THE BRITISH LIBRARY HAS A NEW EXECUTIVE - AND SHE IS A LIBRARIAN!

Patricia Layzell Ward, Convenor, Library Link

UK librarians had read reports in the press that the front-runner for the post of Chief Executive at the British Library was the Head of the British Broadcasting Corporation�s Radio 4. Now librarians are not totally against the view that someone who is not a librarian, should not head up major library services. The work of Brian Lang, who will retire from the British Library mid-year, can testify to the success of such an appointment. As a social anthropologist who had walked the political corridors of power, he showed remarkable resilience in managing a complex move to the new building, the well-publicised problems of the new building, and working with the staff to move into the new century. This is a major achievement, particularly given the bad press that the British Library received before the critics were silenced when they saw the awesome new library, and realised that the service would be greatly improved as the result of new facilities.

But it was very good to hear, and read about, the appointment of Lynne Brindley as Chief Executive from July 1 2000. She will be the first professional librarian to head up the UK�s national library. The press notice from the British Library rightly draws attention to her high profile. She has worked in the past for the BL in both Bibliographic Services and as Head of the Chief Executive�s Office. Experience of academic and research libraries has been gained at the London School of Economics and Aston University. Along the way she was enticed into the broader field of management as senior management consultant at KPMG. Currently she is Pro-Vice-Chancellor and University Librarian at the University of Leeds, a role which carries responsibility for the development of the University�s strategy for Communications and Information Technology.

The Times newspaper for 9th February, amongst other daily newspapers, gave the appointment excellent coverage. Sid Smith wrote a piece on the theme of �Off the shelf and on the up� with the centre of attention being Lady librarians (his capital, not mine). He wrote they "are dried-up spinsters in bullet-proof tweeds. The only dates they have are embossed on their rubber stamps"

But he later quotes Lynne who is "looking forward to developing programmes to enhance traditional library activities".

the idea seems splendid: not only are female librarians achieving their ultimate accolade, so too are books. Welcome, then First Lady of the Library. May neither cruel stereotypes not modish modems deflect you from your chosen purpose - the defence of the book and the redemption of the bibliophiliac female". The Times also notes that she is married and is not quite 50.

Apart from the question of stereotypes, it is good news for librarians. The highest posts can be achieved, particularly if the right experience is gained along the way. Careers are all about planning and making moves that add to experience. How is your c.v. shaping?

Patricia Layzell Ward
Convenor, Library Link

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