David Spadafora, a historian of European thought, became President and Librarian of the Newberry in October 2005. Professor of History at Lake Forest College since 1990, he served as President of the College from 1993 to 2001 and Dean of the Faculty from 1990 to 1993. His scholarship focuses on English, Scottish, and French thought from the late 17th to the mid-19th century. He is a graduate of Williams College and earned his Ph.D. from Yale University, where he was a member of the History Department and an administrator during the 1980s.

The Idea of Progress in Eighteenth-Century Britain, Dr. Spadafora's book on British Enlightenment-era historical optimism, was named a Choice Outstanding Book in 1991. He is at work on a book-length project about the relationship between religion and secularism in Britain during the 18th century.