Information Scotland The Journal of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland ISSN 1743-5471 Issue contents | Journal contents | About the online edition of the journal April 2007 Volume 5(2)

Obituary

Vivian Kerr

Vivian Kerr, Libraries Manager with Renfrewshire Council, died suddenly on 1 January 2007 aged 53.

Vivian devoted all her working life to the public libraries in Renfrewshire, starting as a summer assistant in Paisley Public Library in 1971. Her professional career began in 1973 when she was appointed trainee librarian based in County Library Headquarters. She was promoted the following year to Branch Librarian then Community Librarian in Barrhead library and she remained there until 1977 when she became the Stock Editor for Renfrew District.

Through the many years Vivian was involved in book purchase she built up tremendous rapport with all the library suppliers. These links benefited the service through sponsorship and general good will. The success of the Paisley Book Fairs was a tribute to the team she lead with enormous enthusiasm.

In 1990 Vivian became Principal Librarian Bibliographic Services and at this level began to influence and develop the service as it is today. At the time of her death she had been Principal Librarian then Libraries Manager since Renfrewshire was established in 1996.

Although only her first professional posts brought her into direct contact with the public, she never forgot the principles of public service which shaped all the decisions she had to make.

Equally Vivian was a most caring person who was concerned about all members of her staff, knew each one by name and was always interested in their family life.

During the 1980s she served the wider profession on the committee of the Scottish Library Association, West of Scotland Branch, as honorary secretary. Vivian also submitted articles on her work as stock editor to Public Library Group News.

Vivian was one of the first to recognise the changes taking place in libraries, especially involving new technology, and encouraged all staff to take up the opportunities being offered. She eventually became the Education and Leisure representative on the Portal Management Steering group.

Throughout her life Vivian had an enduring interest in the Arts which was reflected in her enthusiasm for libraries. She attended concerts, theatre performances of all kinds and was extremely well read. Her love of travel was renowned and she relished her holidays to Europe, Asia and South America, always having another trip to look forward to.

In her younger days Vivian was an enthusiastic horse rider and her own horse Casey was well known to all the staff. She looked after him in all weather conditions and was deeply saddened when he died in 2004 aged nearly 40.

While we are still coming to terms with the loss of a work colleague and friend, our thoughts at this time are with Vivian’s father, Mr William Kerr and with her best friend and travelling companion, Bruce Henry.

Information Scotland Vol. 5(2) April 2007

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