Executive Director of Libraries Tasmania, Sue McKerracher has been awarded the 2023 Redmond Barry Award in recognition of her outstanding service to Australia's libraries and information services.
Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, congratulated Sue for the well-deserved recognition of her contributions to libraries and information services nationally.
"Through Libraries Tasmania's services across the State Library of Tasmania, Tasmanian Archives and our 46 public libraries all Tasmanians benefit from Sue's efforts to ensure that all Tasmanians have access to a contemporary and relevant library service," Minister Jaensch said.
"It is fitting that her leadership across the sector has been recognised through this award, which is the highest honour that can be bestowed on an individual who is not a qualified librarian or library technician."
Sue's public advocacy for libraries began in the United Kingdom more than two decades ago working on projects for the British Library and the National Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
After moving to Australia, Sue worked across Australian libraries and led the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) as CEO before her appointment at Libraries Tasmania.
In receiving the award, Sue joins the list of prestigious recipients including politician the Hon Barry Jones, former Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Gough Whitlam, and former Director-General of the National Library of Australia Dr Anne-Marie Schwirtlich.
The Australian Library and Information Association award is named after Sir Redmond Barry, founder of the State Library of Victoria. It was last presented in 2016.
