We are very proud that Chris Heaton, who retired as Head of Planning, Policy and Culture in Libraries, Learning and Culture at the end of December 2011, was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List! This was a great start to Chris’s retirement.
Regarding his award, Chris said: "I am very pleased and honoured to have been awarded an MBE. I feel this is a tribute not only to myself, but
also to all my colleagues within the Libraries, Learning and Archives Service and to the County Council itself."
Chris joined Cambridgeshire Libraries in 1977 based at Central Library, Cambridge. Through the years he led many major projects, continually modernising library services through innovations in IT, online reference services and income generation. Chris also led the development of online reference materials and a successful funding bid which provided a large number of public PCs for Central Library, as well as the digitisation of the renowned Cambridgeshire Collection catalogue.
For some 13 years Chris worked as a Head of Service focussed on Development and Support. In this role he was pivotal in enabling Cambridgeshire to be at the forefront of library building design and IT developments. Special tribute is due to Chris for his input to the Central Library project over 10 years, leading to the total redesign of the
Library, reopened by The Princess Royal in March 2010. His meticulous attention to detail and ability to maximise resources ensured the project's success and enabled the Council to challenge the inadequate performance of the contractor with authority and assurance.
His knowledge of reference materials, both printed and electronic, was immense. Chris was always recognised throughout the library service as the unsung hero who, through hard work, ability and commitment, quietly made things happen.
We all wish Chris Heaton MBE well as he writes the next chapter of his life.