Guide to the Papers of Averill Edwards
MS 9778; MS Acc08.199; MS Acc13.054
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Collection Summary
- Creator
- Averill Edwards
- Title
- Papers of Averill Edwards
- Date Range
- 1937-2012
- Collection Number
- MS 9778; MS Acc08.199; MS Acc13.054
- Extent
- 2.13 metres (14 boxes + 1 folio item)
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Special Collections (Manuscripts)
Introduction
Scope and Contents
The collection includes Library Association of Australia (LAA) and Australian Library and Information Service (ALIA) correspondence relating to branch and head office business, awards, visits and speeches Edwards made as ALIA president, papers relating to the relocation of ALIA Head Office from Ultimo (Sydney) to Canberra and the building of the Canberra office. There are conference papers, discussion papers, branch correspondence, building contracts and plans, conference reports, constitution papers, Parliamentary submissions, minutes and by-laws.
Many of the papers deal with the role and work of ALIA, librarians, library technicians, and teacher librarians. Other subjects include the name change from Library Association of Australia to Australian Library and Information Service, information technology in the workforce, library access, ALIA Presidency, the location and move of ALIA Headquarters, and the use of copyright material in churches.
Correspondents include Alan Bundy, Anne Hazel, Sue Kosse, J.G. Dwyer, Frances Awcock, Warren Horton, John Levett, Colin Steele, Phil Roberts, R. Segal, M. Wathen, Sue Phillips and John Brudenall.
Conditions Governing Access
Please refer to the collection's catalogue record for the access conditions (http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn3109293).
Conditions Governing Use
Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.
Preferred Citation
Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Averill Edwards, National Library of Australia, [class number, box number and series and/or file number]'.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to the Library by Averill Edwards in several instalments from 2004-2013.
Related Materials
Records of the Australian Library and Information Association, 1931-1995 are held in the National Library Manuscript Section at MS 7446. Records of St Columbus Church, Braddon, are held at MS 8243.
Arrangement
The papers have been largely maintained in the order in which they were received.
Finding Aid Source(s)
Please note: This finding aid may comprise or contain descriptive information provided by donors, researchers and/or volunteers.
Biographical Note
Averill Margaret Bruen Edwards was born in Sydney on 20th of May, 1939. She was a teacher prior to joining the National Library of Australia, where she was employed from 1968-1999. Averill worked in a number of areas including inter-library loans, acquisitions, selection, the Policy Secretariat, and reference. She managed the Information Services Section from 1989. She was the chief liaison librarian in North America when she represented the National Library from her location at the Australian Embassy in Washington.
Averill has a long term association with ALIA and was president in 1989, managing a series of changes which included a name change from the Library Association of Australia to the Australian Library and Information Association Information Association, a move from Sydney to Canberra, the building of its present quarters at ALIA House, Napier Close, Deakin and a change to ALIA's charter and objectives. During her presidential year, the Association developed standards for school, prison and public libraries and put the publications program on a sound financial footing.
As director of the Information Services Section, Edwards was instrumental in the transition of the Library's reference services from a `collections' base to a range of electronic information services. She developed policies consolidating the national role of the Library with services for researchers, and other users in remote areas. Prior to her retirement, Edwards was responsible for managing a web-based pathway for users to access informations from print and electronic sources. Edwards retired in January 1999.
Edwards has also been active in the Uniting Church in Australia at the regional and State level, and in 2004 was the only layperson to have been Presbytery Chairperson.
Librarian. Averill Margaret Bruen Edwards was a teacher prior to joining the National Library of Australia, where she was employed from 1968-1999. Edwards has long been involved with various library associations, including serving terms as President of the ACT Branch of the Library Association of Australia and the Australian Library and Information Association. Edwards had also been active within the Uniting Church in Australia at the regional and state level and, as at 2004, was the only laywoman to have been Presbytery Chairperson.
Item Descriptions
Class MS 9778. Original Consignment
Series 1. LAA and ALIA correspondence, 1980-1994
The series relates to Edwards' activities as General Secretary of the Library Association of Australia, and later as President of the organisation. It contains correspondence, typescripts, speeches and itineraries. Subjects include the National Information Policy, Australian Federal Libraries Committee Task Force, Role of ALIA vice-president, role of LAA and ALIA, proposed merger of ALIA and the Australian Council of Libraries and Information Services (ACLIS) and a submission to the Inquiry into Australia as an Information Society.
Correspondents include Colin Steele, Anne Hazel, Peter Durey, Warren Horton and Sue Kosse.
