Following a period of review, Archives & Special Collections at the University of Surrey have recently welcomed two new members to the team. Melanie Peart, who has been working with us in a temporary capacity for some months, took up her permanent role as Archivist (Collections Management) in mid-July and will oversee the nitty-gritty of managing our exciting and varied archive collections. Emma Hallett, who previously worked in the University Library, started in her post of Archivist (Public Services) two weeks ago and will have responsibility for our researcher services and engaging a range of audiences with the archives.  They have both been thrown in at the deep-end, particularly with preparations for the University’s imminent 50th Anniversary celebrations,  the fast approaching start of semester and other events and activities that are in the pipeline.

L-R: Natasha-Sally-Mel-Helen-Emma

The team also includes Sally Lewis, the Archives & Education Administrator who has been with the University, particularly the National Resource Centre for Dance, for over 25 years so has a wealth of operational knowledge. Natasha Shillingford has been working with us for a few months on different projects and is currently focusing on an Alumni-funded project to work on the University’s historic collection of photographs, making these accessible to both University communities and the public.  Helen Roberts heads up the team as Archives & Special Collections Manager, expanding her remit from Manager of the National Resource Centre for Dance to responsibility for all the University’s unique archives and special collections.  We will also be recruiting an Archives & Special Collections Assistant in the near future.

The team look forward to all the challenges and developments ahead and to sharing news of our work and collections.