24 May 2010: National Library Mourns Paul Reynolds

It is with shock and deep sadness that we heard of Paul’s death on Sunday 23 May. A bright light has gone from our lives and the library world has lost a dear and valued friend.

Paul played a significant part in shaping the digital world for libraries in many ways. As a co-director of McGovern Online he influenced the development of many online library services; as a commentator and journalist he pushed for libraries in the digital space.

Paul was passionate about the role that libraries could play in enabling people to participate in the digital space, serving as a commissioner for the LIAC (Library and Information Advisory Commission) during its formative years, and as a current member of the Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa governance group.

Until March this year Paul was the National Library’s Adjunct Director of the National Digital Library. In this role he made a superb contribution to the National and State Libraries of Australasia ‘Re-imagining Libraries’ project with his report on community created content.

Paul’s passion spread further than libraries. He was a member of the National Digital Forum, and had served previously on the board of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the New Zealand Government Digital Strategy Advisory Group, and the Capability Panel for the Advanced Network (KAREN).

Many of Paul’s thoughts and presentations are captured on his blog www.peoplepoints.co.nz. These include the slides and audio from his valedictory lecture Living and Learning in the Cloud given at Te Papa in February this year to mark the end of his term as Adjunct Director, National Digital Library.

Appropriately, tributes to Paul are amassing online, particularly on Russell Brown’s Hard News and the InternetNZ website.

Haere, haere, haere atu ra. We will miss you Paul, as will so many. The thoughts of National Library staff are with Helen and all your family, as you mourn your beloved Paul.