The University Libraries is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Chen as associate University librarian for special collections and director of Wilson Library, effective September 9, 2024. 

Reporting to Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian María R. Estorino, Chen will provide vision and leadership for the Libraries’ comprehensive special collections program. She will lead a team of 50 specialists who collect, preserve and provide access to Carolina’s outstanding rare book, manuscript and unique multimedia and artifact collections. 

“Anna joins Carolina’s libraries at a critical time, as we approach the centennial anniversary of Wilson Library and develop plans for the future of this iconic building and for our renowned special collections program,” said Estorino. “Anna brings an inspiring track record of special collections leadership and meaningful engagement with academic and community partners. I am delighted to welcome her to the University Libraries.” 

Chen has more than a decade of experience with special collections at leading research universities. Since 2017, she has been head librarian of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, a rare book and manuscript library and historic property that is part of the Center for 17th- and 18th-Century Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. 

Chen previously held the position of curator of rare books and manuscripts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she was also an assistant professor of library administration and medieval studies. Before that, she was assistant curator of manuscripts at Princeton University’s Harvey S. Firestone Library. 

“I deeply admire the University Libraries’ respect and care for its constituents, and its dedication to making local and global impacts through collaboration, innovation and inclusion,” said Chen. “I’m excited to work with the staff, collections and user communities at Wilson Library and UNC-Chapel Hill and to envision an exciting future for special collections together.” 

Chen holds a Ph.D., M. Phil. and M.A. in English literature from Yale University. She earned her M.S. in information studies at The University of Texas at Austin and her B.A. in English literature from Johns Hopkins University. 

She has published and presented about medieval and modern manuscripts, the intersection of the senses and culture, and sustainability and loss in memory and heritage work. She has also taught graduate and undergraduate classes in special collections librarianship and in her areas of research specialization. 

In April, Chen was elected to serve as the incoming vice-chair/chair elect of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries. RBMS is the leading national organization for academic librarians who work with rare books, manuscripts and other special collections. From 2021 to 2024, Chen was a member of the organization’s executive committee and has served on or chaired multiple RBMS committees and task forces.   

To make an appointment with Chen after Sept. 9, contact Eileen Lewis, lewise@email.unc.edu.