March / April 2002 Vol. 34, no. 2

Gwynneth Evans Retires

Gwynneth Evans, Director General of National and International Programs, retired from the National Library of Canada (NLC) in early January.

Within the NLC, her official roles since joining the Library in 1974 have included head of public reference services, director of external relations, executive secretary of the National Library Advisory Board, managing editor of the National Library News, and secretariat to the Canadian Initiative on Digital Libraries, Council of Federal Libraries and Council on Access to Information for Print-Disabled Canadians.

Outside the Library, both in her official capacity and based on her individual merits, Gwynneth has served on many executive boards, most recently as president and past president of the Association of Canadian Studies.

But her résumé is far from the entire picture. With strong resolve, unfailing energy and a vast personal network of contacts in government, libraries and academia, Gwynneth took on many of the key challenges that face Canadian libraries: accessibility, literacy, national information policy, management of information holdings, resource sharing, and the evolution of libraries in a digital environment. She was steadfast and passionate in her commitment to public service, collaborative activity and universal access to information.

In the late 1980s, as a young co-op student, I was privileged to observe Gwynneth’s key contribution to a strategic planning process that redefined the Library as a cultural heritage institution. During this process, we established the Library’s focus on Canadiana, initiated the Preservation Collection of Canadiana, strengthened our preservation mandate, introduced levels of bibliographic description, and established music, literature and history as areas of special emphasis. Today, this strategic direction is still largely followed. This is just one among many of Gwynneth’s unsung career accomplishments.

Speaking personally, the Gwynneth I know is smart, insightful, principled and interesting. She’s taken the time to be a trusted, supportive mentor and friend.

The National Library has benefited immeasurably from Gwynneth’s broad perspective and outward focus. She made a difference here, and she will go on making a difference in her future endeavours  -  and in this, I wish her well.

Susan Haigh, Digital Library of Canada Task Force

National Library of Canada recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation, in 1992. Gwynneth Evans was recognized for voluntary work and international development. Back row, from left to right: Tom Delsey, Ed Buchinski, Louis Forget, Ralph Manning, Margo Wiper; middle row, from left to right: Marie Zielinska, Irene Aubrey, Maria Calderisi, Gwynneth Evans, Alina Schweitzer; front row: Marianne Scott. Copyright/Source

As these photos illustrate, Gywnneth Evans has shown a deep sense of commitment towards the ideal of access to information for all. The assistance she has provided to libraries in developing nations has been greatly appreciated, as has her work towards ensuring access to information for print disabled Canadians.