About Professor Margaret Cameron AM

Professor Margaret Cameron (1937-2023) AM., B.A. (Hons), Deakin University, former University Librarian (1977-1996) and Pro Vice-Chancellor (1986-1990).

Professor Cameron arrived at Deakin in 1977 from Macquarie University as Deakin’s inaugural Chief Librarian. Charged with establishing the Library, she also became a key strength behind the University’s widely hailed open campus program.

Under Cameron the Library allowed off-campus students the same level of service as those on campus. This included transporting books to off-campus students within 48 hours of receiving the request. Cameron believed books should not be on shelves but in the hands of users. A gifted administrator, Cameron became Pro Vice-Chancellor with special responsibility for academic affairs in 1986.

An ornithologist, adventurer and community volunteer, Cameron was honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award in 1990 for her contribution to library services, education and ornithology. Her passion for birds was well known at Deakin, with many staff visiting the Library to purchase a copy of RAOU’s Bird Calendar, in what became an annual Christmas tradition. In 1986 Professor Cameron even presented Prince Charles a copy of her famous calendar.

Cameron retired from Deakin University in 1996. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Deakin in 1999.