LONDON.- The British Library announced the appointment of Dr Xerxes Mazda as Head of Collections and Curation. He will take up his new role at the Library on 12 April 2021.

Dr Mazda joins the Library from National Museums Scotland where he is Director of Collections. His varied career in the cultural sector has spanned major institutions in the UK and internationally, including the Science Museum, British Museum and Canada’s Royal Ontario Museum.

Dr Mazda said, “I am very excited to be joining the British Library and look forward to working alongside colleagues to ensure its extraordinarily rich and diverse collections are accessible and engaging for audiences throughout the UK and beyond.”

A member of the Museums Association, Dr Mazda joined National Museums Scotland in 2015 as a member of the Executive Team, contributing to the organisation’s strategic decision making and leading large, multidisciplinary teams. In particular he led the Collections strand of several major capital projects, including the award-winning new galleries at the National Museum of Scotland.

With an academic background in the natural sciences, Dr Mazda began his career at the Science Museum and has subsequently held roles at the British Museum as Head of Interpretation and Head of Learning, Volunteers and Audiences, followed by a period as Deputy Director, Engagement at the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada.

Announcing the appointment the British Library’s Chief Librarian, Liz Jolly, said: “I am thrilled that Xerxes will be joining us as Head of Collections and Curation. His extensive expertise and experience of leadership roles in high profile cultural institutions will be invaluable as we continue to open up the Library’s physical and digital collections to communities across the UK and around the world.”