LIBER Quarterly Special Issue To Honour Pat Manson

A special issue of LIBER Quarterly (LQ) was recently published to honour the notable contribution of Pat Manson over many years to the development of library and information science through her various positions in the European Commission.

From the very beginnings of library projects from the early nineties, within successive framework programmes, she played a key role in promoting, defining, managing and evaluating research and development projects.

The keys to Pat’s most successful career were her pleasant yet formidable personal characteristics. Her bright smile and her empathic personality immediately put others at ease, whether individually or in group settings. Behind this engaging presence, however, was a sharp intellect, an ability to get to the core of the matter and a steely resolve that invariably emerged when difficult decisions needed to be made. The energy and enthusiasm that underpinned her prodigious output in all her positions of influence were widely admired by her many colleagues across Europe. Her substantial contribution to research and development in the library, learning and cultural domains is a legacy to be cherished by us all. – Pat Manson: a multifaceted career devoted to supporting research in the fields of information and education

In order to mark the publication of the special issue a small gathering of about a dozen colleagues, contributors and well-wishers came together in Luxembourg on December 14 2017. Derek Law and Seamus Ross, co-editors of the special issue presented her with a bound copy and spoke some well-chosen words to which Pat replied during which she indicated her pleasure at the initiative and the occasion and particularly expressed her thanks to LIBER.

Mel Collier as chairman of LQ represented LIBER at the event. In the evening a small group of Pat, Derek, Seamus, Mel and David Warlock, one of the contributors, had a dinner together to round off a pleasant day.

We wish to thank both the European Commission and OCLC for their support which made the presentation event possible.