The Clarke Historical Library staff reports both to the Dean of Libraries, Kathy Irwin, and to an independent Board of Governors. The Board of Governors consists of several individuals who serve ex-officio, five members serving staggered, five year terms who are elected by the full Board and approved by the Trustees of Central Michigan University, and a representative of the Clarke family who is selected by the family itself.
The current members of the Board of Governors are:
- Vacant, Library Director (ex officio)
- Norman Clarke, III (family representative)
- Robert Davies, President, CMU (ex officio)
- Michael Federspiel (term ends December 31, 2023)
- Carla Hills - Chair (term ends December 31, 2021)
- Kathy Irwin, Dean, CMU Libraries (ex officio)
- Robert Kohrman (term ends December 31, 2022)
- Carlin Smith (term ends December 31, 2024)
- Gregory Smith, Chair, Dept. of History (ex officio)
- Larry J. Wagenaar (term ends December 31, 2025)
Emeritus members
- Sandra B. Croll
- John H. Logie, Chairman