Ken Peterson
About Ken Peterson
Ken Peterson serves as the Executive Director of Baker Library at Harvard Business School, where he has worked since 2021. With over twenty years of experience in library and knowledge management, he has held various leadership roles in both public and private institutions, emphasizing improved access to research content.
Current Role at Harvard Business School
Ken Peterson serves as the Executive Director of Baker Library at Harvard Business School. He has held this position since 2021, contributing to the library's mission of supporting the academic and research needs of faculty, students, alumni, and researchers. His role involves collaboration with colleagues across Harvard University and other institutions to enhance library services and access to resources.
Previous Experience in Academic Libraries
Prior to his current role, Ken Peterson worked at Dartmouth College as the Associate Librarian for Access and Collection Strategies from 2018 to 2021. He also held various positions at Harvard University, including Director of Access Services from 2014 to 2018 and Interim Associate University Librarian for Research and Education from 2016 to 2017. His extensive background in academic libraries emphasizes improving access to both physical and digital content.
Educational Background
Ken Peterson earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from Simmons College, studying from 1997 to 1998. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from the University of New Hampshire, where he studied from 1993 to 1997. Additionally, he completed a certificate program at Harvard University Graduate School of Education in 2012, further enhancing his expertise in library and information science.
Experience in Public Libraries
Ken Peterson has significant experience in public library systems, having worked at the Boston Public Library in various capacities from 1999 to 2010. His roles included Government Documents Research Librarian, Coordinator of Services to Libraries, and Writer/Editor. This experience has contributed to his understanding of library services and community engagement.
Focus on Research and Access
Ken Peterson emphasizes the importance of embracing new research methods and reducing barriers between scholars and research content. His work reflects a commitment to improving access to information and resources, which is critical in the evolving landscape of library and knowledge management. With over two decades of experience, he continues to advocate for innovative approaches in library services.