RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — The Library of Virginia announced today that Meghan Ryan Guthorn has been appointed deputy state librarian and chief of collections and archives, bringing more than 15 years of experience in federal archives administration, digital preservation and organizational leadership. She will begin at the Library on April 10.

In her new role on the senior leadership team, Guthorn will oversee the Library’s vast collections and archives, including their acquisition, access, preservation, stewardship and exhibition. She joins the Library from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), where she serves as deputy chief operating officer, overseeing daily operations across several of NARA’s service delivery programs nationwide, including Catalog and Web Programs, Digital Preservation, the Electronic Records Archives system, the Holdings Management System, Digitization Partnerships and other offices and functions.

“Meg brings deep operational experience, a strong record of managing complex archival programs, and a clear commitment to public service,” said Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark. “Her expertise in digital preservation, records management and organizational leadership will enhance the Library’s ability to serve Virginians and safeguard the documentary heritage of the Commonwealth. We are delighted to welcome her to the Library.”

During her tenure at NARA, Guthorn led the implementation of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act, served as the transition director between presidential administrations at the National Archives, and spearheaded initiatives to drive the agency’s modernization efforts, among other key accomplishments. Her previous roles included serving as NARA’s Still Picture Branch chief, where she led a diverse team through the full archival lifecycle and guided the branch’s transition to fully virtual operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also served as supervisory archivist for the Textual Accessioning Branch after holding earlier archival roles at NARA.

“I’m excited to return to Virginia and join the impressive team at the Library,” Guthorn said. “From celebrating the 250th to exploring innovative approaches to accessing information, the Library is at the center of so many important activities for the Commonwealth. I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Guthorn earned a B.A. in history and English from Boston College, and both an M.A. in American history and an M.L.S. (archival science) from the University of Maryland. A member of the Society of American Archivists, she is a Certified Archivist and Certified Digital Archives Specialist. She also holds a Certificate of Federal Records Management Training.

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ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA 
The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on-site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov.