The Library supports the goals and strategic direction of The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital by providing relevant biomedical information and services that support patient care, education and research.
The following are eligible for full library membership:
Employees of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Honorary Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Emeritus appointees
Partial Membership [No offsite access to e-resources]
Employees and postgraduate research students of the University of Melbourne’s Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
Overseas Fellows on short-term appointments [less than 3 months] at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (no borrowing)
Eligible to join upon payment of applicable membership fee:
Melbourne University Postgraduate Audiology students
Australian Health professionals not employed by the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Students currently enrolled in undergraduate degree in medical, nursing or allied health training programs
Chairperson – Loretta Sheales – Exec Director, People & Communication
Imeri Waibuca – Library Manager
Dr. Robert Webb – Otolaryngology Consultant
Dr. Gary Leber – Ophthalmology Consultant
Dr. Thomas Campbell- Ophthalmology Registrar
Vacant – ENT Registrar
Ann Vintiadis – Nursing Educator
Robyn Boyce – Pharmacy/Audiology
Stephanie Tsonis – Diagnostic Eye Services
Jaime Leigh – Cochlear Implant Clinic
University of Melbourne, Dept. of Otolaryngology- TBA
University of Melbourne Dept. of Ophthalmology- (TBA)
History of the Library
The Ronald Lowe Library is located on the first floor of the James Edward Neild House, next door to the Victorian Artists’ Society.
In 1890 the Australian Medical Journal in Melbourne published a catalogue of books and journals in Melbourne libraries, brought about by Sir James Barrett. The subject of this material was on the physiology and pathology of the eye, ear and throat.
At the instigation of Dr Ronald F Lowe and Dr KG Howsam, Medical Superintendent of The Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (granted Queen’s patronage in 1960) and with the cooperation of the Committee of Management a professional librarian was appointed in 1954.
Dr Lowe was a member of The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital Library Committee since its inception and served as Chairman of the Committee at various intervals until his retirement due to ill health in September 1997. He was Chairman of The Ophthalmological Society of Australia’s Library Committee from 1953 to 1961 when he became Honorary Librarian. He resigned as Honorary Librarian of the College in September 1997 due to illness. On 27 September 1982, the Committee of Management decided to name The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital Medical Library, The Ronald Lowe Library, to honour Dr Lowe’s long and dedicated involvement
