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October 1995, vol. 27, no. 10
Claude Le Moine, Director of Special Collections, opted for an early retirement and left the National Library on June 16. His career with the federal government began in 1966 when he joined what was then the Public Archives (now the National Archives) as a reference librarian, assigned to the Historical Collection of the Archives library.
Seven years later, he transferred from the Archives to the National Library, becoming the Chief of reference. "The Reference Division was very different then," he said, "The Division's services included circulation, location, and bibliographic services, and at that time we even had extended hours."
He goes on: "Back in 1981, Dr. Guy Sylvestre, then the National Librarian, decided to split the collection known as the `Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection'. So, I asked if I could be the curator of what was to be the Literary Manuscript Collection. That was when I began working with Liana Van der Bellen, the Chief of the Rare Book Division who was to become my dear friend, colleague and mentor. With her help and support, I began to renew and build upon the Library's collection of literary manuscripts.
"Finding and encouraging Canadian authors to place their work within the Library was something new for the Library. There were no real guidelines. I had to justify and get support for everything. The work? Oh, it was challenging for sure, but fascinating, and I really enjoyed it and had a great time."
When Liana Van der Bellen retired in 1991, the Rare Book Division once again merged with the Literary Manuscript Collection and became Special Collections. Claude Le Moine was named Director. In September 1994, the Canadian Literature Research Service was established under his aegis, and in 1995, the Children's Literature Service was also placed under his administration.
More recently, the National Library and the National Archives finalized arrangements for transferring historical books from the library of the National Archives. "I was delighted, for when the materials are integrated it will certainly make a fine collection." He added humorously, "You know, starting off my career working with that particular part of the Archives, only to find myself involved with it again, some twenty-five years later -- well, it suddenly seems to me that I've gone full circle, doesn't it!"
When asked to reflect on what he considered his memorable achievements, he replied with little hesitation: "So many! I'd have to break that into three parts. What comes to mind for Rare Books are the "Lawrence M. Lande Collection, de Bry's Grands Voyages [Parts I-XIV, published 1590-1630], and of course Claire Van Vliet's Janus Press. Among the authors' manuscripts there are those of Ondaatje, Moodie, Dudek, Tremblay, Blais, and Ducharme. And for children's illustrators there are the collections of James Houston, Elizabeth Cleaver, and Marie-Louise Gay.
"Looking back, I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every step of my career and work. Really! It's been fun. But what truly stands out the most is that I've always felt that I've had the Library's encouragement and support for everything that I set out to do. For sure, the years involved with manuscripts and rare books were the happiest." He added, "Today there is so much concentration on the electronic media. Great as a tool. But I am and will continue to be a strong believer in the book itself. Most especially, I love the modern book and have an intense interest in book art."
When asked of his retirement plans, he said, "First, to stay in touch, I want to expand my skills using my home computer. Then? Well, I have a pet project for a bibliography in mind. And, after that? Well, I'll always be a librarian!"
Copyright. The National Library of Canada. (Revised: 1995-12-01).