AARL

Obituaries

Warren Horton AM D Litt

1938 - 2003

Pin striped, be-suited, imposing, Warren Horton strode across the Australian library stage in a career lasting 42 years. He significantly influenced the development of libraries and librarianship in this country through his many contributions from his professional positions and his roles in many of our professional bodies. During the last decade of his career he became well known internationally through his work with IFLA and CDNL, reinforcing international respect for Australian librarianship.

Born in Sydney in 1938, Warren grew up in Dee Why on Sydney's northern beaches. He was educated at Dee Why Public School, Canberra Grammar and the University of Sydney from which he graduated in Arts in 1971. His career began in 1957 at the State Library of New South Wales, rising to occupy the position of deputy librarian from 1975 to 1981. Warren then moved to Melbourne, as state librarian from 1981 to 1985, and subsequently to Canberra, as director-general of the National Library of Australia from 1985 until 1999.

In these positions, and especially during his two terms as director-general, Warren Horton was a party to or the instigator of many library developments. These included the National Library's response to the tremendous opportunities offered by the rapidly developing information and communication technologies as well as the many organisational challenges posed during his period as director-general. He significantly influenced the development of the Australian Bibliographic Network and its successor, Kinetica, and dealt with the debacle of World 1. His terms coincided with considerable change in the Australian economy and in public sector management brought about by the successive Hawke, Keating and Howard federal governments. These developments brought downsizing to the National Library along with the infamous 1 per cent efficiency dividend. Horton delighted in his opportunities to promote and defend the National Library before Senate Estimates Committees.

Demonstrating his love for history (especially United States political history) and politics, Warren took a machiavellian glee in predicting and shaping events. A renowned gossip, he relished stories of those in public life and colleagues across the library world.

Warren Horton's political skills were demonstrated in his many roles in Australian professional organisations. He was president of the Library Association of Australia (now the Australian Library and Information Association) in 1984. Over many years, Warren served the Association on many significant committees and reviews, particularly enjoying the role of parliamentarian, Joske at the ready. He was a member, and for three years President, of the Australian Libraries and Information Council (ALIC) from its foundation in 1981 until its merger with the Australian Advisory Council on Bibliographical Services (AACOBS) to form the Australian Council of Libraries and Information Services (ACLIS) in 1988. In all those bodies, he contributed enormously to change, both in focus and organisationally, guiding the development of new structures to fit changing times. He also sought to develop strong and fruitful relationships with libraries in other sectors, annually sitting through hours of deliberations at meetings of the then Committee (now Council) of Australian University Librarians (CAUL).

Similar skills were evident in Warren's contribution to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). He became interested in it when it held its conference in Sydney in 1988 and soon stood for the executive board. As a very well respected member of the board from 1991 to 1997, he served as treasurer from 1993 until 1997, playing a major role in the consolidation of IFLA's finances. As a member and then chair of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL), Warren's commitment to co-operation between CDNL and IFLA encouraged strong support for IFLA's core programs. He led the National Library of Australia to become a centre for exploring the new field of digital preservation for which it is now highly regarded.

However, Warren Horton's major contribution to IFLA was his tireless work as convenor of the working party which was established to review the Federation's statutes and rules of procedure. The results of that work were accepted when the new statutes were formally endorsed at a momentous IFLA Council meeting in Jerusalem in 2000. They have since been implemented with the consequences that Warren predicted: rapid democratisation of the Federation and a much stronger global focus. The epicentre of IFLA's activities has shifted from the north Atlantic and, with the help of the internet, IFLA is now working globally 24 hours a day. The two elections held since the adoption of the new statutes have confirmed the change. Each returned a president-elect from outside northern Europe and North America, whence all the previous presidents had come, and each returned members of the new governing board from every continent (excepting Antarctica).

Warren was well satisfied with these results although still disappointed that his illness had prevented him from standing for election as IFLA President. His contributions to IFLA were recognised by the award of the rare honours of the IFLA Gold Medal in 1997 and an Honorary Fellowship in 1999 for his leadership and contribution to international librarianship.

Other honours included the Australian Library and Information Association's HCL Anderson Award, presented in 1988, and the National Book Council Gold Medal, 1996. Warren Horton was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1992 and was awarded Honorary Doctorates of Letters by the University of Technology, Sydney and La Trobe University, and honorary Doctor of the University by the University of Canberra.

These honours recognised a great Australian and a great librarian but his most significant memorials are those which can be found in the organisations he shaped and influenced, the colleagues he helped and mentored. His death on 25 November 2003, after a long illness, saddened his many colleagues and friends around the world. From a presence in the Mitchell Library's Reading Room to the pronouncements from the stage at IFLA Council meetings, Warren Horton always made an impression. He will be remembered as a great figure in both Australian and international librarianship and a man of many friends.

Alex Byrne, University of Technology, Sydney

Australian Academic & Research Libraries will be publishing a special issue to celebrate Warren Horton's contribution to the profession.

