Bernice McIntyre celebrates 25 years at ACU

Senior Librarian Bernice McIntyre celebrated 25 years of service and dedication to ACU in June.

Over the past 25 years, she has supported the learning, teaching and research goals of staff and students, while being involved in community engagement initiatives that embody the ACU Mission.

A respected, loved and trusted staff member, Bernice relates sincerely, compassionately and with humility to those whose lives she touches. She is a brilliant role model, putting into practice her values and beliefs to serve the common good in the community.

Bernice has, in fact, been affiliated with ACU longer than 25 years, working initially as a Library Technician at the Mount St Mary Campus from 1983-1985, before moving to the North Sydney Campus as Reference Librarian from 1985-89. Policies to support working mothers were not as flexible then, so Bernice took a career break to focus on motherhood, family, completing a Graduate Diploma in Infants/Primary Teaching, and instilling the value of education in her children.

Bernice returned to working at ACU in 1993 and since then there have been many changes and progress made across the University.

Technological advances have required adaptability and lifelong learning skills (with increasing electronic access to books and journals, collaborative learning spaces for students, user friendly databases, and a reduction in print resources).

Bernice has also seen the closure of a Sydney campus, and changes to work/life balance policies that now provide greater opportunities for flexible working arrangements that are more family friendly.

In the Library and beyond, Bernice’s caring and enthusiastic spirit adds a spark of sunshine that does not go unnoticed by both her colleagues and the students she serves.

Her larger than life personality is also a great asset for PA announcements, especially when the Library is providing pizza outside during exams. Library colleagues have been educated in numerous sayings and clichés that we identify as Bernice’s gems; and a 'get the job done' approach to dealing with the various aspects of her work.

As part of the Library and Research Services team, Bernice collaborates with her colleagues to support researchers and the needs of a diverse student cohort.

She demonstrates service excellence by contributing to the pursuit of knowledge, providing equitable access to scholarly information and teaching students to seek knowledge for themselves as part of lifelong learning. She is a strong advocate for initiatives such as Open Access and collaborates with colleagues and academic staff to assist students achieve the best possible learning outcomes.

Bernice is to be commended for her commitment to enhance the lives of the marginalised and the vulnerable via her work, supporting initiatives such as the Clemente Program.

ACU’s Mount St. Mary Campus Library in Strathfield is privileged to have a person of such calibre, yet with such humility be part of the team. It is staff like Bernice who form the backbone of ACU and what it represents.

Congratulations Bernice, on your many achievements over your time with ACU.