UCI Libraries is pleased to welcome its new Rare Books and Special Collections Librarian Anastasia Armendariz.

“The rare books and special collections librarian is a pillar of the Special Collections and Archives department, central to the instruction, outreach, reference, and community engagement objectives of the Libraries,” said University Archivist and Head of Special Collections and Archives Audra Eagle Yun.

Prior to joining UCI Libraries, Anastasia was librarian for Special Collections and the Malibu Historical Collection at Pepperdine University, where she taught primary source instruction sessions. She also taught information literacy as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland’s McKeldin Library. Her other outreach experience includes helping share library exhibits and collections with students, the media, and the broader community.

A member of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Rare Books and Manuscripts Publications and Communications Committee, Anastasia brings experience in maintenance of rare books stacks, collection auditing, and acquisitions. Her recent scholarship has centered on affect (the range of subjectively experienced emotions) in primary source instruction and collaborative rare book collections development, which includes the input of library partners and faculty. She holds a master of library and information science with a specialization in archives and digital curation from the University of Maryland and a master of arts in English from Georgetown University.

Rare Books and Special Collections Librarian Role

Supporting UCI students, faculty, community members, and visiting scholars who use the Libraries’ rare books and special collections, Anastasia’s role entails educational, research, and outreach services. She is available for instructional and orientational activities involving the Libraries’ rare books and special collections and oversees the exhibits of Special Collections and Archives. She also helps organize the department’s special events and programs. Anastasia can be contacted by email at ajarm@uci.edu.

About Special Collections and Archives

Special Collections and Archives (SCA) houses the university’s collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, born-digital files, and other unique materials. In addition to UCI’s University Archives, Orange County Regional History, and Southeast Asian Archive, collections include critical theory, performing arts, political literature, and artists’ books. For more information and to schedule a visit, check out the SCA webpage.