News

Is journalism the “first rough draft of history?” Journalists and historians often work in tandem, serving as one another’s sources for primary research and background information.  Sometimes the relationship is tense, with historians wishing for fuller context in reported news, and journalists likely wishing that...

The John Carter Brown Library, located on the campus of Brown University, has one of the world’s most significant collections relating to the history of the early Americas, particularly focused on printed books, maps, and prints.

The JCB is hiring two Research Associates who will...

Please be advised that in the wake of the tragic events of December 13, the John Carter Brown Library will be closed on Monday, December 15, 2025 and will remain closed to the public until Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 

Library staff will work a modified/flexible...

Adding to this season’s staff news, we are thrilled to share that Meaghan J. Brown has joined the JCB as Associate Director for Digital Asset Management. A scholar and experienced digital humanist, Dr. Brown holds a PhD in the History of Text Technologies and a...

The John Carter Brown Library community is celebrating the life of Clinton I. Smullyan, Jr., who passed away in October. Clint was a vital force for the JCB, having served for over four decades --and through four directors. He served on various committees during his...

Over the past few years the JCB’s team has grown exponentially, increasing our capacity to do the work of supporting research about the early Americas through our extraordinary collections. This growth has been especially intense over the past few months, as we have added three...