Kathryn Harris worked in the Illinois State Historical Library from 1984 until her retirement in 2015. When she started, the library was located underneath the Old State Capitol. In 1996 she became the director of the Library. Over the next twenty years she helped guide the library through the design and opening of the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in 2004, where she served as the Library Services Director. She discusses the triumph of the new Presidential Museum, which opened in 2005, and staff challenges in the decade following the Library's opening.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpt
The Hidden Library
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early years with IL State Historical Library, 1984-1991
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
IL State Historical Library during its move to the Howlett Bldg, 1993-95
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Selection as director of Library, and planning for new Library & Museum
Interview Session 04 (Audio)
Opening of new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Museum
Interview Session 05 (Audio)
Staff challenges and changes in the years since opening of ALPLM