Tribute to Jim Traue
Commemorating the life and legacy of Jim Traue, former Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library and a lifelong scholar of library studies.
He Aituā, Jim Traue. Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane
The New Zealand Library sector has indeed lost a mighty totara with the death of Jim Traue. Jim was Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library from 1973 to 1990, a defining pinnacle in a long and distinguished career.
During his tenure he raised the profile and reputation of the Turnbull as New Zealand’s pre-eminent research library in the humanities.
A scholar librarian, he was a regular sight in the Turnbull reading rooms, continuing to publish widely in the sector’s professional literature long after he left the National Library. He could be relied upon to publicly express thoughtful, unequivocal commentary on diverse library and research matters.
Jim, we owe you a mighty debt of gratitude for your contribution to the advancement of library science in Aotearoa, and the enduring riches of the Turnbull collections. Thank-you.
To Julia, family and friends, our sincerest condolences.
James Edward Traue. Alexander Turnbull Library: Portraits of prominent New Zealanders, taken by Kenneth Quinn. Ref: 1/4-089383. Alexander Turnbull Library.