Ruben Celani, Ph.D., joined the Hesburgh Libraries in October as a postdoctoral research associate in Italian Studies and Zahm Dante Collection curatorial fellow. He works in Rare Books & Special Collections as a subject liaison for Italian studies and curator of the Libraries’ extensive rare Italian collectionswhile also pursuing his own academic research. 

Prior to joining the Hesburgh Libraries, Celani served as an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Literary Studies at Ghent University in Belgium. He holds a Ph.D. from Ghent University in Literary Studies with specialization in Italian Studies, as well as a bachelor's and a master's degree in Archival and Library Sciences from the University of Rome “La Sapienza.” Ruben has experience working in libraries in Rome, The Hague, and Antwerp.

What drew you to the Hesburgh Libraries and this postdoc position?

The position combines curatorial tasks, research, and didactic activities that perfectly match my own hybrid profile. Most of my previous work experience is related to research or library work or teaching. This position allows me to work in all these fields simultaneously. It is an amazing opportunity to enhance my profile both as a librarian and as a researcher, and to acquire new skills that will undoubtedly benefit my career. Doing that in a library with such rich collections and a strong focus on Italian literature is just icing on the cake!

What will you be working on as a postdoc here at the Hesburgh Libraries?

As a curator, I am part of the Rare Books & Special Collections department, where I handle the Italian studies collections. I will contribute to their growth and value through new acquisitions and activities such as workshops, class sessions and exhibitions. As a researcher, I intend to make full use of the extensive primary and secondary sources available at the Hesburgh Libraries. I am particularly interested in exploring the provenance marks and paratextual features of our early printed books.

What excites you about the collections you will be working with here at the Libraries?

I am particularly drawn to our collection of 15th and 16th century Italian printed books, which strikes me for its richness and variety. As it is my own area of expertise, I believe this is where I can make the most significant contribution. At the same time, holdings such as the Zahm-Devers Dante Collection, the Primo Levi Collection, and the Wagstaff Collection provide me with an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge in other areas of Italian culture. I am also thrilled at the active interest that the Center for Italian Studies here at ND takes in our collections, which provides great opportunities for their further development and valorization.

What has surprised you in the short time you have been on campus? 

I was impressed by how frequently materials from Rare Books & Special Collections are utilized in teaching activities across various programs. I strongly support this hands-on approach. It allows students to engage with the materiality of the text and to understand its impact on the tradition and circulation of knowledge. On a more personal note, having just moved here from Belgium, I am also touched by the warm welcome and support I have received from my colleagues in these past weeks.

What do you most look forward to doing now that you are at the Hesburgh Libraries and Notre Dame?

Now that I am becoming familiar with the library workflow and environment, I look forward to exploring more of the Italian studies collection and getting to know its most frequent users. I hope to soon have a deeper understanding of what we hold and how it is used, so that I can contribute to the further improvement of the collection to the best of my ability.