Great minds: Metcalfe, McColvin andPublic librariesin Australia

Abstract

The author reviews the relationship between his two protagonists when they met in Australia on the occasion of McColvin's visit in 1946, and later, when Metcalfe was in London. The quality and warmth of the hospitality extended on either hand was curiously asymmetric, which possibly reflects the expectations of the host at the time. Neither man was a stereotype, and each had strong and individual opinions. And neither was a 'prophet without honour…'. McColvin's visit was more critical to the interests of his host, Metcalfe, than when the positions of host and visitor were reversed, which may account for the asymmetry referred to above. The author infers that in the end, Metcalfe was not prepared to honour McColvin's contribution, and indeed, McColvin himself did not rate it highly.

Unfinished business: John Metcalfe and his professional association

“…Metcalfe had always been very touchy about the ACER role. He had protested vehemently about lack of consultation with the AIL in the lead-up to LionelMcColvin's visit in 1947 29. In 1949 he warned about an organisation which might usurp the role of the AIL when arguing for transition into a more broadly-based LAA.He took great exception to Barry Scott's characterisation of the relationship between the AIL and the ACER years later 30.…”