Brynn White

Background

About Brynn White

In a better effort to develop 21st-century skills to compliment my 20th-century interests, I pursued a Masters in Library and Information Science with certification in Archiving and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Materials. I possess over ten years of experience working with myriad collections at a diverse array of New York City institutions. Currently I am the Executive Director and Archivist of the Century Association Archives Foundation, and formerly I managed the library and archives of the American Kennel Club. These positions have demanded that I fluidly operate as archivist, content developer, reference librarian, project manager, historian, digital/print preservation specialist, curator, records manager, and vocal advocate for the value of the collections. I am a seasoned 'lone arranger,' able to work independently and multi-task, and to think strategically and conceptually, while also executing the hands-on work necessary to sustainable, access-minded control of collections. At the AKC I coordinated the preparation and relocation of the collections to new facilities; oversaw the department's first large-scale digitization project of AKC historic publications; initiated the development of formal digital repository; established a presence on social media and incorporation into Digital Content and other Marketing strategies; successfully advocated for and managed support staff; adapted to new responsibilities including collaboration and curation of exhibitions with the new Museum of the Dog. My approach centers around a redefinition of the archives' value and use for 21st century patrons and needs. I have chiefly worked with institutional records and performing arts-related collections, and materials of all kinds, including digital assets. Specific fields of scholarly pursuit and writing include printed ephemera, film culture and history, the regional, social & cultural history of New York City as well as the American West and South, Hollywood genre film, Southern foodways, and a particular penchant for the 1930s (with vintage clothes collection to match). However I am always eager to broaden my horizons - one of the greatest aspects of our field - particularly with collections and use of materials highlighting underrepresented communities. Recipient of 2015 IMLS-RBS Fellowship for Early-Career Librarians, which sponsored attendance of Rare Book School and the 2015 Rare Books and Manuscripts (RBMS-ARCL-ALA) conference.