The Librarian and Deputy Keeper of the Queen’s Archives for Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, Oliver Urquhart Irvine, has been appointed to the role of Director of Library Services and Librarian at SOAS University of London.

SOAS Registrar and Secretary Paula Sanderson said: “Oliver brings a wealth of experience and a striking track record of successful delivery from across a range of national organisations. He will provide leadership and vision for how the SOAS Library and our spaces, services and collections should be developed to support our teaching, research, the student experience and community engagement.

“We want SOAS to be at the forefront of the evolution of academic libraries as they adapt to changing technologies and evolve in the context of innovation in learning support, at a time of change for the UK higher education sector. I am confident we have secured an excellent person to fulfil this role.”

Oliver said: “The opportunity to lead a world-class library in a research and teaching intensive organisation with a truly global reach is hugely exciting. The library is a nerve centre for SOAS in its pursuit of excellence in all the services it provides to its students, faculty and professional services alike. This is as true for on-site as well as digital working and applies across all disciplines. I look forward greatly to joining the team at the beginning of 2019.”

Read more: SOAS website