It is with sadness that we learn about the recent passing of former Flinders staff member Gerrit Stafford.

Gerrie contributed much to Flinders University Library during his working life on campus, from 1969 to 1995, and he remained an active member of the profession as well as a frequent visitor to campus in his retirement. Many of the current library staff knew him well from his visits, as he continued to take an avid interest in the work of the Library and the University.

Liz Hall, Associate Librarian, Engagement and Scholarly Communications, remembers Gerrie and his pride in the work he did throughout the University.

“Gerrie was the best sort of academic librarian – erudite, astute and keenly interested in the academic work of the University, from first-year undergraduates to the most experienced of researchers,” says Ms Hall.

He came to Flinders Library to take up the post of Assistant Librarian for Reference in 1969 and was later promoted to Associate Librarian (Reader Services). Under his leadership, Gerrie fostered a culture of service excellence in the Library, something which remains strong to this day. He introduced automation to the Library in the form an automated circulation system, followed shortly after with the Library’s first OPAC (online public access catalogue) – which was the library precursor to Google. He was also instrumental in overseeing the huge building project when a new wing was added to the Central Library in 1995.

Prior to his retirement in 1995, Gerrie was awarded the Distinguished Service Award medal for outstanding service to the University, an award that is only granted as a rare honour.

Gerrie was an exceptional mentor to many librarians at Flinders and beyond, and had a huge impact on the careers of many people. He was passionately interested in libraries. He was an active member of the Australian Library and Information Association, contributing as an examiner for 28 years, delivering conference papers and convening the program committee for the 1982 Biennial Library conference held in Adelaide.

In retirement, Gerrie became involved with the Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA), where he served as an office-bearer, as well as the Friends of the State Library of SA, serving as Vice-President. He was also an avid collector of miniature books, of which he made a significant donation to the National Library of Australia in 2017.

Gerrie continued to support education at Flinders after his retirement through his annual donations to the Library Fund, the Flinders University Research Fund and the Matthew Flinders Scholarship. Further, Gerrie contributed three late-18th century paintings to the Flinders University Museum of Art Collection, by English painter George Morland.

In June 2021, Gerrie passed along to staff in the Advancement Office his thoughts about the impact of founding Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Karmel AC CBE and reflected that this was an exciting time to work in education. 

Georgie Clark, A/Advancement Manager Annual Giving & FUMA (Alumni and Advancement), in conversation with Gerrie, responded “that the legacy of staff from this period is still keenly felt at Flinders today”.

Gerrie is remembered for being charming and friendly, and those who were privileged to interact with him enjoyed his company immensely.