QULOC History

BULOC, the Brisbane University Libraries Office of Cooperation was established in April 1991 as a joint initiative of the three Brisbane university libraries (Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, and University of Queensland). The founding mission was to provide a framework for initiating and promoting cooperative ventures between member libraries and to foster collaboration between the libraries and other appropriate information organizations.

Cooperation, however limited, had long existed between the three Brisbane university libraries. But the impetus for change arrived with tighter economic conditions, the "information explosion" effect, and new government policies on inter-university collaboration. In response to these demands, BULOC was launched to stimulate joint activities on a larger and more organized scale.

The success of BULOC's operations over its first two years provided the foundation on which a larger group could operate, and in May 1993 BULOC was transformed to QULOC, with six new members - Australian Catholic University, Bond University, the University of Southern Queensland, James Cook University of North Queensland, the University of Central Queensland, and from over the border the University of New England, Northern Rivers. The State Library of Queensland which has some interests in common with university libraries joined QULOC as with observer status. The University of New England - Northern Rivers subsequently became the Southern Cross University, retaining membership of QULOC. The University of New England (Armidale) was welcomed into QULOC in 2000. Membership of QULOC involves equal access to all QULOC activities and working parties, as well as an equal financial contribution to the operating costs of the organization.

At the center of QULOC is the University Librarians' Committee, initiating programs and setting priorities for the organization. These directions are implemented by a series of working parties, with members from each institution. Convenors of the working parties as well as their terms of reference are decided by the University Librarians' Committee.

Underpinning the organization is the QULOC secretariat. Staffed by an Executive Officer on a part-time basis, the secretariat is generally located within the institution of the Convenor of QULOC. The convenorship rotates on a two year cycle:

1991-1993 Brian Cook, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Information Services) Griffith University

1993-1994 Janice Rickards, University Librarian, Griffith University

1994-1996 Gaynor Austen, University Librarian, Queensland University of Technology

1996-1998 Madeleine McPherson, University Librarian, University of Southern Queensland

1998-2000 Evelyn Woodberry, University Librarian, Bond University

2000-2002 Janine Schmidt, University Librarian, University of Queensland

2002-2004 Janice Rickards, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Information Services), Griffith University

2004-2006 Heather Gordon, Executive Director, Information Services, University of the Sunshine Coast

2006-2008 Jim Graham, Manager (Library), McAuley at Banyo Campus, Australian Catholic University