Librarian receives award for services to medical industry

Dalby will be presented with her award, which includes a cash prize of AUD$2,000, at the Information Online 2007 conference to be held January 30 — February 1 in Sydney.

“This year’s selection was very keen, as there were a large number of excellent candidates, an indication of what an active professional community exists in Australia and New Zealand", said Sue Henczel, SLA-ANZ chapter past-president. “Alyson is very deserving of this honor, as she is committed to not only improving information services within her own library, but also greatly influencing the information profession overall."

A member of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) since 2002, Dalby progressed to Associate Member in 2004. She founded the ALIA New South Wales Mentoring Group, and currently serves as the group’s treasurer. She is also the Co-Convenor for the upcoming ALIA New Librarian’s Symposium, December 2006.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is one of Australia’s largest medical organisations, and is responsible for training and continuing professional development of Australia and New Zealand’s 10,000 specialist physicians in internal medicine. The History of Medicine Library within RACP is Australia’s only actively collecting medical history library. Alyson joined the History of Medicine Library in 2002, and has made key contributions to the continued existence of the library, including a rejuvenation plan for the library that has generated wider use of the library’s significant medical material collection.

“Alyson is exceptionally active in her local professional organisations, as well as serving as a mentor to others", said Liz Blankson-Hemans, director, international information professional development. “We are proud to sponsor the Information Professional of the Year Award for the Australia/New Zealand Chapter of the SLA and to provide the opportunity to highlight the achievements of information professionals like her."

The annual Dialog-sponsored award is open to information professionals, such as public, corporate and government librarians, independent information consultants, knowledge managers and others, working and living in Australia or New Zealand. A panel of SLA-ANZ board members and Dialog management determine the winner.