Joy Tutty Retires

Joy Tutty, who signed out for the final time on September 25, Joywas credited with being the force behind Masterton becoming one of the first community libraries in the country to switch to fully-computerised cataloguing. Miss Tutty as I new her was "a passionate advocate for the Masterton Library". SHe was always aimingto improve services at the library, this was her corner-stone commitment and in 30 years she did not deter from working tirelessly to make the library one of the best in the country,"
Miss Tutty joined the library in 1980, with her first priority being the construction of a new library building in northern Queen Street. During planning she insisted that provision be made for computer cabling. This showed huge foresight, given the fact computers now manage library databases nationwide and back then none did. The new library opened in 1982 and has seen many improvements.Innovations included the introduction of the Eastern and Central Summer Reading programme for children, the long running Glistening Waters Storytelling Festival and the Yarns in Barns Festival.
Miss Tutty also promoted the establishment of the Wairarapa Archive, instigated an oral history programme and was the prime mover in the introduction of the te reo Maori component of the Summer Reading Programme.
Active on the national library scene, Miss Tutty was a member of the steering group for the formation of the Association of Public Library Managers, and was part of the consultation group for the Aotearoa People's Network that installed computers for free public use in libraries.
She was awarded a G T Alley Fellowship to study local history services in American libraries and was made an Associate of the Library and Information Association New Zealand Aotearoa in 1986, and a fellowship in 2001.

I wish Joy all the best in her retirement, and it won't be the last time she goes to Masterton Library. Thanks Joy for all you have done for our profession.