Stanford University Libraries Welcomes Two New Leaders to Its Librarian Team

Exciting Changes at Stanford University Libraries

Stanford University Libraries has recently strengthened its leadership team by welcoming two new Assistant University Librarians as of June 1. This strategic move is part of a broader commitment to advancing research and scholarship across all disciplines. The new appointees, Sarah Sussman and Alma Parada, will oversee extensive collections management and public services that cater to the institution's diverse academic community.

A New Era with Sarah Sussman

Sarah Sussman has been part of the Stanford Libraries since 2002, initially serving as the Curator of the French and Italian Collections. After earning her PhD in History from Stanford, she has been pivotal in enhancing the libraries' focus on women in France, French literature, and the history of science and exploration. Noteworthy among her achievements is the 2020 acquisition of the Roxane Debuisson Collection, which significantly contributes to historical research on Paris.

Michael A. Keller, the Ida M. Green University Librarian, emphasized the importance of Sussman's leadership: “Sarah's talents and dedication to the Libraries are exceptional. Her experience will be invaluable as she manages one of the largest collection areas covering the humanities and social sciences.” Academic peers, including James P. Daughton and Keith Baker, praised Sussman's expertise and commitment, noting her indispensable role in the establishment of Stanford as a leading research center for French history, culture, and society.

Sussman expressed her enthusiasm for her new responsibilities, stating, “I aim to leverage my curatorial experience to address critical research and teaching needs in our rapidly changing world. I am committed to fostering collaboration among libraries and adapting to evolving technologies in the pursuit of knowledge.”

Alma Parada: A Leader in Innovation

Alma Parada also joins the leadership ranks with a remarkable background. Since arriving at Stanford as a postdoctoral scholar in Marine Biology in 2016, her career has blossomed. Most recently, she served as the Head Librarian for the Branner Earth Sciences Library and Map Collections. During her tenure, Parada effectively managed an extensive array of resources related to Earth sciences, showing outstanding foresight during the transition of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

“Dr. Parada’s qualifications align perfectly with what is needed in a modern Earth library,” noted Stephan Graham, a member of the faculty. “Her comprehensive understanding allows her to support both research and educational endeavors effectively.” Parada’s ability to engage with students has made her a popular figure in academic circles, showcasing her strengths in teaching necessary research skills.

Reflecting on her promotion, Parada announced, “I am excited to take on this new leadership role and collaborate with my colleagues to enhance support for science and engineering research.”

A Shared Vision for the Future

In their new positions, Sussman and Parada will oversee collections development and public services by managing reference, instruction, and research consultations across multiple libraries within Stanford’s network. While they will continue some aspects of their previous roles, their focus will expand to ensure that students and faculty have exceptional access to both physical and digital resources. This includes developing collections in both formats and establishing innovative services in conjunction with various academic disciplines.

The appointment of Sussman and Parada reflects Stanford University Libraries' unwavering commitment to evolving alongside the scientific and humanities research landscape. Both librarians bring considerable expertise to their roles, setting the stage for impactful changes that will enhance the academic resources available to Stanford's community.

With their leadership, the Libraries are poised to advance Stanford's mission of education and scholarship in historically significant ways. By fostering connections within the Libraries and across various academic disciplines, the executive team aims to build resilient research and teaching infrastructures for faculty and students alike.

For more information on the Stanford University Libraries and their vast collections, visit their website to explore the resources they offer to support research and learning.