John B. Weaver Appointed Director of The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary


(NEW YORK, April 9, 2009) Columbia University Libraries announces the appointment of John B. Weaver as the new Director of The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, effective August 1, 2009. Dr. Weaver is currently the Head of Public Services at Pitts Theology Library, Emory University.

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“Weaver is an accomplished scholar and academic administrator,” said Jim Neal, Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian at Columbia University, in announcing the appointment. “Dr. Weaver brings extraordinary experience and expertise to both Columbia and the Seminary.”

As Director of The Burke Library, Weaver will guide collection development and user services programs, and provide leadership in shaping outreach to the Columbia, Union and wider scholarly communities. The Burke Library houses one of the most important theological library collections in North America covering the broad spectrum of theological disciplines and subject areas, including significant rare and archival collections.

“The Burke Library is well known as a leading theological library, and I’m honored and delighted to lead it at this visionary and energetic time in the community of Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary,” said Weaver. “I’m eager to partner with the dedicated staff and friends of The Burke Library, continuing to build bridges for scholarship and service in New York City and beyond.”

Dr. Weaver has served as Head of Public Services at Pitts Theology Library, Emory University since 2005. Previously he held the position of Reference Librarian at Pitts Theology Library. As an ordained minister, theological librarian, and biblical scholar, he has written and taught extensively on religious literature and theological practices, including the act of reading and the use of technology in scholarship and ministry. Dr. Weaver has a Ph.D. from Emory University, a M.L.I.S. from the University of South Carolina, and a M.A. from the Divinity School at the University of Chicago.

“Union is very pleased with Dr. Weaver’s appointment. Not only is he an outstanding librarian, he has exceptional skills in working with religious communities and their distinctive "information" needs,” said Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary. “He's energetic and creative and will strengthen Burke's longstanding reputation.”

The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary is world renowned, containing rich collections for theological study and research with holdings of over 700,000 items including unique and special materials. Throughout its long history, the Burke Library has maintained its commitment to the needs of both teaching and research, serving the faculty, students, and staff of Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, as well as a wide spectrum of national and international scholars and researchers. www.utsnyc.edu

Columbia University Libraries/Information Services is one of the top five academic research library systems in North America. The collections include over 10 million volumes, over 100,000 journals and serials, as well as extensive electronic resources, manuscripts, rare books, microforms, maps, graphic and audio-visual materials. The services and collections are organized into 25 libraries and various academic technology centers. The Libraries employs more than 550 professional and support staff. The website of the Libraries at www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb is the gateway to its services and resources.