Anna Van Someren

Anna Van Someren is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in both the library and arts sectors. Holding a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) in Cultural Heritage Informatics from Simmons College (2017), an MFA in Film & Video from Massachusetts College of Art & Design (1998), and a BA in Fine Art & Art History from Colgate University (1996), she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic insight to her work.

Currently, Van Someren works as Librarian Analyst for Collections Discovery at Harvard University Library, where she collaborates with the UX & Discovery Team to enhance the accessibility and discoverability of Harvard's Digital Collections. She assesses the copyright status of digital collection items to balance access, preservation, and compliance, enabling Harvard Library to responsibly share its resources with the global community. Additionally, she has served as Access Services Librarian at both the Harvard University Divinity School Library and the Harvard University Fine Arts Library, where she led teams to streamline operations, improve resource sharing, and ensure comprehensive access to the library’s vast collections.

Before transitioning to the library field, Van Someren managed scholarly projects and contributed to new media curriculum development at MIT. Her roles at MIT included academic research manager for the Hyperstudio: Digital Humanities initiative and the New Media Literacies program, where she also designed and delivered conference presentations. Her expertise in digital media production is reflected in her work as a video producer and editor, with notable screenings in international film and video festivals.

A passionate advocate for education and digital heritage, Van Someren has taught media production, co-authored curriculum for media literacy programs, and worked with a range of cultural institutions to preserve and share visual culture. Her career reflects a commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and the preservation of cultural knowledge in both the digital and physical realms.