Introducing Alex Healey, Archivist and Collections Engagement Coordinator
My name is Alex and in August I started working at the John Innes Centre as the new Archivist and Collections Engagement Coordinator. I grew up not far from Norwich, and have been aware of the John Innes Centre for as long as I can remember — I even came to a school debate on genetics and ethics here (a very long time ago!).
Early Steps into Archives
Norfolk is also where I first entered archives as a volunteer back in 2010, at the History of Advertising Trust and later the Norfolk Record Office. I decided to pursue a career in archives because it brought together so many things I enjoyed: organising information, helping people find what they need, learning about the past, and solving puzzles.
I continued volunteering as an undergraduate while studying English Literature and Cultural Studies at UEA as an adult learner, through Norwich City College. After qualifying as an Archivist and Librarian at the University of Glasgow in 2014, and taking some short-term roles, I settled into the Special Collections and Archives team at Newcastle University, where I stayed for eight years.
Experience in Special Collections
Newcastle’s historic collections reflect the university’s background in medical training, incorporating beautiful rare books on anatomy, surgery and herbals, as well as unique archives which capture the institution’s origins, development and research discoveries. I developed a particular interest in teaching and digital engagement, and in how people interact with science-centred collections.
That interest is one of the reasons I was so excited to see the opportunity to work with the John Innes Historical Collections, where I hope to deepen my understanding of the relationship between science collections and people.
Meeting the Collections
Before starting, I spent two days with Sarah Wilmot, the former curator, who introduced me to the fantastic collections held at the John Innes Centre:
- Rare Books – from stunning hand-coloured botanical prints by renowned artists, to some of the earliest printed texts on the natural sciences.
- The History of Genetics Library – more than 4,000 texts from the early 19th century onwards, providing insights into how knowledge developed through the sharing of ideas.
- Archives – records documenting the John Innes Foundation and related organisations, complemented by personal papers and oral histories.
What immediately struck me was the wealth of stories within these pages, and the opportunities they offer for all kinds of engagement activities.
Building the Future of the Collections
I believe archives and rare books should be used and enjoyed as widely as possible, and one of my favourite things is helping people access and use collections. I’m looking forward to welcoming visitors and groups, and to exploring opportunities to widen the audience for the collections through digital platforms and partnerships with other organisations.
Ensuring the survival of these books and records into the future is essential to understanding how knowledge about plants, microbes and the natural world has been discovered and developed over the last 500 years, as well as the contributions made by the Foundation since its inception in 1909. To support this legacy, I’ll also be working on a project to ensure the long-term survival and accessibility of digital records.
Get in Touch
If you have any comments or questions, or are interested in learning more about the Historical Collections, I’d love to hear from you!
Connect with Alex via email: alex.healey@jic.ac.uk