It is with deep sadness that the UCI Libraries shares news of the passing of Pauline Ditala Manaka, Research Librarian for Anthropology, Sociology, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Demographic and Social Analysis. She died on the evening of Sunday, June 18.

Pauline was born in South Africa during the Apartheid-Era and obtained a Bachelor of Bibliography degree at Fort Hare University in Alice, South Africa. Following graduation, Pauline was among scholars invited by former President Jimmy Carter to the United States to study. Afterwards, Pauline applied and was awarded the United States Fulbright Scholarship in Library Science from South Africa. She chose Atlanta University as her destination. In Atlanta, she studied from 1978 to 1979 and received her Master of Science in Library Science (M.S.L.S.). She continued on at Atlanta University to receive a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science. She also completed doctoral coursework in Political Science at Clark/Atlanta University and in 1988 passed the comprehensive exams and was awarded All But Dissertation (ABD) status.

In July 1989, Pauline arrived on the UCI campus after working previously as a librarian at California State University Hayward (now California State University, East Bay), Georgia State University and Atlanta University. Her role as a Research Librarian in the UCI Libraries Reference Department included collection development, faculty liaison, reference, and library instruction duties.

Some highlights from her nearly 27 years at UCI include:

  • Served as co-founder [1992] and co-chair of the UC Sociology Librarians Consortium with Sally Willson Weimer for over 10 years.
  • Served as the Social Sciences Pod leader from January 1996 to December 1999, to coordinate the work of Social Sciences Bibliographers which included bibliographers from the Graduate School of Management (now Paul Merage School of Business) and the School of Social Ecology.
  • Served on the All Reference Library Training Team from 2004 to 2008 and then again from 2009 to 2010.  In addition, acted as coordinator during the first period [2004-2008].
  • Served on the ANTPAC Management Committee (AMC) from 2006 to 2009.
  • Served as Coordinator, Library Model United Nations Program from 2007 to 2017.
  • Participated in the UC Collections Groups for Anthropology [chaired, 2008-2012], Gender & Sexuality Studies [formerly Women Studies], Sociology and German Studies. These groups collaborate to meet the California Digital Library’s materials selection and services agenda.
  • As the archivist for the Black Faculty Staff Association (BFSA), she collected and preserved the Association’s publications and records of activities.
  • Served as Chair, Association of College & Research Libraries: Anthropology & Sociology Section (ACRL ANSS) from 2013-2014

Outside of UCI and the UC system, Pauline also was very active within her profession. She was a member of various groups and committees within the American Library Association (ALA) and Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). In addition, she was an active member in various subject-areas specific associations including the American Sociological Association, American Anthropological Association (AAA), African Studies Association and the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOPS).

She was also a longtime member of the Librarian Association of the University of California (LAUC) where she served in various roles including two terms as Chair of LAUC Irvine [2007-2008 and 2011-2012).

Pauline was a beloved colleague and friend to many at UCI and throughout the UC system. Her spirit and dedication to UCI, especially to assisting faculty and students in her professional librarian capacity, will be deeply missed.

Our sincerest condolences go out to Pauline’s sons Preston and Lesetja, stepdaughter Goapele, and stepson Namane, and all her family and friends. 

 

Please join us to celebrate the life of Pauline Ditala Manaka

Monday, August 28, 2017

2:00-3:00p.m.

*Please arrive by 1:45 p.m. for registration*

Newkirk Alumni Center
450 Alumni Court
Irvine, CA 92697

RSVP NOW

 

We also encourage you to submit your stories and photos before Tuesday, August 22, 2017 to this webpage:  http://news.lib.uci.edu/pauline-ditala-manaka-submit-your-memories

Please note, these will be shared with the family and may be shared at the memorial.

Parking permits can be purchased at the Mesa Parking Structure for $2/hour; once purchased, Parking Lot 14 will be closest to the event.

 

If you have submitted a memory or asked to be notified on details for the memorial, you will receive the invitation in an email shortly. 

Pauline Manaka