Metcalf Scholars

June 21, 2023

We “graduated” 39 Library Metcalf Scholars this year and were proud to see them march by at commencement in their Library Science lemon-yellow stoles. What is a Metcalf Scholar? Students who work in the libraries throughout their undergraduate career are honored with this distinction each year at a gala lunch just before graduation.

Metcalf Scholars marching during commencement

Metcalf Scholars honor Keyes DeWitt Metcalf (1889-1983), a former Oberlin Library student worker and distinguished alumnus (Class of 1911). Metcalf worked for his uncle, the great Oberlin librarian Azariah Smith Root, beginning at the age of 13. He continued his library work through his undergraduate years, while also finding time for football and track, distinguishing himself in both. From Oberlin, Metcalf went on to direct the Research Department at the New York Public Library and later to serve as the director of all Harvard Libraries. A worthy model for our wonderful student library assistants!