14 December 1998

ALIA executive director resigns

With great regret, we have accepted the resignation of Virginia Walsh as executive director of the Australian Library and Information Association, effective from 21 January 1999. Although Virginia advised us of her decision on Wednesday 9 December, a public announcement was delayed until John could meet with staff at the ALIA National Office.

Since she joined ALIA in 1993, Virginia has made a contribution to the Association which will have an enduring benefit and has set the benchmark for future achievement. Virginia's professional leadership has been manifested in many ways, including the range of our lobbying activities, the quality of ALIA publications, our sound financial position, and an enhancement of our public presence.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Virginia, and her dynamic approach to the affairs of the Association will be greatly missed. She has promoted libraries and librarianship at every opportunity and to great effect. Her championing of the best interests of ALIA was just one demonstration of Virginia's loyalty and commitment to the Association and its members. Her good management and leadership has enabled ALIA not just to survive, but prosper.

ALIA has been fortunate to have had Virginia as its executive director and we wish her every success in the future.

The search for a new executive director will commence once ALIA General Council has had an opportunity to discuss the future needs of the Association. From 21 January, Jennefer Nicholson will be acting executive director. Jennefer has been deputy executive director since 1991, and is well-known to many members especially for her work with the ALIA Board of Education. We look forward to working with Jennefer and the ALIA National Office staff in the continuing development of a new peak body to represent the interests of the Australian library and information community.