PEOPLE
Terry Beck T
erry Beck died on the 6 December 2024. He will be remembered fondly by former students and colleagues of the School of Librarianship at North Western Polytechnic, later the Polytechnic/University of North London, and now London Metropolitan University. After taking his O-Levels, Terry worked as a Junior Assistant at Clacton-on-Sea Library from 1963 – 1968. He took A-levels at Colchester Tech and then enrolled at the School of Librarianship in 1969 to study for the Library Association’s Professional Exams. He was admitted as an Associate and became a Char- tered Librarian in 1972.
Terry was passionate about the importance of public libraries in society, and after com-
pleting his librarianship exams took a professional post in Tower Hamlets Library Service. He was always something of a firebrand, although that didn’t stop him wearing a shirt and tie to work. Terry was a politically and socially active student and he was soon stirring things up at work – trying to purchase books about the Tolpuddle Martyrs for the Dorset Estate Library (so named after the Martyrs), encouraging local children into the library, and agitating for better health and safety. In 1973 Terry was lured back to the School of Librarianship, teaching local government history and finance initially and then, increasingly, library management. Over time his interest changed, and he became part of a group with John Eyre and Nat Lievesley focussing on information technology in libraries, and often teaching together. Terry, within the library school, devel- oped a very popular and pioneering course called ‘Researching the Internet’. Terry himself completed an MSc in Systems Analysis at
Parthenope Ward P Spring 2025
arthe Ward, passed away unexpectedly at home in June 2024.
After joining the House of Lords as an assistant librarian in 1990, Parthe was a familiar face at the Library information desk, sourcing and issuing books, answering questions and lifting the spirits of everyone who interacted with her.
Answering Members’ queries proved to be Parthe’s forte. Her knowledge of the House, its work and the Library’s collection, and her ability to track down obscure pieces of information were invaluable. More so, her kindness, sense of humour and willing- ness to help always shone through.
When the opportunity arose in 2016, the Library successfully applied for Parthe to receive an MBE. Modest as ever, when she received the letter she thought somebody was having a joke. She promptly telephoned the honours and appointments secretariat
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INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 61
and was told that it was an actual fact and not a joke. Parthenope Lucy Ward had been awarded an MBE for par- liamentary services – a true testament to her dedication and service to your Lordships’ House.
Parthe is greatly missed by colleagues and Members alike, and we pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends.
From a tribute paid to Parthe Ward in the House of Lords by Lord Kennedy of Southwark.
the London School of Economics in 1984 and in 2004 became a Chartered Member of the British Computer Society. Terry loved teaching. He was an enthusiastic and conscientious teacher, much respected and liked by his students and colleagues. He continued lecturing to new generations of librarians until he retired in 1996
Terry’s influence wasn’t confined to the School of Librarianship. He played an important role in annual Conferences in the UK and the United States, including the early Internet World Conference in London. He wrote articles, gave conference presentations, was an external examiner, delivered training courses at home and as far afield as Poland and Ukraine. In his ‘spare’ time he was an active Radio Amateur and was issued with his licence and call sign in 1978.
Terry was stoical when he received a cancer diagnosis. He hoped at first to beat it, then accepted with dignity that wasn’t to be, and that death is an inevitable end for us all. Choosing a path of care without cure, he died peacefully and at home with Mary Auckland, his wife, whom he met when they were both library school students.
This is a broad outline of Terry’s life and career, but it was in his relationships with people that he really showed who he was – through his kindness, patience, thirst for knowledge, loyalty, laughing, joking, storytelling, and his unconditional love for his friends, extended family and for Mary.
Mary Auckland, Chartered Librarian (retired) and Nat Lievesley, Lecturer and IT Manager (retired).
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