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Past Workshops & Events
The Special Collections & University Archives department actively pursues opportunities to engage with local UCR, as well as broader, communities. These activities include collaborating with UCR professors in their classes, conducting workshops, and hosting other types of events. Some of the workshops and events that our staff have conducted or participated in are included here. Click the below links to view the recordings of the events.
Jesús Salvador Treviño Science Fiction Collection
Located in: Special Collections & University Archives
This collection consists of scripts, call sheets, storyboards, crew lists, set plans, and other material pertaining to science fiction television shows directed by Jesús Salvador Treviño, an American television director and writer. Includes material from Seaquest DSV, Babylon 5, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Library acquires award-winning Science Fiction novelist's papers
Astrid Bear, the daughter of award-winning Science Fiction novelist Poul Anderson and his wife Karen, recently donated their papers to the UCR Library.
The collection includes 73 boxes of correspondence, manuscript drafts, notes, diaries, personal records, artwork, memorabilia and ephemera from various conventions and events.
“I am absolutely delighted that the Eaton Collection at UC Riverside is the custodian of my parents’ papers, preserving and making them available for scholars long into the future,” Bear said. “The Eaton Collection is one of the premier university SF/F collections in the world, and I am very happy that the Poul and Karen Anderson papers are part of it.”
A Danish-American author born in Bristol, Pa., Poul Anderson earned his undergraduate degree in Physics at the University of Minnesota, which provided a strong foundation for his science fiction writing. He published more than 50 novels and contributed to over 60 anthologies, receiving seven Hugo Awards, three Nebula Awards, a John W. Campbell Memorial Award, among others throughout his highly-decorated career. He also served as the President of the Science Fiction Writers of America from 1972-1973 and was named a Grand Master in 1997.
Karen Anderson co-wrote several books with Poul, including “The King of Ys” series. She was also a prolific publisher of fanzines and a very active contributor.
“Poul and Karen were both integral members of the science fiction and fantasy communities in California. Poul was one of those few authors who found success writing in both genres, and the collection represents that very well,” explained Andrew Lippert, Special Collections Processing Archivist, who processed the collection in 2019. “One of his most highly regarded works, which won the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus, is the novella ‘The Queen of Air and Darkness,’ which might be one of the first successful blendings of sci-fi and fantasy.” Few authors have won all three awards for a single piece, Lippert said.
Lippert and the Jay Kay and Doris Klein Librarian for Science Fiction, Jacqueline “JJ” Jacobson, included this novella in the library’s 2019 exhibition, 50x50: Celebrating the Eaton Collection’s 50th Anniversary.
The Andersons’ shared an interest in history, particularly northern European medieval themes, which found its way into some of Poul’s writing, according to Lippert. They were also founding members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) and both maintained active roles within the community and fandom.
“We are delighted to have the Anderson collection join the papers of Anne McCaffrey, Gregory Benford, Gardner Dozois, and others as part of the Eaton collection at UCR,” Lippert said.
Astrid Bear notes, “The knowledge, respect, and enthusiasm shown by the UCR staff during the donation and cataloguing process was quite wonderful.”
Poul Anderson passed away in 2001, followed by Karen in 2018.
Klein photo gallery sparks delight and discussion among science fiction fans
When Calisphere released the online gallery of 5,933 recently digitized photos from the Jay Kay Klein photographs and papers on science fiction fandom last week, the UCR Library’s team was thrilled with the rapid response of the science fiction fan community.
Within 15 hours of publication, chats about the images lit up fan blogs, including Mike Glyer’s site, File770.
A science fiction fan, Klein photographed many events during the 1960s and 1970s, including “Worldcon.” Klein donated these photographs, which were part of his $3.5 million estate, to the UCR Library in 2014.
“We’re a large but tight-knit community and we love our history,” said David M. Stein. “Since this archive went live, we've been pointing out images, lots of ‘OH MY, that's <so-and-so>,’ and ‘Hey Anne, were you ever THAT young?’”
Some fans were understandably frustrated that individuals were misidentified in some of the picture captions, but the overwhelming majority were delighted as they found many familiar faces and fond memories among the sea of photos.
Library staff received emails from many fans, graciously offering to provide additional information about the people and events pictured “before all those who attended the conventions have shuffled off this mortal coil,” as Maggie Thompson so aptly stated.
“NYCon III was my first world convention,” wrote John-Henri Holmberg. “I'm amused to more or less recognize my youthful self in a few of Jay Kay Klein's photos.”
JJ Jacobson, the Jay Kay and Doris Klein Librarian for Science Fiction, has had many conversations with fans about the photos since the gallery went up on Calisphere. “We knew there were flaws,” she commented. “We also knew it would be possible to crowdsource, but we had no idea that the SF community would be so magnificently generous. We weren’t ready for the flood, but we’re ecstatic that it’s happening.”
To give perspective on the “flood,” Digital Initiatives Program Manager Eric Milenkiewicz shared these statistics: In the last week of August, UCR collections on Calisphere received 33,557 pageviews (25,407 unique), which is far beyond those received in a typical week.
“The impact that this collection has had thus far is remarkable,” Milenkiewicz added. “Our pageview statistics on Calisphere have just soared over the past seven days, with much of this traffic attributed to the Klein photos!”
Glyer has generously offered to use File770 to help spread the word among the Science Fiction community about how fans can submit corrections to the photo captions.
“We knew there were some issues with the metadata before we put it up,” explained Cherry Williams, Director of Distinctive Collections. “But what’s important to us is that this is a vibrant, living project that’s going to continue to move and breathe and evolve.”
