James Hammond

James 'Jim' Hammond served as Chief Assistant Librarian with the Library Board from 1954 until his retirement in 1972. Jim performed single-handedly much of the bibliographic groundwork needed to create the State Library Service, with only the Library Board legislation, the Board itself, and his funding as his guide. His management saw the inauguration of monthly Book Selection Meetings between himself and representatives from the State's public libraries, with Jim playing a vital role as 'bibliographic liaison' between the State Library and other public libraries. Jim was also largely responsible for recruiting the State Library's staff - no mean feat owing to the difficultly of finding qualified Australian librarians at this time - and for educating new recruits.

Jim is warmly remembered by those at the State Library, not just for his excellent management of the State Library's book selection during the 'early days' under Ali Sharr but also for his good humour and sense of fun.  James Hammond was made a Fellow of the Library Board in 1984, to show appreciation for his significant contribution to the creation and development of the State Library Service.