewells and welcomes
Sharp-eyed readers will possibly notice that the editorial baton has been passed on to Julie Stokes, a former librarian and now freelance editor. Julie has stepped into the editor's hot seat following the departure of Emma Davis-Bell, who has finally broken free from the Association and has now taken up a more senior publishing role with Accenture (formerly known as Andersen Consulting). Emma will be sorely missed, given that she has become - over the years - a vital component of the publishing and communications team of ALIA National Office. There is no doubt that inCite would not be where it is today without her vibrant, energetic and critical input. We wish her well with Accenture - our loss is indeed their gain.

Also departing recently from the publishing section, Garrick Larkin was an indispensable assistant who helped to transform ALIAnet, the website, into the latest iteration, streamlining the code as he went. Garrick was at ALIA on a three-month contract to assist the web publishing team, and will be resuming studies at the Australian National University in March. We wish him well with his continuation of studies.

On the other side of the ledger, we welcome Susanne Bruhn as deputy executive director, here on a two-year contract from the National Library of Australia. Beginning in late-February, Susanne will bring much valuable experience and expertise into the office, and will be helping to shape our overall membership program, among other things.