John Killen has become Librarian of the Linen Hall Library having held the position of Deputy Librarian for thirty-one years.

John took up his new post as the twenty-first Librarian in the institution’s 222-year history on 4 January 2010.

Killen was educated at Queen’s University Belfast where he obtained a B.A. and two M.A.’s. He began working for the Belfast Public Library in 1975 and joined the Linen Hall in 1977 as Irish and Reference Librarian. In 1978 he became Deputy Librarian, a post he held until his recent elevation. During his thirty-three-year stint with the Linen Hall Library he has published eleven books including the definitive History of The Linen Hall Library 1788 – 1988. His knowledge of the many collections held at the Library is unrivalled.

He has been a stable and guiding force through the turbulent ‘Troubles’ working to protect and promote the Library’s vast holdings, including the world renowned Northern Ireland Political Collection which features materials from all sides of the conflict, to the international community.

John says: “It is a great honour, and a great challenge, to become the twenty-first Librarian of the Linen Hall Library. Our collections are of such importance to research that we should all be justly proud of their breadth and depth. As an independent subscription library we must be fit for purpose in the twenty-first century; and we must celebrate the educational and societal achievements of a truly unique institution.”

Looking to the future, Killen aims to continue solidifying the Library’s position as the guardian of some of Ireland’s most precious collections whilst at the same time embracing modern developments such as digitisation and greater accessibility.

The position of Deputy Librarian of the Linen Hall Library has been filled by Monica McErlane, who becomes the first female to fill the role since the Linen Hall was founded in 1788.