An eventful history: recollections of the ALIA Special Libraries Section (WA Group)

Returning to the workforce in the early 1970s and into a special library for the first time was made much easier for me by the activities of the Special Libraries Section. I was strongly encouraged by my manager, librarian of the then joint Public Works Department and Water Board library, to join the section and I never regretted it for a moment.

Membership at that time comprised (as I recall) librarians from several state government departments, a few large company libraries such as the R and I Bank and Western Mining, some medical libraries, eg. Royal Perth Hospital and a few Commonwealth government organisations, including CSIRO of course. I was not aware that the section had begun with an informal group as far back as 1953, with official affiliation with ALIA (then the LAA) coming in 1961. At a time when the latest technology was the typewriter and the telephone was the only rapid means of communication, being able to tap into the knowledge and experience of colleagues was a boon. When union catalogues were only just beginning, having a good idea of what other local collections held was invaluable, and just getting to know other practitioners was very useful for so many people working in professional isolation.

Activities of the section comprised visits to libraries around Perth and meetings to discuss significant issues of the day such as standard forms for interlibrary loans, innovative ideas for improving services, career prospects of librarians ... sound familiar? There were also social events, combined activities with other local sections and with national organisations such as ACLIS. The focus was very much outward looking. By the end of the 70s there were libraries and librarians in a lot more government departments and companies and the Section flourished. It twice organised the Asian Pacific Special, Health and Law Librarians Conference in Perth, giving local librarians a greater opportunity to participate, started a bimonthly newsletter and the InfoWest internet contact list for information professionals. How much work went into organising all of this did not dawn on me until I joined the committee.

12 members each had a job to do: correspondence, minutes, editing the newsletter, chairing monthly meetings, liaising with ALIA head office and National Specials, representing the sector on other committees, a treasurer of course, a subcommittee to organise events and another to write publicity items. In the days before e-mail this took more effort than it does today (stuffing newsletters into envelopes was a laborious task) but spreading the work around a large committee made it less of a burden. And what a sense of achievement it gave when the membership found the events useful and enjoyable!

I feel very sad that the group that gave so much benefit over the years has faded away and disappeared. What ever would the founders think? They must have put in so much effort to get it started in the early days. I can't believe that professionals working in specialist information services don't need the networking and support that the Special Libraries Section, later KISWA, provided. But perhaps it will arise again - a new name perhaps, a new nucleus of enthusiastic volunteers ... I hope so.

Pauline Sawyer, committee member 1995-1998, president 1999-2001
ALIA WA Pub mentoring

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