/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/alumni-/page-header-banners/News-Banner.png)
New Director of Library Services and Collections
Stuart Hunt has been appointed as Director of Library Services and Collections and University Librarian. He will begin his role on 1 December 2023.
Stuart has more than 20 years of experience in Higher Education Library and Collection Services and brings with him a proven track record of strategic leadership, digital transformation and building external partnerships. He takes over from Liz Waller following her retirement.
He has held a number of senior positions in UK universities, most recently as Director of University Library & Collections Services and University Librarian at the University of Reading.
Building the profile of University Library and Collections
As a senior leader in the University, Stuart will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the University’s Libraries and Collections.
A significant part of his role will be to ensure the highest standards of stewardship, security and overall care of our internationally recognised collections. These include the four nationally Designated Collections: Bishop Cosin’s Library, the Sudan Archive and our Chinese and Egyptian Collections.
Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean (Arts & Humanities) at Durham University, said: “Stuart brings an impressive breadth of experience and depth of knowledge across higher education libraries, collections and exhibitions.
“I am confident that he will provide a compelling forward vision as we seek to build the profile of and engagement with the University’s rich libraries and collections globally, nationally and locally.”
Delivering a unique and distinct experience
Stuart said: “It is a privilege to be appointed to the position of Director of University Library Services and Collections and University Librarian at Durham University.
“These are exciting times for Durham and for the University Library and Collections. Durham’s world-class collections are an integral part of the excellence in research, education and public engagement at the University and contribute to Durham being a world-leading university.
“I am enthusiastic to take forward the outstanding work at the University to deliver on a unique and distinct experience in Libraries and Collections.”