We are excited to announce that MCLS has hired Chelsea Denault, Ph.D., to serve as the Michigan Digital Preservation Network Coordinator. In her role, which is made possible by the Institute of Library and Museum Services (IMLS), Dr. Denault will work with libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, and other cultural heritage organizations throughout Michigan to develop and promote a financially sustainable digital preservation network. Her work will include engaging with a wide variety of constituents, administering a website that houses digital preservation standards, best practices, and more, training libraries to apply standards for digital preservation, and coordinating communication and outreach within and for the Network community.

A Michigan native with a passion for preserving and sharing local history (especially in Michigan), Chelsea brings experience managing digital collections, and building collaborative relationships with key stakeholders based on shared understanding, respect and trust. She has found these relationships to be very important in fostering community involvement in digital projects.

In Chelsea’s own words, “I’m excited to work with MCLS and all of its partners in libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural heritage organizations across the state to build a collaborative and inclusive network that will digitally preserve and protect our valuable historical resources. This project’s vision is truly inspiring, and I am looking forward to meeting with, listening to, and learning from all of our partners. I also want to thank Grand Valley State University, the Library of Michigan, Michigan State University, MCLS, and Western Michigan University for investing in this important work to preserve Michigan’s history for the future.”

Chelsea began working remotely from Chicago in April as she completed a joint M.A./Ph.D. program in American History and Public History at Loyola University Chicago. Having successfully defended her dissertation on April 20, Dr. Denault will be based at the MCLS office in Lansing beginning in June.

Welcome, Chelsea! We are happy to have you on the MCLS team!