Obituaries Kate Wood I


was asked by Kate’s family to provide an obituary for Information Professional and it seemed appropriate to invite contributions from the profession she believed in passionately whose CILIP membership she strove to serve and support. Sue Lacey Bryant was Kate’s professional assistant for three years, 1979-82, while Kate was The Library Association’s Education Secretary: “Kate was indomitable, setting high standards, totally committed to the profession, always maintaining an international perspective, a natural networker.


“Passionate about the importance of education and routes to professional quali-


fication, Kate was farsighted, recognising that training, which we now call CPD, was crucial to maintaining the skills level of the LIS workforce. She was incisive, insightful and, on close acquaintance, irresistibly witty – as well as politically astute. With her stylish chic, and filtered coffee always ‘on the go’ in her office, Kate brought a touch of panache to Ridgmount Street each day. She was highly respected – and rather loved – by her team. “Through the years Kate’s contribution was recognised in the award of Honorary Fellowship by the former Institute of Infor- mation Scientists, as well as by the former Library Association. However, Kate also chose to go through the formal process of applying for Fellowship – in exactly the same way as other members. And so it was that this was bestowed upon Kate on the 1 January 2002, a fine way of marking the formal launch of CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals that year.


“Mark and I were privileged to become friends with Kate and her life partner Edward Dudley. We once holidayed together at a gem of a gîte named ‘Chez Nous’, eating peaches and drinking Armagnac. I’m glad that I wrote to Kate earlier this year thank- ing her for the influence of her perspective and high standards, and her encouragement, in the early stage of my career. In this I am certain that I spoke for many, many librarians who encoun- tered her.”


Chris Salvary also worked with Kate: “She was such a calm and compassionate person who dealt fairly and efficiently with all registration candidates. I always enjoyed working with her and being part of her team.”


Professor Charles Oppenheim writes: “I first met Kate in the late 1970s when I was a lecturer at City University and keen that City courses be recognised as valid by the LA for its graduates. “I quickly discovered some key qualities; Kate was very smart and knowledgeable about all aspects of professional education. She was superb when evaluating the content of courses (she was on many course accreditation panels), asking pertinent questions and making shrewd recommendations. But she was consistently


Malcolm Ranson M


alcolm Ranson died on the 6 May 2024, aged 92. Having kept his membership of CILIP all his life his final posts were Librarian at the Welsh office and Library Advisor for Wales. He joined Chelmsford, at the age of 16, cycling from


Maldon. It was at Chelmsford where he met his wife Joan, they October-November 2024


first met when he helped her pick up a load of books that were on the floor. Malcolm did his national Service in Norfolk with the RAF, where to his lasting chagrin, he never went in a plane. Then went to Loughborough to complete his ALA. He later worked in Farnham, at a technical college in Watford where printing always fascinated him, at Bexley Heath and as County reference librarian


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 53


friendly, approachable, patient and professional in her dealings with staff and students alike.


“In a nutshell, she was the person to seek advice or information from on LIS education-related matters. It’s not surprising that she was so successful – and popular – at her job.” Tayo Ajibade adds: “Kate was so erudite and practical with a lively sense of humour. She and Edward co-opted, encouraged and supported me in volunteering for CILIP committee work. She made fabulous desserts to round off lunchtime committee meet- ings hosted in their home.


“She often teased Edward and held strong views about how to improve the profession, making it more inclusive and forward looking.


“I remember Kate as a very caring, thoughtful, forthright person, welcoming and willing to listen to different viewpoints. She encouraged others to think about why they were doing things not just doing for doings sake. She will be greatly missed.” Elizabeth Chapman observes: “Kate held the post which effec- tively and efficiently controlled the professional qualifications of Librarians in this land. The formal visits to Library Schools to ensure the education of our profession was suitable. The organisa- tion of the Registration process for our qualifications at Associate and Fellowship level. For these two things – leaving aside the huge amount of work behind the scenes and the need to keep updat- ing these processes – generations of librarians and by extension library users should be eternally grateful. I admired her efficiency and calmness at her work and her friendliness and sociability at home. She served the profession very well.” Marion Huckle was appointed by Kate to her team, and succeeded


her on Kate’s retirement. She says: “My recollection is of someone who was generous and supportive – sharing her knowledge and approach with me as a ‘newbie’ when I joined the Professional Qualifications team. Working with Kate revealed the essential skills and dedication of those practising in LIS education both in the UK and beyond. I could not have had a better role model when I succeeded her.” Frances Salinié, former Librarian and Assistant Director British Council, Paris, rounds off this tribute: “Amongst Kate’s many talents were those of her culinary skills – worthy of a cordon bleu. There cannot be many overseas librarians coming to London through the International Programme of the London and Home Counties Branch of the LA who will not have been invited to partake of a delicious meal. Kate was a generous and caring hostess – good food, good wine, good conversation could always be guaranteed at Kate and Edward’s home.”


Richard Coult, blended insights from Sue Lacey Bryant, Chris Salvary, Professor Charles Oppenheim, Tayo Ajobade, Elizabeth Chapman MBE, Marion Huckle and Frances Salinié, for this tribute


PEOPLE


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