LAA correspondence, 1989. Information for the National campaign; submission to Inquiry into Australia as an Information Society. (File 4) - Box 1 (MS 9778)
ALIA and LAA correspondence, 1989-1990. Invitations, itineraries, details of visits to LAA Branches. (File 5) - Box 1 (MS 9778)
Photograph of Edwards. Presidential and other speeches by Edwards as President of ALIA. (File 6) - Box 1 (MS 9778)
1st National Forum on Library Promotion, 1989. ALIA correspondence with New Zealand Library Association, 1988-1990 (File <emph render="italic">8<_emph>) - Box 1 (MS 9778)
Series 2. Presidency and post presidency of ALIA, 1988-1996
Edwards was president of ALIA in 1989. This series contains ALIA correspondence during the time of her presidency. Includes draft speeches, schedules, newspaper cuttings, media releases, conference reports, invitations, photographs.
Subjects include the sale of the ALIA building in Ultimo (Sydney), ALIA staff restructure and memberships, election of vice-president, branch activities, award nominations, computer systems in libraries, library image, school libraries, services and access to information, library access for disabled readers, inter-library loans, and the production of publications Frontline and InCite. Includes President's task force on the value of the information professional: Special Libraries Association 78th annual conference in Anaheim: California final report (1997) and Australian libraries summit, Canberra (1988). The series also includes a copy of the By-laws of the Australian Library and Information Association (1993) and the ALIA Royal Charter.
Correspondents include John Levett, Colin Steele, Phil Roberts, R. Segal, M. Wathen, Sue Phillips, Frances Awcock, John Brudenall and Alan Bundy.
Series 3. Library Association of Australia papers, 1937-1989
The series contains papers of the LAA relating to branch by-laws, school libraries, teacher librarians, the Commission for the Future (1986-1989), meetings, conferences, and the Council on School libraries in Australia. Discussion of the role of teacher librarians and their membership of ALIA. There are papers on information skills, teacher librarians, online information needs, the LAA, and staff employment conditions and salary comparisons between libraries and other organisations. Correspondents include J. G. Dwyer, Alan Bundy.
School libraries, 1985-1988. Includes the paper Information skills, the teacher and the teacher-librarian by Mairead Browne and Janet Hansen. School Libraries Committee, 1988-1989 (File 1) - Box 3 (MS 9778)
Commission for the Future correspondence, 1986-1987. Includes the paper: Library resources in the age of information technology by A. Edwards. (File 2) - Box 3 (MS 9778)
Series 4. ALIA headquarters, 1988-1990
The series relates to the decision to relocate ALIA Headquarters from Sydney to Canberra. Subjects include the initial decision, valuation and sale of the Ultimo site, application for the Canberra lease, tenders for the building, LAA restructure and membership, and staff relocation. Includes minutes, discussions, lease plans, valuations, cost plans, building design and plans, landscaping, tender, site meeting minutes and press releases.
Series 5. Publications
Subseries 5_1. Publications by Averill Edwards
'Conspectus at the National Library of Australia: chipping away at the mountain', in Australian library review, v. 8 no. 2, May 1991 (File 2) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
Copyright workshop proceedings : proceedings of a copyright workshop held at the National Library of Australia, 1 June 1981. Canberra : Library Association of Australia, 1981 (File 3) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
'Legal collections of the National Library of Australia' in ALLG newsletter, no. 104, Jun 1991 (File 5) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
'Libraries and librarians; an undervalued asset' in Australian and New Zealand theological library association newsletter, no. 6, Dec. 1988 (File 6) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
'Library resources in the age of information technology' in Challenges and change: Australia's information society / edited by Trevor Barr. Melbourne: OUP, 1987 (File 7) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
'Library technicians in Australia: a problem of definition' in Proceedings of the Third National Conference of Library Technicians, 27-30 March, 1985. Canberra, 1985 (File 8) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
'National information policy'. in ASLA IX: 9th Biennial Conference of the Australian School Library Association, 26-30 Sept. 1985. Brisbane: ASLA, 1987 (File 9) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
A national information policy for Australia: discussion paper. Canberra, Dept. of Science, 1985 (File 10) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
'New access services from the National Library of Australia' in Australian and New Zealand theological library association newsletter, no. 27, Dec. 1995 (File 15) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
'The SALSSAH experience', by Averill M. B. Edwards, presented by Marie Sexton in Australian bibliographic network: first ABN conference 12-14 July 1983, Melbourne. Papers and proceedings. Canberra : National Library of Australia, 1983 (File 16) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
