Traditionally, searches for the President and Librarian of the Newberry Library have been conducted by the Board of Trustees. In 1985, Lawrence W. Towner, who had previously announced his retirement as President and Librarian, coordinated the search for his successor.

Search committee minutes, agendas, memoranda, correspondence, lists, and reports; and applicant vita, correspondence, and recommendations for 1894, 1908-1909, 1961-1962, and 1985-1986 Librarian searches. 1894 search files for the Librarian to replace William F. Poole contain applicant correspondence and recommendations, including those of John Vance Cheney, Newberry Librarian, 1894-1909. 1908-1909 search files contain applicant correspondence and recommendations as well. W. N. C. Carlton's (third Newberry Librarian, 1909-1921) file also includes correspondence between Carlton and E. W. Blatchford regarding Carlton's plans and objectives.

For Trustee correspondence re Pargellis' selection as fifth Librarian of the Newberry, see Record Group 03/05/02, Box 2, Folder 60a.