The University Libraries is pleased to announce the appointment of Hope Dunbar as University Archivist, effective February 13, 2023. In her new role, Dunbar will oversee the collection and preservation of the University at Buffalo’s institutional records and historical manuscript collections. She will also provide leadership, vision, and advocacy for the Archives, foster user-centric services, and actively engage with a broad and diverse university and community audience.
A native of Chicago, Dunbar is a Certified Archivist who brings more than a decade of experience in libraries, archives, and special collections to her new position. She most recently served as archivist at SUNY Buffalo State College where she was also collections manager for the Monroe Fordham Regional History Center and executive director of the Buffalo State Faculty-Student Association.
While working at Buffalo State, Dunbar was appointed to the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. She also volunteered with several local organizations, including the New York State Archives Documentary Heritage Program grant review committee and the Western New York Library Resources Council. She currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Archival Organization and is an active member of several professional organizations including the Society of American Archivists.
Dunbar received her MLIS degree from the University of Illinois, Graduate School of Information and Library Science and earned her Juris Doctor with a focus on cultural heritage law from DePaul University College of Law. Her office is in 421-B Capen Hall, UB North Campus and her email address is hdunbar@buffalo.edu