20 January 2010

Charles Sherrill Appointed Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist

Charles Sherrill, a Middle Tennessean with 25 years of experience as a library administrator, will begin his new job as State Librarian and Archivist Feb. 8, Secretary of State Tre Hargett announced this week.

The State Librarian and Archivist directs operations at the Tennessee State Library and Archives, the agency that collects, stores and displays state documents and records. The State Library and Archives (TSLA) also operates the Tennessee Regional Library System, provides training and support for other public libraries throughout the state and oversees the Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which offers free library services to people with disabilities.

"I am pleased to have someone with Mr. Sherrill's background and skills in this esteemed position," Secretary Hargett said. "Our goal is to increase the awareness of the great programs available to Tennesseans through the State Library and Archives. Our goal is to extend our outreach beyond our downtown Nashville location, and I know Mr. Sherrill will provide excellent leadership and vision to not only TSLA, but also to libraries throughout our great state. I am sure Mr. Sherrill will build on the solid foundation that has been laid by Ms. Sugg and I expect the transition to be a very smooth one."

Sherrill has served as director of the Brentwood Library since 2000 and also works as an adjunct faculty member at Jackson State Community College. Prior to taking over as director of the Brentwood Library, he was the director of public services for the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Before that, he served as director of the Cleveland Public Library in East Tennessee.

"It is an honor to be selected as the State Librarian and Archivist by Secretary Hargett," Sherrill said. "My predecessors in the post have been great leaders, and I hope I will be able to continue their tradition of excellence. The most critical missions of the State Library and Archives are the preservation of and access to Tennessee's historical collections and the support and development of public libraries across the state. Many talented people are already working on these priorities, and it will be my pleasure to join them. Advances in technology have made it possible to do more and reach more people with fewer overhead expenses, and my hope is that we will find new ways to serve Tennessee residents better while saving taxpayer dollars."

Sherrill will replace Jeanne Sugg, who is retiring at the end of the month after a 20-year career with the State Library and Archives. Sugg held several administrative posts at the State Library and Archives before being appointed to the top job in 2005 by then-Secretary of State Riley Darnell. Secretary Hargett reappointed her last year.

"It has been my privilege to serve the citizens of Tennessee for 20 years at the Tennessee State Library and Archives," Sugg said. "I am grateful for the unfailing support of Secretary Tre Hargett, the staff of the State Library and Archives, the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, our 12 regional libraries and our network services team. Our success in recent years has been strengthened through strong partnerships with national, state and local organizations to provide innovative programs and initiatives not only to libraries and archives, but to every Tennessean, whether in person or online. Looking forward, the Tennessee State Library and Archives has plans in place that will allow it to become an institution of great renown. The future is bright!"

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