My pal and former colleague Christine Penney, who has died aged 81, was the archivist for the College of Birmingham library for 34 years, and head of its particular collections (now the Cadbury Analysis library) from 1990.
A spirited defender of the collections in her cost, Chris fought to make sure enough requirements of safety, good conservation practices and a pleasant and professional service to customers. She launched data expertise wherever it may enhance entry to collections. Workers coaching was a precedence, and lots of of these whom Chris inspired now maintain senior analysis positions in Britain and overseas.
She made an immense contribution to growing particular collections on the college. Her dedication and attraction enabled the division to maneuver past its assortment of the personal papers of Neville, Joseph and Austen Chamberlain which might be at its core. Whereas managing the deposit of the papers of the previous prime minister Anthony Eden (Lord Avon), she developed a heat relationship with Woman (Clarissa) Avon. She oversaw the deposit of the Church Missionary Society archive and, utilizing endurance and persuasion, acquired the papers of Nöel Coward, the Methodist preacher and author Leslie Weatherhead, and others.
Born in Pinner, Middlesex, Chris was the daughter of Sidney, a bookseller, and his spouse, Phyllis (nee Freeman). Together with her sister, Barbara, the household moved to Stratford-upon-Avon, the place she attended Stratford grammar college for women.
Chris graduated with an English diploma from Bristol College in 1965, then gained a diploma in librarianship from College School London. Subsequently she labored on the Shakespeare Birthplace Belief. In 1971 she joined the employees at College of Birmingham Library as college archivist.
Alongside her work there, Chris was a longstanding secretary of the Jane Austen Society, labored intently with Hereford Cathedral library, was honorary marketing consultant to Worcester and Lichfield Cathedral libraries and was a life member of the courtroom of governors of Birmingham College.
On retiring, she labored tirelessly because the Hurd librarian at Hartlebury Citadel in Worcestershire. There she used her skilled zeal in urgent for increased requirements and extra funding.
Chris was a well-loved, loyal and supportive pal and colleague. After her most cancers analysis six years in the past she remained unfailingly optimistic, cheerfully sticking to her philosophy of taking “in the future at a time”.
Generations of researchers have, and can proceed to profit from, the battles she fought to make sure preserved authentic sources are safe and accessible.
Barbara survives her.
