'Dr Alan Barcan published books and articles on the history of education and left-wing politics. He studied at Sydney University and Sydney Teachers' College. In 1948 he held the position of Inaugural Secretary-Treasurer, Youth Council of the NSW ALP. Barcan was appointed to Newcastle Teachers’ College as lecturer in history and history method early in 1949 and held the position until 1967. In this time he also went on leave to England in 1958 and was at the Australian National University from 1959 to 1961. From 1968 he was Senior Lecturer (then Associate Professor) in education, University of Newcastle. In December 1986 Barcan retired, but acted in the position of Honorary Associate, School of Education, University of Newcastle and then as Conjoint Fellow.' (Source : Australian National University Archives)
