“Emory’s special collections are a direct link to the past, providing access to literary, political and personal histories, all critical to supporting scholarship, civic engagement and, not least, democracy.” – Jennifer Gunter King
Emory’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library has named Jennifer Gunter King as its new director. She started on Oct. 15.
“Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and an expansive view of libraries, not only from a special collections aspect but from a broader organizational understanding,” says University Librarian Yolanda Cooper. “She will work collaboratively to take a fresh look at operations, relationships, and programs to further advance our world-renowned Rose Library and fully engage in the future strategic goals of the Libraries and the University.”
King was the director of the Library and Knowledge Commons at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she led the transformation of the library to become a knowledge commons. Prior to joining Hampshire, King was director of Archives and Special Collections at Mount Holyoke College, where she initiated programs including an online digital archive, electronic records archiving and campus-wide exhibitions and programming. She previously held positions in special collections at Virginia Tech University Libraries and the University of Virginia.
“I am very excited to join Emory University as director of the Rose Library. The extraordinary staff and collections play a vital role in advancing Emory’s mission ‘to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity,’” King says.
“Emory’s special collections are a direct link to the past, providing access to literary, political and personal histories, all critical to supporting scholarship, civic engagement and, not least, democracy,” she explains. “I cannot imagine a more worthwhile calling or a more welcoming community.”
King earned her BA in history from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and her MA in history and MLS with an archives concentration from the University of Maryland. Her interests include 21st century library design, advancing the accessibility of archival resources and pursuing opportunities for collaboration between libraries, archives and museums.
When she’s away from work, Jennifer often goes hiking with her family and dog, bakes as often as possible, and forages for mushrooms. She also loves all forms of music, and is very interested in exploring local Southern music and culture.
You can reach her at Jennifer [dot] Gunter [dot] King [at] emory [dot] edu.