Subseries 5_2. Publications contributed to or overseen by Edwards
The aged in Australia: a research guide and select bibliography of Australian publications. Prepared by the National Library of Australia to mark the International Year of Older Persons, 1999, compiled by Roy Jordan. Canberra, National Library of Australia, 1999 (Item 2) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
The higher Defence organisation in Australia: final report of the Defence Review Committee, 1982. Canberra, Dept. of Defence, 1982 (Item 3) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
How and where directory: an index to informational material issued by official and commercial organisations, by Leslie V. Thomas. Sydney, School Library Association of New South Wales, 1965 (Item 4) - Box 5 (MS 9778)
Papers presented at the National Information Policy Seminar, 7-8 December 1981. Library Association of Australia, 1981 (Item 5) - Box 6 (MS 9778)
Library for the nation, edited by Peter Biskup and Margaret Henty. Canberra, National Library of Australia, 1991 (Item 6) - Box 6 (MS 9778)
Minister and Department of Defence support: interim report of the Defence Review Committee. Canberra, Dept. of Defence, 1982 (Item 7) - Box 6 (MS 9778)
Subseries 5_3. Books presented to Averill Edwards
An enthusiasm for libraries, ed. by Jean P. Whyte and Neil A. Radford. Melbourne, Ancora, 1988. [Signed by Harrison Bryan] (Item 1) - Box 6 (MS 9778)
Best books for children (The Ashton Scholastic guide), by Belle Alderman. Sydney, Ashton Scholastic, 1989 (Item 2) - Box 6 (MS 9778)
Class MS Acc08.199. Consignment Added 2008
Series. Assorted working groups and reviews
Woden Valley Task force, Budget Task Force, Review of role of PRC Secretary, Report on UCA presence in Lanyon, ACT, Mission Reference Committee and other assorted admin./structural matters, Pilgrim House Policy Committee membership, Aug. 1996-2004 (File 14) - Box 3 (MS Acc08.199)
Matters involving personal activity in various management roles within the Presbytery post Chairperson role.
Series. Chairperson of Presbytery
Orders of Service for ordinations, inductions, official functions, administrative matters, agenda, 1993 (File 1-2) - Box 1 (MS Acc08.199)
some original letters to the Chairperson on a variety of matters.
Orders of Service for ordinations, inductions, official functions, administrative matters, agenda, issues., 1994 (File 3-4) - Box 1 (MS Acc08.199)
includes original letters but no formal minutes or agenda of meetings.
Series. Homosexuality - Assembly Resolution 84 and Task Group
Series. Presbytery matters
Class MS Acc13.054. Consignment Added 2013
Comprises papers relating to Averill Edward's involvement in various organisations, including; the Uniting Church of Australia, including for the NSW Synod, the Canberra Region Presbytery and the Weston Creek congregation; the Presbytery Research and Planning Committee; the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the National Library of Australia; the Braddon Tennis Club.
National Library of Australia working papers, 1980-2009 (File 1) - Box 1 (MS Acc13.054)
Reports, correspondence, papers and addresses given by Averill at of the National and International level in the Library sector
Act and NSW Presbytery Synod, 1998-2011 (File 2) - Box 1 (MS Acc13.054)
Includes Presbytery News, letters regarding Synod, sexual misconduct, training, committees
Greenhills Centre, 2008-2011 (File 4) - Box 1 (MS Acc13.054)
Greenhills administration documents while Averill was Chairperson of the Board - includes meeting agendas and notes
Uniting Church Australia - Western Creek, 2003-2012 (File 5) - Box 2 (MS Acc13.054)
Order of Services; emails and planning papers for 'Gathering of Fellowship' - a forum relating to homosexuals within the church
Uniting Church Australia - Greenhills, 2010-2012 (File 6) - Box 2 (MS Acc13.054)
Papers relating to the administration and planning of the facility while Averill was Chairperson of the Board; includes copy of Dare to Dream by Max Hill OAM
Uniting Church Australia - Greenhills notebook, 2009-2011 (File 7) - Box 2 (MS Acc13.054)
Averill's handwritten notes and copies of board meeting agendas
ALIA, 1987-2000 (File 8) - Box 2 (MS Acc13.054)
Articles written by and about Averill as President of ALIA; working papers including draft annotated reports; Letters and cards congratulating Averill on her election to Vice President of LAA
Uniting Church Australia Synod of NSW, 1999-2007 (File 9) - Box 2 (MS Acc13.054)
Opening service address, emails, review of roles, correspondence and reports regarding Synod
Uniting Church Australia - Review of Mission Development Worker, 2007 (File 10) - Box 2 (MS Acc13.054)
Papers include emails, survey, Minority and standing committee reports
Uniting Church Australia, 1978-2004 (File 11) - Box 3 (MS Acc13.054)
Service and event booklets, copies of Presbytery News, Addresses, Synod material correspondence, reports and sermons; includes Commissioning of Elders booklet (1978)
Uniting Church Australia - Presbytery of Canberra, 1995-2007 (File 12) - Box 3 (MS Acc13.054)
Material relating to Brindabella Christian College including copy of 2001 review; Uniting Church of Australia planning committee - includes progress reports