John Levett

BA MLib FLAA

Conferred: 1987

John Levett has had a distinguished career in public and academic libraries as well as in education for librarianship. He began his career at Lake Macquarie Shire Library, as Children's Librarian and later as Chief Librarian. He went to Tasmania as Deputy State Librarian in 1968. In 1970 he was appointed Foundation Librarian at the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education, eventually becoming Head of the Division of Education Services.

In 1977 he became Head of the School of Librarianship at the Tasmanian CAE. The School was transferred to the University of Tasmania in 1981 and he has remained Head of the School since this time. Mr Levett's leadership has been instrumental in this successful transition and in the continuing role of the School within the University. Mr Levett is regarded as an inspiring teacher who challenges students to think critically about professional issues.

John Levett has been an active contributor to the work of the Library Association of Australia. He has held executive offices in the Hubter Regional Group and the Tasmanian Branch, including Tasmanian Branch President, General Councillor for Tasmania and General Councillor-at-large. He has also served as an examiner for the Registration Examinations and on the Publications Board and the ALJ Editorial Board of the LAA. He has been Editor of the Australian Library Journal since 1981. Through his editorials he has reached virtually all the LAA membership, encouraging members to think about issues of importance to the profession and the Association.

Mr Levett has produced a number of publications. He has maintained an active involvement in public library issues and is currently working on research projects on the role of laypeople in library services.

[Extract from 'Three Fellowships Awarded', Louise Lansley, originally published in inCite, 6 November 1987, p.12.]