Yvonne Halland, CSIR, South Africa

Yvonne Halland, Strategic Information Resources Expeditor, The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa

Q: What led you into your chosen profession?

A: My mother was the part-time librarian of our small local library. My twin sister and I spent many hours there and became 'collection development assistants' (for the children's section) at a very tender age! Somehow, becoming a librarian was a natural consequence of a happy childhood in a library. Strangely enough, I've never worked in a public library except during my student days. Working in a science and technology research library environment most of my working career has been very rewarding. It is exciting to be part of a process that results in a better life for the people of South Africa through the application of scientific research.

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: Murder at Morija by Tim Couzens. It is the true story of an unresolved case of murder that took place at a mission station in Lesotho in 1920. It also records a lot of historical details about Lesotho and Morija. My special interest in the subject is that my great-great grandfather was one of the first French missionaries to be based at Morija in the 1830s.

Q: Who do you admire the most (past or present) and why?

A: People who, in spite of enormous obstacles, achieve amazing things - Helen Keller and David Livingstone are good examples.

Q: What was the first and last music record you bought?

A: The last was a CD featuring Mozart's clarinet and oboe concertos. The first is a bit more difficult to remember - probably a Bee Gees or Beatles LP (now that really dates me!). I enjoy a variety of music depending on the circumstances and my mood! The great thing about not carting teenagers around anymore is that I get to choose what I want to listen to in the car.

Q: If you could have any career other than your chosen profession, what would you choose?

A: Architecture. I love analysing how space is used, be it a large, luxurious area or a compact city apartment.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be?

A: I would have to have three dinners as the 3 guests are so different: David Livingstone would be fascinating company for his marvelous stories of adventure (did you know he was mauled by a lion?) and courage in exploring an uncharted continent and his spiritual motivation for sacrificing so much. Nelson Mandela is such an amazing person with a great sense of humour so he would balance some serious conversation with a bit of laughing at ourselves. Lastly, Alvar Aalto, the Finnish architect/designer, to satisfy my interest in architecture. I love his open, airy designs which also include some great libraries. I'll get his input for my dream beach house (one day!).

Q: If money was no option, where would you like to go on vacation?

A: Alaska - it looks awesome from the pictures I've seen. I think I'll have to go in summer though, as this sun-loving South African might not survive their winter temperatures! But it would be fun to go mushing so perhaps it will have to be early winter. If money really is no problem it would be great to stop over (en route to Alaska) in France and go cycling in Provence for a week or two, exploring in the countryside and tasting the local cuisine and wine. All this of course, with my husband and family!

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