Allan Roy Horton

29 August 1928 - 16 December 2003

Allan Horton made major contributions to many areas of Australian librarianship. He brought his passion and commitment to issues affecting many library sectors. Allan reached beyond his role as a university librarian to bring his intellect and stamina to developments in archives, public libraries, publishing and information networks.

When he was 16 Allan left Canterbury Boys High School to join the then Public Library of New South Wales (now the State Library) as a junior clerk. He graduated with a BA from the University of Sydney in 1949, then completed the Registration Examination of the Library Association of Australia in 1950. In 1953, he became the first archives officer in the Public Library of New South Wales. In the next few years, he contributed to the drafting of the NSW Archives Act of 1960 which established the State Archives Authority.

Allan may well have remained in the archives field: moving to the University of New South Wales in 1960 was not an easy decision. Allan became associate librarian to John Metcalfe, UNSW's first university librarian and foundation head of the pioneering UNSW School of Librarianship. In 1966, Allan took over from John Metcalfe as university librarian and held this position until his retirement in 1988. As university librarian, he maintained involvement in the development and management of the University Archives at UNSW and was also instrumental in the development of UNSW Press.

Allan's influence on UNSW Library endures today. He directed its transformation from a small technical library to a major research library. He implemented a structure of subject specialist libraries which would enable responsive services for the teaching and research needs of the UNSW community. Each special library was established with an advisory committee. Allan instilled a culture of service. UNSW Library did not have strong collections in the 1960s owing to the youth of the organisation; however, the staff's commitment to service more than compensated for this lack. His creed was 'if we do not have it we will get it for you' and the library did, either through purchase or interlibrary loan. UNSW Library's activities in reader education were also highly regarded locally and nationally.

The possibilities of library automation inspired Allan. He became a leader in introducing library automation with UNSW Library being one of the first libraries to convert its card catalogue into machine-readable form. He was strongly committed to the establishment of the national Australian Bibliographic Network and was an early and vigorous champion for this cause. His experimental and bold approach in applying information technologies is another enduring legacy for UNSW Library. Allan also understood how information technologies would enable library co-operation. In this area, Allan gave long and thoughtful service to a number of bodies, including the Library Association of Australia, the Australian Advisory Council on Bibliographic Services and IDP (then the Australian Universities International Development Program). Allan is remembered particularly in Indonesia for his work there.

Although he appeared to many of his staff to be, in his later years at least, a traditional man, Allan was a leader who was prepared to support innovative staffing proposals where, he felt, a strong case had been presented to him. Innovations in staff development and training, implementation of a pioneering job-sharing arrangement for senior staff and other organisational changes were implemented at surprisingly early times.

These achievements would be more than sufficient for a professional career. However, Allan brought his unflagging energy to chair the Committee of Enquiry into Public Libraries established by Gough Whitlam in 1975: this committee became known as the Horton Committee. The committee was asked to 'enquire into and report upon the current role and effectiveness of state, regional and municipal libraries in serving the information and recreation needs of the community including the limitations imposed by existing methods and levels of financing and staffing'. The committee received over 400 submissions and held hearings around the nation. In 1976, the Horton Committee released its report called Public Libraries in Australia, otherwise known as the Horton Report. The report was hailed as a landmark document, but, to Allan's regret, the change in government meant that it did not result in major changes for government policies on public libraries.

Allan wrote widely: his papers and articles cover topics as diverse as censorship, national information policy and provision of library services to children. He was not shy of controversy and speaking his mind. At the National Cataloguing Conference in 1980, he gave a keynote speech called 'Cataloguing is too important to be left to the cataloguers'. He was concerned at the cost of implementing the new cataloguing code, AACR2. Even so, he was brave indeed to give this address to an audience of cataloguers! Allan was very aware of the costs of providing services and the need for establishing a sustainable basis for co-operative services, especially when different levels of service meant that some libraries contributed significantly more to the operation of the system than others. This led to him championing the cause of payment for interlibrary loan which was a decidedly unpopular move with some of his colleagues. His writing was complemented by his successful stint as chair of the University of NSW Press. During this period, the press commenced publication of general non-fiction alongside scholarly publishing: this improved the revenues of the press considerably.

Allan received recognition for his achievements throughout his career. In 1969, he was awarded the Fellowship of the Library Association of Australia. In 1989, he was awarded an HonDLitt by the University of New South Wales for his long and distinguished service to the institution.

As someone who had become university librarian whilst still in his thirties, Allan was very clear that he wanted to leave the field promptly on his 60th birthday to give the younger generation room to develop. He did so, but, tragically, his health soon declined dramatically, denying him and his family the active retirement he had planned and so richly deserved.

At his memorial service just before Christmas 2003, family and colleagues reached back to remember 'big Al' in his intelligent, energetic, forceful and inspirational prime. Allan's professional achievements and enormous contribution to UNSW will be remembered at a tribute to Allan Horton which will be held on the afternoon of Friday April 23 in Leighton Hall in the Scientia.

