Erin Robinson (she/her/hers), Post Masters Certificate Student, San Jose State University & Digital Ethnic Futures Consortium – Community Fellow
Active Years in the Los Angeles Chapter: ~3 years
Past Executive or Committee Roles: 2023 – 2023 Archives Committee, 2024 Libros Festival Subcommittee
What is your primary library service role?
My post-masters certificate at San Jose State University is focused on digital archives and records management. I am looking forward to taking the Rare Books course this fall. As a community fellow through the Digital Ethnic Futures Consortium at California State University Fullerton, I am working on the Archiving Black OC Project. I am currently assisting in the processing of a prominent community member’s collection that is housed at the Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana.
How does your work align with service to Latinos and Spanish-speaking communities?
Working with communities to amplify their voices and provide access to primary source documents is something I have become very passionate about. This aspect of my work will transcend beyond my fellowship and coursework into my career which will align in service to Latinos and Spanish-Speaking communities.
“Working with communities to amplify their voices and provide access to primary source documents is something I have become very passionate about. ”
What is your favorite aspect about your work?
The historical evidence that shows the connections that individuals have made for their communities. The impact of their work echoes decades later in the form of cultural influences.
What advice do you have for other librarians and present/future MLIS students?
Join professional organizations like REFORMA, they connect you with fellow students and professionals, who are generous with their time, experience, and knowledge. It is more than networking, it is a community that supports you and mentors you.
What programs have you been in charge of or involved with?
Being involved with Libros Festival Subcommittee was an amazing experience, not only was I part of a dedicated group that helped plan events for the festival, I also volunteered and read Christopher the Ogre Cologre, It's Over! to a group of children and their families.
“Being involved with Libros Festival Subcommittee was an amazing experience.”
What personal interests or hobbies do you have that you would like to share?
I enjoy volunteering for community organizations that advocate for art education and literacy. I have volunteered for events at Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore, Arts for LA, and Self Help Graphics & Art. I am a school-aged docent at the Getty Villa and an information volunteer at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. I enjoy traveling when possible and any type of book arts workshop.
What innovations would you like to see happen in services to Latine students and/or in academic/public libraries?
I would like to see more outreach in all levels of libraries for service for Latine students. Most students are not aware of what services are available to them and having a greater outreach would get the awareness out and would feed to a better understanding of what services are needed.