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The End Of An Era

Graeme Powell and Jan Fullerton at his farewell

Last month marked the end of an era at the National Library of Australia, with the retirement of Graeme Powell, Manuscript Librarian, after almost 40 years of service.

Graeme joined the National Library of Australia in 1967, in what was then the equivalent of the graduate trainees’ scheme. He was the graduate trainee from South Australia , and one of his colleagues, the trainee from Queensland , was Jan Fullerton.

Graeme was placed in Australian collections and in 1969, while still in his 20s, he became one of the four Principal Librarians when he was appointed to the position of Manuscript Librarian. This position was well suited to his love and knowledge of Australian history, culture and politics. It was also one in which he was able to make his mark on the development of what is internationally recognised as a significant collection of private records documenting the history of Australia and its territories.

From 1979 to 1987, Graeme was based at Australia House in London , where he was the Australian Joint Copying Project (AJCP) officer. His efforts in locating, describing and microfilming important research materials about Australia were enormously significant. It has enabled researchers in Australia to view records they would otherwise have had to travel to Britain to use.

Graeme’s contributions to theoretical debates in the area of Australian private recordkeeping are well documented in the numerous papers he has contributed to professional journals and conferences. His erudition, and great respect for the material held in his trust, is evidenced by the scholarly articles he has written over the years, many of which are based on material in the Manuscript Collection.

In 2001, Graeme’s significant contribution to the archival discipline was honoured when he was named as a Distinguished Achiever of the Australian Society of Archivists. He also received recognition for his outstanding public service in the work he contributed to the AJCP and his management of the Manuscript Collection when he was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2002.

Graeme has earned the gratitude, respect and affection of generations of readers through his vast knowledge of the collection and his tireless commitment to reader services. Testament to this is the fact that he has been singled out for thanks and praise in countless publications resulting from research carried out in the Manuscript Reading Room.

Graeme’s enduring legacy will be the collections he has acquired for the National Library of Australia. Graeme’s presence in the memory of the thousands of people he has helped during his long career – readers, donors and staff – will be more transient but no less significant.

Amongst the many personal interests he will be pursuing, now that he has the time to do so, Graeme will continue with his aim of visiting every city, town and village in Australia , something he is well on his way to achieving. His farewell gifts included a fold up chair and a panama hat. So if you happen to be in an out-of-the-way place, you may see a familiar figure relaxing under the spreading boughs of a gum tree, in quiet contemplation.