Memories of Maurice Line: 1

Citation

Hendrix, F. (2005), "Memories of Maurice Line: 1", Interlending & Document Supply, Vol. 33 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilds.2005.12233baf.001

Memories of Maurice Line: 1

I have been in the Library profession for over 40 years and during that time Maurice Line has been part of the landscape. When I started out as a new recruit Maurice was already a name, and it was while I was at one of my first jobs, in the university sector, and involved in UDC, that I first met Maurice who was then a university librarian.

I never actually worked for Maurice, but of the many colleagues who did, he was reported as being a wonderful and inspiring boss. There are so many occasions to recall, where Maurice was present, either he was guest speaker, chair or delegate at meetings, conferences, seminars etc. that I attended or organised, and was always worth the money, always had a fresh point of view, a totally new idea, a controversial suggestion, but always in the best possible taste. He was, and remains one of the international giants, of the library and information profession.

The word brilliant has been used about Maurice (Newsletter of the IFLA Round Table of Library Journals, 2000), and it isn’t hard to understand why. He did have an impact on the profession and his work at the British Library was truly innovative and effective.

One did not have to agree with Maurice to get on with him, and both in the flesh and in print he and I had differences of view. We were both members of LA Council for a shared period, and I remember in particular an entertaining debate about retired members, and whether if you were a consultant you could really be classed as a retired member?

I imagine every contribution to this well deserved feschriften will make mention of Maurice’s prowess (?), on the dance floor, and possibly one of many photos depicting this incredible scene will be submitted. I never had the “privilege” to dance with Maurice, and regret I will never have that experience (it’s OK Maurice it’s too late for me now, the knees won’t stand it).

Contributions to this festschriften will cover the many achievements of this eminent librarian, but one thing all of us should mention is Maurice’s sense of fun. He was simply great company, and never ever dull or pompous. He had time 40 years ago for a young brash librarian, and he has time now I am sure for anyone who is sensible enough to approach him to discuss the latest issues in our profession.

I was lucky in my career in two specific ways. It was a time of real development and innovation, the birth of technology in libraries, but also I was able to meet the most talented and effective people working in the profession, these included Joel Downing, David Whitaker, Brenda Moon, Ian Mowat, Lynne Brindley, Derek Law and of course Maurice Line.

Frances HendrixFrances was the Director of LASER (The London and South Eastern Library Region), from 1988 to 2002. She is currently Chief Executive of the LASER Foundation, and a Director of Ufi/Learndirect