Description
In 2025 the Newberry joined the Western Regional Storage Trust (WEST), a network of academic and research libraries focused on shared storage and preservation of print serials (such as academic journals). This colloquium will share information about WEST, the history of the Newberry's serials collection, and work that Newberry staff is undertaking to capitalize on our WEST membership for the good of both the library's collections and its readers.
About the Speakers
Will Hansen is the Roger and Julie Baskes Vice President for Collections and Library Services, and Curator of Americana at the Newberry Library. He began his career in libraries at the Newberry in 2003 as a Circulation Assistant and then, in 2004, as the library’s Reference Assistant. From 2007 to May 2014 he was Assistant Curator of Collections at Duke University’s David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and he returned to the Newberry in June 2014 as Director of Reader Services and Curator of Americana. Mr. Hansen has published articles on Herman Melville, active learning with primary source materials, archives of “born-digital” materials, library services for Indigenous Studies, and other topics. His curated exhibitions at the Newberry include “Hamilton: The History Behind the Musical” in 2017; “Melville: Finding America at Sea” in 2019; “¡Viva la Libertad! Latin America and the Age of Revolutions” in 2021; “Indigenous Portraits Unbound” in 2024; and “Native Pop!” in 2025.
Megan J. Kelly has worked at the Newberry since 2006 and is currently the Director of Collection Services, where she manages acquisitions, cataloging, and materials processing. In her previous role as a cataloging manager, she oversaw descriptions of everything from medieval manuscripts and rare books to modern publications. Megan received her bachelor’s degree in English literature from DePaul University and a master’s degree in library and information science from Dominican University.
About Colloquium
Colloquium is a weekly series of talks featuring staff, fellows, and scholars who are working with the library’s vast collections. These events bring together experts from various fields to share their research on a wide range of topics, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and engage in conversation.
Colloquium is open to the public and offers a chance to explore fascinating ideas and new discoveries. No advance registration is required.