Donna Herendeen

Donna Herendeen has a diverse work experience in the field of library and botanical services. Donna started their career in 1992 at Cornell University, where they held multiple positions related to literature projects and bibliographic research. Donna then worked at the Center for Research Libraries-Global Resources Network as a Bibliographic Searcher, resolving interlibrary loan requests. In 1997, they joined the Field Museum as a Scientific Researcher, supporting the research program of Dr. Peter Crane. Donna also worked at the National Museum of Natural History, where they were involved in nomenclature, bibliographic research, and data management. In 2000, they became an Independent Contractor at the National Museum of Natural History, responsible for curatorial assistant processing and database management. From 2001 to 2008, they worked at the National Agricultural Library, holding roles as an Acquisitions Librarian, Gift and Exchange Program Librarian, and USDA and Repository Publications Librarian. Donna then joined the Chicago Botanic Garden in 2008 as a Science Librarian, where they provided reference services, managed online resources, and maintained patron records. In 2015, they became a Board Member at the COUNCIL ON BOTANICAL & HORTICULTURAL LIBRARIES INC, serving as the Past President in 2019. Donna returned to the Chicago Botanic Garden in 2019 as a Plant Recorder Assistant and currently holds the position of Manager, Library Public Services since October 2021.

Donna Herendeen holds a Bachelor of Arts - BA degree in Biology/Botany from Knox College, which they obtained from 1978 to 1982. Later, they pursued a Master of Science - MS degree in Botany/Plant Biology from Michigan State University, completing their studies in 1987. Lastly, they earned a Master of Library & Information Science - MLIS degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 1990.