The UCR Library is pleased to announce that Robin M. Katz has assumed her new responsibilities as the Primary Source Literacy Librarian for Special Collections and University Archives.

This change reflects the continued awareness and emphasis within the world of special collections and archives of the increasing importance of primary source literacy.

As noted in the newly published SAA-RBMS Guidelines for Primary Source Literacy:

Primary sources provide compelling, direct evidence of human activity. Users who encounter primary sources gain a unique perspective on the subject they are studying, and an opportunity to learn firsthand how primary sources are used for original research. As users learn to successfully engage with primary sources, they also gain important skills that help them navigate the use of other information sources, and further develop their critical thinking skills.

Katz will serve as subject matter expert for primary source literacy and archives/special collections-based instruction and pedagogy. She will continue to teach classes and to support other learning experiences, and she is available to all library staff members for internal consultations, support, and collaborations around teaching & learning with unique and original materials.

Katz will also identify and highlight primary sources held in and outside of the library (in special and general collections, through databases and other subscriptions, at other institutions, on the open web, and in private hands) that are relevant to UCR library users, contribute to collection development, and develop reusable tools and resources for using these materials. She looks forward to working on projects that facilitate the discovery, understanding, and use of primary sources across and beyond UCR.

Please join us in congratulating Robin on her new role!