The John Hay Library, which houses the University's special collections and rare books and manuscripts, will welcome a new leader of its staff July 9.
Thomas Horrocks, associate librarian for collections at Harvard's Houghton Library, was recently selected from a pool of over 50 applicants to become the University Library's director of special collections. He will fill the position vacated by Samuel Streit, who is leaving the post after over 30 years.
The library announced that it was looking to fill the position last May and received an outpouring of interested applicants, said University Librarian Harriette Hemmasi.
Hemmasi, whom Horrocks will report to, cited a number of qualities that distinguished Horrocks from the applicant pool.
"Tom had the right background," Hemmasi said. "He has worked with excellent special collections and has been in a number of leadership positions."
The most important facets of Horrocks' position will be the management of primary sources for teaching, learning and research in the Hay collection and the publicizing of collection exhibits. Horrocks was an appealing candidate because of his strength in collection-building and analysis, Hemmasi said, and he is "well-prepared for outreach."
The impending renovation of the Hay's first floor served as a critical factor in Horrocks' selection, Hemmasi said, as it will be his duty to navigate the renovation. Horrocks has relevant prior experience with renovations, she said. Hemmasi also noted her faith in Horrocks' "special personality and strength of will," describing him as consultative and even-tempered with defined ideas.
"Tom has been involved in making the wheel and pushing it," Hemmasi said.
Jennifer Betts, University archivist, noted that Streit "left a void" Horrocks will fill. In his time as director, Streit significantly built up University collections and wrote the guide to special collections. Betts said she is confident Horrocks will ably succeed Streit's legacy.
"He is very knowledgeable about special collections, and he is open to concerns," Betts said. "He'll be a good addition to the administrative leadership."
