Shaffer retires from Brethren Historical Library and Archives.

Ken Shaffer Jr., director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA), has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31. He has served for more than 20 years in the position.

He began working for the Church of the Brethren in Aug. 1970 as consultant for curriculum development for the former General Board. From 1987-89 he was editor of "A Guide for Biblical Studies." From 1972-88 he worked at Bethany Theological Seminary in Oak Brook, Ill. His positions at Bethany included bookstore manager, acquisitions librarian, administrative assistant to the Doctor of Ministry program, and library director.

In Jan. 1989 he began as BHLA director. He has held responsibility for the extensive archival collection housed in the basement of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. With documents dating back to a 1539 German New Testament, the archive preserves Brethren publications, records, and items of historical importance. Shaffer aids researchers, provides information for church programs and projects, serves as staff liaison for the Brethren Historical Committee, oversees the work of interns, and writes about Brethren history. Most recently he has contributed to a new project to digitize Brethren periodicals, in a cooperative endeavor with several other Brethren bodies.

Shaffer has written numerous articles for "Messenger" magazine, and was book review editor for "Brethren Life and Thought" from 1986-99. He has written two Brethren Press books on "Texts in Transit" with co-author Graydon Snyder and compiled the third supplement to the Brethren Bibliography.

Originally from Maryland, he is an ordained minister. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater (Va.) College, a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a master of arts in Library Science from Northern Illinois University.

Source: 5/5/2010 Newsline