David Hickson
David worked in the State Library's Circulation Division from 1965 - 1972, having already accrued fifteen solid years of experience as a public librarian in his native Britain, and later returning to the public library service as the Librarian and Cultural Officer for the Shire of Canning. Throughout his career in librarianship David developed a keen interest and knowledge in library design, building and planning, and leaned towards more practical roles. David's expertise lead him into consultancy work on projects such as the proposed Northern Territory State Library in 1979, which later became a joint State-University library, and to the Busselton Shire Council's plans for an extension to the Busselton Library. David also worked determinedly on the design and project management of the new Riverton Public Library, a 'showplace' amongst modern public libraries that opened in 1973 after six years of David's lobbying. David also contributed to the development of the public library service in WA in his capacity as WA Divisional Secretary of the Australian Library Association, organising a major meeting of public librarians in 1969 to discuss computerising library services.
David received the Fellowship of the Library Board in May 1987, in recognition of his services to the profession of librarianship and to library services in Western Australia. The award was intended in particular to commemorate David's painstaking work on the Alexander Library Building project. David worked tirelessly on the architectural brief, acting as an essential link between the Library Board and employees, and the architects, engineers and builders on the project.
Page last updated: Tuesday 22 November 2011
