Campus & Community

Divinity School announces Laura Wood as head librarian

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Laura Wood

The search for a new Harvard Divinity School Librarian has ended with the appointment of Laura C. Wood, who will assume leadership of Andover-Harvard Theological Library on June 15.

Wood comes to Harvard from Emory University, where she has worked at Pitts Theological Library since September 2000, as both periodicals librarian and technical services librarian.

“Through her dual responsibilities … Laura has clearly developed a balanced approach to library services that includes the enhancement of access to materials through innovative means,” Divinity School Dean William A. Graham said in announcing the appointment. “Her work with technology at Emory, and through the American Theological Library Association, will assist her in leading our library forward in this critical area and will make her an important contributor to Harvard’s University Library Council as well.”

Before arriving at Emory, Wood was head librarian of the Stockwell Cross Library at the University of Michigan, where she received a master’s degree in information. She also has a master’s degree in religion from Yale Divinity School and a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College. In addition, she plans to receive an M.B.A. degree from Emory in May.

“It’s a great pleasure to join the HDS community and the fine staff at the Andover-Harvard Theological Library,” Wood said. “Today’s libraries function not only as great collections but also as places of learning, especially with regards to technology. I’m looking forward to working with faculty in support of the mission of the School and to developing additional resources and services.”

In announcing Wood’s appointment, Graham added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Russell Pollard for his excellent service as acting librarian. His good will, bibliographic knowledge, and sure and steady hand have made this interim period a smooth one.”