PEOPLE
(Derek) John Simpson J
ohn Simpson BSC (Econ); FLA, the first Librarian and Director of Media Resources at the Open University, died in Milton Keynes Hospital on 15 March 2020, from Covid-19, aged 91.
Born in Saltaire on 22 February 1929, John was proud
to be a Yorkshireman, though his early years were spent mainly in Nottingham, where he began his library career. He decided (against the wishes of his teachers) to leave his grammar school at the age of fifteen to start work as a Library Assistant, later Branch Librarian, with Nottingham Public Libraries (1945- 1958). During this time, he also served in the RAF, studied for his professional qualifications, and obtained his London University external degree via correspondence courses with Wolsey Hall. His professional experience was subsequently extended in a variety of public, academic, and special libraries (including IBM UK, and UMIST under B.C. Vickery), and in 1967 he became Deputy Librarian at Glasgow University. He had long been active, and held office, in many aspects of Library Associ- ation work – this was how he met his wife, Chris – and had an established publications record. All this, combined with his unconventional educational back- ground, and firm belief in the importance of education and the role of libraries within it, made him an ideal candidate when he took the risk of applying to join the embryonic Open University. The OU was established in 1969 and began teaching in 1971. John took up post in August 1969. The Planning Committee’s sketch plan emphasised the need for the OU to establish close relationships with existing educational and other organizations and noted the need for a staff library, expecting any student reading needs, beyond the material supplied to them, to be met by the national library service.
Although contact with local libraries was the responsibility of Regional staff, John spent much time in the first year in dis- cussion with organisations such as Sconul, the LA, Aslib, and the NLL, to assess the likely impact on library services, assuage concerns and gain support.
The OU Library was the first British University Library with a remit to ‘co-ordinate the documentary resources of the University in all media….’, and the work with the audio-visual elements of courses and background materials quickly aroused great interest, with members of staff enlisted to serve on external committees dealing with multi-media aspects of library work.
The OU is both a distance teaching institution and a pub- lishing house, but initially roles and organisational structure were not fully defined. When a gap was identified in 1970, the Library took on editing course reading lists, and picture search for the printed course materials, including copyright clear- ance and acknowledgements. Entailing close liaison with all
departments involved in course production, this established an integral role for the Library. John coined the term ‘Liaison Librarian’, and by the end of 1971 a team was in post, with a unique pattern of work- ing, which has influ- enced work elsewhere. When opportunity arose, within a course, to introduce guidance in the use of libraries and literature, he supported the idea wholeheartedly, and a series of innovative guides was born.
John with Prime Minister Harold Wilson.
In 1974 the university moved into a steady state, and the library, at last, into a purpose-built building, opened by Jennie Lee. Its reputation continued to grow, the Librarian receiv- ing many enquiries and visitors from abroad, as other open universities were set up. These he met with openness, and the advice to adapt to the local situation and use existing resources. Consultancies were undertaken, particularly on multi-media provision. John steered the Library successfully through the difficult climate of the ensuing years, continuing to be active in the profession, including SCONUL, to serve on the editorial board of
J.Lib., and to publish, encouraging staff to do the same.
Within the library he created an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect, and co-operation, encouraging staff to develop ideas, and acquire professional or educational qualifications. Three former members of his staff went on to become University Librarians, and another the founding head of a Library School abroad. John will be remembered by those who knew him as an unassuming, modest man, with a sharp, lively mind, a sense of humour and ready wit, a man of integrity who did not seek popularity but stood by his principles and beliefs. On retire- ment, in 1994, he had made a significant contribution to the first 25 years of a pioneering institution, the profession, and understanding the library needs of part-time students. He leaves behind Chris, his wife of almost 60 years, son David and daughter Jill.
Sheila Dale (OU Library 1970-97) and Chris Simpson (wife).
Robert Alan Harden, died on 26 March 2021 aged 77. Head of Arts, Libraries and Information Services, Southwark, until 1993 and previously Deputy Chief Librarian, Richmond upon Thames, 1975-1980.
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April-May 2021 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 55
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