Samantha Dodd

Samantha directs a library-wide initiative to increase access to the Penn Libraries’ hidden collections. She builds on existing hidden collections initiatives and improves access by cataloging and/or processing collections, creating preliminary collection inventories and conducting collection surveys and will establish and implement a methodology for initiating, measuring and reporting on hidden collections cataloging and processing projects, creating a timeline with short- and long-term cataloging and processing goals, and monitoring progress meeting goals. Samantha also assesses the resources available across technical services units and identifies opportunities for collaborative and innovative cataloging projects while ensuring that prioritization of cataloging and processing projects is informed by the Penn Libraries Collections Strategy, the Collection Development Council, the research value of individual collections, the University’s academic curriculum, and donor relations.

Before coming to Penn, Samantha was the Curator of the Archives of Women of the Southwest at the DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She had previously worked as Manuscripts Archivist for Special Collections at the University of Texas at Arlington, and the Archivist for the Dallas Historical Society.

Samantha holds an MLIS from the University of North Texas; an MA in History from the University of Texas at Dallas; and a BA in History from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a Certified Archivist with graduate certifications in Advanced Library Management, Archival Administration, and a professional certification in archival arrangement and description from the Society of American Archivists.