E.T. ('Bill') Bryant

Eric ('Bill') Bryant is perhaps best remembered for the contribution he made to the music library profession through his published works, Music Librarianship (1959, 2nd ed., 1985), Collecting Gramophone Records and Music — a reader"s guide (1965). They have influenced many librarians over the years, and Bryant proved a source of inspiration for many aspiring librarians, always helpful and encouraging to young members of the profession.

Bryant's career covered all aspects of music librarianship, including Borough Librarian at Widnes, Lancashire, tutor on AAL correspondence courses for the Library Association finals in music, lecturer in music at Manchester Polytechnic, and founder member of the Sound Recordings Group, later the Audio-Visual Group. He also gave lectures abroad and was LA representative on the IAML(UK) branch committee for many years. He was awarded honorary life membership of IAML(UK) for his services to music librarianship.

His contribution to the profession was both distinguished and vital. Sadly, Bill died in 1990, and it was in recognition of the contribution he made to music libraries throughout his life that IAML (UK) and The Music Libraries Trust established The E.T. Bryant Memorial Prize. It is in both his honour and his memory,and to serve as a further encouragement for aspiring music librarians in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

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