Swem Library selects new university archivist
William and Mary’s Swem Library will welcome Kim Sims as its new university archivist on July 25.
Sims comes to W&M from Duke University where she served as technical services archivist for the Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, managing institutional records and select manuscript collections, developing guidelines for the processing of electronic records, and curating exhibits. She previously served as the archives assistant at Duke. Prior to joining the library, she was the fellowship training program coordinator/assistant to the chief of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition at Duke University Medical Center.
Sims earned a master’s degree in public history from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s in history from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
“Kim brings a wealth of archival experience with her, especially in the area of digital documentation, a major area of importance as we work to manage and preserve the massive amounts of data and digital files created by the university. Also her passion for history will do much to improve awareness and importance of the university’s history,” said Jay Gaidmore, director of the Special Collections Research Center at Swem Library.
As university archivist, Sims will be responsible for documenting the history of the university, assisting in the development of strategies to manage and preserve digital materials, and creating policies for management of electronic theses and dissertations.
“As someone whose passion for history morphed into an archival career, the opportunity to work at William & Mary as university archivist is a career high for me,” said Sims. “I look forward to not only serving as custodian of the institution’s historical records but also serving as an advocate for its current and future records.”
The 25,000-square-foot Special Collections wing of Swem Library houses manuscripts, rare books, university archives and other materials. Special Collections staff work closely with faculty and students to ensure primary resources are part of the student research experience.
