What's so special?

It's a great honour to receive this award. I really appreciate being nominated (by a former mentoree) and even more, receiving the award. I've found that an unexpected spin-off has been the very complimentary things people have said, not just on the night, but in the weeks that followed as news spread. The cards and e-mails have been a great boon to morale and self-esteem.

As a health librarian, I come from a 'sub-species' of the broader Knowledge and Information Specialists group but there are many core values, skills, and qualities that unite us in all of the many sectors in which we work as librarians. A terrific question I was asked in the interview process for this award asked where I saw myself in five years time. This is worth reflection by all of us at any time. I have worked in one position for almost 20 years now and I have not been driven particularly to change jobs as a goal, but I have always tried to stay fresh, open, and reflective in my professional practice. No matter where I work, I hope: no plan!: to avoid negative patterns of thought, to look for opportunities to innovate, to examine the relevance of what I do and be willing to ditch the ineffective, and to enjoy the working relationships with some wonderful colleagues around the country. In short: not so different from so many of my colleagues who I see working in just this way. I feel special because of this award and I think I'm lucky to work with many others who I think are special too.

Cheryl Hamill
Librarian-in-charge
Fremantle Hospital and Health Service

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