Sharr Medal 2002

The WA Forum awarded the Sharr Medal at the Library and Information Week celebration 12th May held at the WA Constitutional Centre. The F A Sharr Medal is an award given to the graduand who exhibits the most potential; the one most likely to have a positive impact on their preferred stream of the library profession. It is named after Francis Aubie (Ali) Sharr, state librarian from Western Australia from 1953 to 1976, in recognition of his contribution to libraries and librarianship in this state and to the profession. This is the first presentation of the award since the passing of Ali Sharr in November 2002.

Nominations came from graduates from Edith Cowan School of Information Studies and Curtin University Department of Media and Information. Certificates of recognition went to finalists Judith Jarvis, graduate teacher-librarian; Paige Luff, graduate librarian and Lisa White, graduate librarian.

Robert Sharman presented the 2002 Sharr Medal to Judith Jarvis and gave a speech on the achievements of Dr Sharr, reminding us all of why Ali Sharr was honoured and recognised for his contribution to Librarianship by the WA library profession. The following is the citation for the 2002 winner Judith Jarvis.

Judith was awarded a Graduate Diploma of Science (Information Services) in 2002. She undertook this course part time at Edith Cowan University and was awarded the ALIA prize for teacher-librarianship, which is awarded to the graduating student with the highest course average.

Teaching languages to primary school students was Judith's introduction to libraries that created a need to gain library qualifications. One of the issues Judith feels strongly about is the need to create a community of readers. Providing a happy, welcoming atmosphere with smiling faces and bright displays, collaborating with teachers and providing role models are key areas of interest.

Judith has a passion for libraries and books and believes that reading is for pleasure as it enhances lives. She is committed to passing on this passion and her special interest is encouraging boys to read. This is demonstrated by a very successful project implemented by Judith at La Salle College in Midland. Capitalising on her students' admiration for their swimming champions Judith created a display "What Our Champion Swimmers are Reading". The display included a photograph of each champion with details on favourite authors, genres, books and advice to other students. This successful display created much interest and lead to a later similar display of the house captains.

ALIA WA Forum congratulates Judith on her success in winning the F.A. Sharr Medal for 2002. We look forward to Judith's continuing contribution to the profession in Western Australia and wish her every success in her chosen field of teacher-librarianship.

Belinda Grayson and Deanne Barrett

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