WVU Libraries’ History Center welcomes new rare book and print collections archivist

Bringing extensive experience in special collections, instruction and outreach and digital and physical collection management, Rigby Philips’ unique perspective will fuel her role as the West Virginia & Regional History Center’s (WVRHC) new rare book and print collections archivist.

Philips will focus on acquisition and preservation of the Rare Book Collection, the West Virginia Book and Serials Collection, the West Virginia Newspapers Collection and the Appalachian Book Collection. In addition, she will provide research and teaching support for a variety of disciplines across WVU’s colleges and schools in collaboration with other Libraries units. Philips will also develop exhibitions and displays featuring rare books and materials from the WVRHC’s collections.

Previously, Philips worked to create and enhance bibliographic data for rare and special collections materials at the University of Maryland (UMD) Libraries. Using her background in technology services to uniquely provide reference and research assistance to academic researchers, she also taught hundreds of English 101 students at UMD how to find primary and secondary sources using curricula and activities they designed. Philips’ passion for developing content for community engagement has been a key aspect of her career, and she carries it with her into her position at the WVRHC.

Philips earned her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from UMD, in addition to a master’s in history and a bachelor’s in history, with a concentration in women and gender.