Marian Bate, Isabella Trahn and Andrew Wells, University of New South Wales

Frank Strahan

1930 - 2003

The foundation archivist at the University of Melbourne, Frank Strahan died on 17 November 2003, the day after his 73rd birthday. He established the university archives in 1960, and served in that post for the following 35 years. In some ways, Frank Strahan was the last of his tribe, and there are times when it seemed it was a tribe of one! There never was, and may never be again, an archivist quite like him. Judged purely on professional terms, Frank's approach and achievements were special. He established the Melbourne archives at the end of a decade rich in archival development. Archives were established in banks and universities; the first issues of an archivists' journal appeared; there was a visit from the US archivist and Fulbright lecturer Dr T R Schellenberg; the formation of a Business Archives Council of Australia, and several critical beginnings in the public archives arena too.

At the University of Melbourne between 1960 and 1995 a collection of university business, trade union and social history archives was built despite a lack of adequate resources including proper storage. Relationships with historians, the business community and later with Trades Hall were forged and a small team of archivists recruited. Many left to establish reputations in related fields, while others, notably Dr Cecily Close and Dr Mark Richmond, served for terms matching Frank's in critical support roles. On the occasion of the first public 'stock take' of their efforts - the publication of a general guide - Geoffrey Blainey described the collection as 'certainly a collection of world importance' (The Bulletin 14 February 1984 p39). Similar appraisal was expressed by the doyen of Australian manuscript librarians, Paul Brunton, following a review in the mid 1990s.

In building up the collection, Frank also had support from a Board of Management (and later of Advice) with senior university academics and administrators. They strategically cultivated 'captains of industry' who because of background and experience responded well to ideas about documenting the efforts of business in nation building and wealth creation. Historian-sponsors such as Blainey and others in the then vibrant departments of history and economic history were also helpful. Frank's direct engaging style of approach, ability to communicate enthusiasm for history, and readiness to act decisively when collections needed rescue should also be mentioned. He was a natural publicist busy long before the phrases 'public programs' and 'outreach' were coined. He was an old school 'hunter gatherer' collection builder who by inclination, necessity and deliberate professional judgement put collection development before documentation. Even so, two of his and his staff's enduring achievements were the organisation of lists to collections prepared by history students and depositor-funded project archivists, and a general guide. When this appeared in 1983, Professor Stuart Macintyre wrote that archivists needed not only Tawney's stout pair of boots, but much more besides.

Their network of spotters must be as vigilant as that of a tow-truck operator, their spiel as persuasive. They should possess the instincts of a magpie, the appetite of a goat, the steadfastness of a zealot in a sea of indifference. In so far as these qualities can be brought together in a single person, they are possessed by Frank Strahan. (The Age 3 December 1983 p17)

For most, the achievements of a lifetime's career alone justify accolades and honours. But there were several additional factors, as well as his contribution to archives and for which he was made a Fellow of the Australian Society of Archivists, that truly set Frank apart. The first was his personality. He was not easy to manage nor, for some, to work for. He had a difficult childhood and by common agreement his family life was often fraught. And as was honestly acknowledged at the memorial function for him at the Carlton Football Club in late November, often he drank too deep of life. Many at the university, at archivists' meetings, and at his favourite haunts in Carlton and Beechworth would agree. But in their affection for him they were usually ready to make allowances.

Frank would be unrecognisable in the world of today's cultural institution leaders, in style, dress and speech. He neither knew nor cared for the concept 'work life balance', pursuing extra-curricular activities during office hours and vice versa. He worked tirelessly for the National Trust, drawing on material in his archives, working through its committees and joining campaigns to save buildings and receiving honorary life membership in the mid 1990s. A related interest (and expense) was the built heritage of Beechworth, particularly the restoration of the London Tavern. His other uses of the archives can be seen through a long involvement with the Australian Dictionary of Biography (a medal honouring his ADB work was presented posthumously), exhibitions, historical articles and book reviews. Readers of this journal in particular will enjoy re-reading his notice of Axel Lodewycks' The Funding of Wisdom in The Age of 13 November 1982; but also look for his final creative effort in Carlton: A History just about to appear under the MUP imprint.

In fact it was Carlton many would argue which defined this Wonthaggi born Albury educated man. He lived there most of his adult life, came to know many of the Lygon Street traders and in particular the owners of Jimmy Watson's Wine Bar, and was a passionate supporter of the Carlton Football Club. From the latter came over 30 years of football commentary, appearing after each game under the banner 'On the Wing with Wacker' in The Melbourne Times, and culminating in an annual 'Wacker Awards' night. The language was unique to Frank and sometimes meaningless even to those who had attended the games he described: his own mix of rhyming slang, nicknames, 'in' jokes and C J Dennis. The club website called him a cult figure. He may well have been, though Carlton is one of those Melbourne teams one either loves or hates. His eminent position in the pantheon of pioneering collector archivists, however, is absolutely secure.

Michael Piggott, University of Melbourne