Azalea Camacho
Archivist and Special Collections Librarian
Special Collections and Archives, University Library, California State University, Los Angeles

What is your primary library service role?

I am an Archivist and Special Collections Librarian. I first started at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) as the University Library Archivist for 5 years and slowly moved my way up to my current role as an Archivist and Special Collections Librarian. I have been in this role for 4 years. I oversee the operations of the department, which includes archival processing, instruction, reference, public services, outreach, and collection maintenance. I have strengthened community partnerships and fostered student curiosity in the field by providing engaging opportunities for the campus community. I have worked in Special Collections and Archives at Cal State LA for 9 years.

Overall, I have 15 years experience working in academic libraries in special collections and archives settings. I am currently a fellow for the Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship for Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Heritage, which aims to advance multicultural collections through innovative and inclusive curatorial practice and leadership. I hold an MLIS with a concentration in archival studies from San Jose State University and a BS in communications from Cal Poly Pomona.

How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?

I work for Cal State LA, which is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. My work as an Archivist and Special Collections Librarian is to document the lives and historic narratives reflected in our student population and bring to light their stories through instruction, outreach, and public programming. In order to engage with students and the campus community through my work, I not only preserve community archives but also work with them to bring to light their untold stories. The importance of this is that students begin to see themselves in the archives and the impact their communities have made to the culture of Southern California.

What is your favorite aspect about your work?

My favorite aspect about my work is engaging with students and the campus community. At Cal State LA I have been able to establish the Special Collections and Archives Student Assistant Program, which exposes Cal State LA students to the archival field, and provides hands-on training in processing, digitization, reference, instruction, programming/outreach and curation. Student assistants work closely with special collections personnel to develop projects that align with their academic goals and interests. The program is centered on the department's commitment to student success and fostering curiosity in the archival profession. The program offers an opportunity for students to combine their lived experience and expertise with the skills they acquire through guidance and training in archival practice. With this hands-on approach, I have been able to create a work environment that supports student’s thinking, and encourages dialogue and exchange of ideas. Through the program I have had the opportunity to provide mentorship to Cal State LA students that would like to pursue a career in archives.

What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?

Surround yourself with people in the field who have your best interest at heart. Once you have found those people, stick to them. They will help you get through the hard times and celebrate your good times.

What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?

At Cal State LA, I manage the Special Collections and Archives Student Assistant Program and the University Library Exhibits Program. I’ve also collaborated on many other outreach and public programming initiatives with fellow colleagues and the campus community.

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?

I am a true crime buff, especially when it comes to LA true crime. I collect vintage clothing and accessories from the 1920s through 1980s. I have also been known to be into the art of taxidermy.

How would you like to see the REFORMA Archives used?

I would like to see the REFORMA Archives grow to include oral histories and digital materials. At the moment, the archives are not fully processed and I would like to provide an internship opportunity for MLIS students interested in archival processing to make the collection accessible and discoverable. Once the collection is processed, the internship opportunity can continue through other projects, such as an oral history project and assisting with bringing awareness of the collection through public programming.