About the Harvard Library

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Overview

This page provides information about the current VP of the Harvard Library, the history and mission of the Harvard Library, and links to its programs, initiatives, news, and events.

Martha Whitehead

Vice President for the Harvard Library and University Librarian
Roy E. Larsen Librarian for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Martha Whitehead is Vice President for the Harvard Library and University Librarian, and Roy E. Larsen Librarian for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In these roles, Martha leads a library network made up of more than 25 separate libraries and employing more than 700 staff. Martha joined Harvard University in June 2019 from Queen’s University, where she served most recently as Vice-Provost (Digital Planning) and University Librarian. She was appointed University Librarian in 2012. Prior to joining Queen’s University as Associate University Librarian in 2004, Martha held various positions at the University of British Columbia Library for 19 years, including head of its information services division from 1997 to 2004. Martha holds a BA in English and an MLS from the University of British Columbia.

To view Martha's complete bio, see here.

History

Harvard’s libraries are rooted in the 1638 bequest of 400 books from John Harvard, and today they hold the largest academic collection in the world. More than 70 libraries in four cities and two continents contain approximately 18 million volumes, 13 million digital files, more than 100,000 serial titles, 10 million photographs and millions of manuscripts, musical recordings, films and artifacts. These materials, and the expertise of Library staff members, support more than 20,000 students, 2,100 faculty members and 13,000 staff members, 10,500 hospital-based faculty members and an international community of scholars.