Staff Profile: John Lutman, Librarian at Western Archives

A Librarian in the Western Archives, John Lutman has thirty-one years of experience working with the regional and special collections at Western Libraries.  His current position as the James Alexander and Ellen Rea Benson Special Collections Librarian finds him working within the areas of rare books and regional history.  If you have a question about our rare book collection or about regional history, particularly architectural history, John is a valuable resource.

Could you please give a brief description of your position at Western Libraries?

I occupy the first endowed chair in Western Libraries as the James Alexander and Ellen Rea Benson Special Collections Librarian.  My major responsibility is to collect materials and to provide reference and instructional service within the areas of rare books and regional history.

What would you consider to be the best part of your position?

The people and intellectual aspects of my responsibilities.  I enjoy working with the staff who report to me and working with the University Archivist as well as archivists and other staff of Western Archives.  Our staff bring many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to Western Archives.

I also enjoy speaking to students about the unique and extensive resources of the Benson Special Collections and answering the challenging and demanding reference inquiries of Western Archives patrons.  I receive particular statisfaction in seeing students surmount the challenges posed by rare book and primary source research and witnessing their subsequent enthusiasm as they become engrossed in the materials.

What would you consider to be the most interesting part of your position?

Even though I have been at the business of rare books and regional history for thirty-one years, I've never lost my enthusiasm for the materials.  I have had the privilege of dealing with donors and rare booksellers in the acquisition of rare books and local history materials for Western Archives.  I have never ceased to be amazed by what I have discovered in donor's homes and offices, and in bookseller's stores and catalogues.  Over the years, I have managed to accumulate a raft of "collecting stories", which I enjoy sharing with colleagues and with students in the instructional sessions.

Any personal interests or hobbies that you'd like to tell us about?

I have a keen interest in architectural history, particulary that of southwestern Ontario.  I travel about the region taking photographs of buildings of architectural significance.  In July, for instance, I spent two days in Cambridge, Ontario photographing the handsome stone buildings found in this community.  I added these photographs to the thousands I have taken elsewhere in Canada, the United States and parts of Europe.  I also collect books of urban and architectural history as well as recordings of classical music and Hollywood soundtracks.

This article appears as part of a series of staff profiles designed to introduce library staff members and their services to the Western community.  Stay tuned for more Western Libraries staff profiles!