Joe Lueck

University of Houston Libraries welcomes Joe Lueck as the new coordinator of archival processing.

Please describe your role at UH Libraries and talk about some of your professional goals.

I lead archival processing operations in UH Special Collections. In addition to managing and performing processing of records in all formats, I develop and implement policies and procedures for the preparation of archives and manuscript collections for research use and preservation storage. As coordinator, I hope to implement industry-standard processing procedures while developing innovative solutions for processing and providing access to physical and born-digital collections. I also hope to tap into the wealth of resources and personnel across the Libraries’ departments to promote online discovery of resources, research access, and physical and digital preservation of collections.

Please share a bit about your background and interests. How do these inspire and shape your approach as an archivist?

Prior to my arrival at the University of Houston, I completed my Master of Arts in history from Bowling Green State University and my Master of Science in information with a focus in archives and records management at the University of Michigan. At Michigan, in addition to conducting archival processing at the Bentley Historical Library and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, I participated on a research team dedicated to teaching with primary sources and advancing collaboration between archivists and educators. This experience sparked an interest in user-oriented archival practice that I hope to build on and apply in archival processing at the University of Houston.

Please describe your first impressions of the University of Houston.

As a newcomer to the University of Houston and University Libraries, I have been impressed by the notably collaborative nature of the departments and the staff. I am continually excited to encounter cross-departmental relationships, from committee service to simply eating lunch together, and look forward to collaborating with more of the staff professionally and socially. I am also impressed by the university’s clear commitment to growth and recent progress in institutional growth and development. I am thrilled to be joining the staff in a time of such notable growth and change.

What is your favorite hobby?

I am an avid cyclist. I have enjoyed riding along the Bayou Greenways in my time thus far in Houston and look forward to exploring more of the city and surrounding area by bike!