Happy Valentine’s Day
(Now and Forever)
By all accounts Diana M. Priestly was a charming, resourceful and dedicated professional. She may have officially retired from the University of Victoria on June 30, 1987, but her spirit resonates throughout the building to this very day.
Diana’s academic journey started at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Law in 1946 (following a three year stint in the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service). Between the years of 1964 and 1974 she perfected her craft with stops at the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall, and the University of Western Ontario. However, it was her tenure at UVic, starting in 1974, that secured an international reputation for her contributions to the science of library administration.
In the early days of its existence the Faculty of Law did not have a collection of its own. Once she was hired Diana was asked to build one from scratch. In response, she relied on her experience and ingenuity to establish a law library that has passed the test of time.
Personally, I never had the opportunity to meet her, but judging by the smile her name brings to anyone who knew her, she was something special. So with that in mind, let’s take this opportunity to send Diana (and her lingering spirit) a perpetual valentine from everyone who has worked at the circulation desk in the law library that is named after her. After all, it’s the least we can do for someone who has done so much for us.
For more on Diana M. Priestly please see: The Advocate, 45 (1987)- print or online.
Written by David Eugene Everard
Art direction by Paul Totzke
Editorial assistance by Alex Burdett and Sarah Miller