Passionate librarian recognised

Passionate librarian recognised

01 August 2023

Reward and recognition

Melissa Pettit has been acknowledged for making a difference in her field, honoured with the F A Sharr Award at the library and information week award ceremony.

The F A Sharr Award is presented to a Western Australian librarian, teacher librarian or library technician within their first three years following graduation who exhibits the most potential to make a significant contribution to the library profession in WA.

Since graduating in 2020, Ms Pettit has shown talent and dedication as our Library Manager and Coordinator Records Operations. 

Melissa Pettit receiving the F A Sharr Award at the State Library of Western Australia.

She has been the driving force on the School Library Support Project since 2021, which aims to better support our staff and student learning environments.

Her contribution to the project involved developing a school library guiding document which offers solutions to support school libraries with information and tools on best library practice.

“The project aims to upskill school library officers, collaborating with professional library organisations and providing opportunities for professional learning,” Ms Pettit said.

“I am very passionate about the difference school libraries can make to create and engage readers with a lifelong love of learning.”

As the new ambassador for the award, Ms Pettit will be actively involved in the Australian Library and Information Association West Committee and promoting the library awards and services to her peers.

Her recognition as this year's F A Sharr Award recipient not only celebrates her exceptional achievements but also exemplifies the power of passion and dedication within the library profession. As she continues to make her mark, her vision and drive promise to leave an impact on the library landscape in Western Australia.

For more information about the award visit the Australian library and Information Association website or the State Library of Western Australia Library Board Awards 2023.