Fans who want to contribute corrections and/or enhancements for the Klein photo captions can submit them through this form, which was created for this project by Digital Assets Metadata Librarian, Noah Geraci.
Jacobson offers one word of caution to those who wish to help with the metadata corrections: “It will not show up immediately [on Calisphere] because we need to validate, in case two different people give us conflicting information.”
Williams, Jacobson, Milenkiewicz, and Geraci are already thinking ahead to how the library can improve the integration of crowdsourced metadata in the future, as there are more than 55,000 of Klein’s images that have not yet been digitized.
“I knew Jay Kay Klein back in the day (and may appear in some of his photos),” Dennis McCunney commented via email. “I think he'd be delighted at the response to his work. I certainly am.”
This project will continue to grow, but it would not be possible without financial donations. Should you feel inspired to support the digitization of more of Klein’s photographs, please contact Jernine McBride, Associate Director of Development for the UCR Library, to discuss how you can help to move this project forward.
Discovering Tomás Rivera: A Legacy of Leadership, Literature, and Social Justice
As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches (observed September 15 - October 15), it’s important to recognize the lasting impact of Tomás Rivera on the UC Riverside community.
Tomás Rivera was the first Mexican American and minority chancellor in the University of California system and his influence continues to shape our campus. The Tomás Rivera Library, named in his honor, reflects his lasting impact on UCR and the Hispanic community.
Born in Crystal City, Texas, in 1935, Rivera was the son of migrant farmworkers and spent part of his early life working in the fields. He pursued higher education, eventually earning an M.A. in Spanish Literature and a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literature all while working as a high school teacher.
Rivera’s writing often gave a voice to those overlooked, addressing issues of identity and labor. His most recognized work is his novel ...y no se lo tragó la tierra (...and the Earth Did Not Devour Him). Published in 1971, the novel captured the lives of Mexican American migrant workers.
As chancellor of UCR from 1979 to 1984, Rivera was a champion for increasing educational access for underrepresented communities. His efforts were driven by a firm belief in the power of education to bring about social change. His leadership helped guide UCR towards becoming the inclusive and diverse institution it is today.
The Tomás Rivera Archive, housed in our Special Collections & University Archives, helps preserve his legacy. This collection includes manuscripts, correspondence, and photographs that provide valuable insights into his life and work. The archive serves as an essential resource for those studying Rivera’s impact on literature, education, and UCR. You can view select digitized photographs and documents from the collection on Calisphere.
Although he passed in 1984, Tomás Rivera remains a figure of significant importance. His dedication to education and social justice continues to inspire our community. The Tomás Rivera Library, along with his archive, stands as a living testament to his life’s work, ensuring that his influence on UCR and beyond will endure for generations.
Honoring the life of a treasured colleague
On Monday, Mar. 29, library employees gathered virtually to celebrate the life and enduring contributions of Christina Cicchetti, a UCR librarian for the past 14 years, most recently the Social Sciences Teaching Librarian.
Christina passed away on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 from complications related to COVID-19.
In 2007, Christina joined the UCR Library as an Education / Reference Librarian, after more than 30 years of experience in higher education, including librarian roles at La Sierra University and the University of La Verne.
Christina was well-known as a supportive and caring colleague who fostered fruitful and warm partnerships between the faculty and the library. She formed deep and lasting collaborations with UCR’s Graduate School of Education faculty and students. In 2019, her librarian position expanded to include support for all social science disciplines.
She oversaw the Learning Resources Display Center at Tomás Rivera Library. Beyond UCR, Christina connected with local educators on college readiness and became a founding member of a regional group of K-12 and academic librarians to create a library bridge to college.
She consistently enhanced the patron experience at the library with book fairs, dynamic displays, professional development events, and faculty orientation sessions.
Christina is deeply missed and remembered fondly by her colleagues at the UCR Library and around campus.
“In addition to Christina’s genuine heart and professionalism was also her spirit and perseverance. Especially the past few years. Christina was an inspiration to us all. Christina made me want to be more than just an excellent librarian, she made me want to be an excellent individual and human being. I will truly miss her.” - Michael Yonezawa, Early Experience Teaching Librarian
“Christina brought so many great qualities to the workplace! I always appreciated her calm, reasoned, and collaborative approach, as well as her wry, realistic views on whatever was happening. She’ll be sorely missed. Wishing comfort and strength to all who mourn her loss.” - Janet Reyes, Geospatial Information Librarian
“Christina was a compassionate and beautiful soul. She truly cared about the work she did, and she cared about the people she worked with. She definitely embodied Colossians 3:23-24. It reads, ‘And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.’ Christina will be missed on earth, but blessed to know she is now in Heaven with the Father. Thank you Christina for every story you shared and every word of encouragement you gave me. I love you always.” - Leslie Settle, Access Services Desk Coordinator
“Thank you Chris for your kindness, encouragement, and friendship over the years. Chris was kind and caring. I remember the care she took as a librarian whether at reference or in the early days at the curriculum resource center. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to the Cicchetti family.” - Elisa Cortez, Medical Education and Clinical Outreach Librarian
"Christina was a kind and thoughtful colleague, who embodied a quiet assuredness. She was always supportive, professionally and personally. Even though my office was in Orbach, she would still come over to my office or the reference desk, to follow up on a project, offer support for something, or just to say hi. More recently, she reached out to offer support to me when I experienced a personal tragedy due to the pandemic. Her example as a colleague and librarian encourages me to be better. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her friends and family." - Kat Koziar, Data Librarian
"We were all so fortunate to get to work with Christina at UCR. She embodied an ethic of care with her colleagues, and was always so kind to everyone she met. May her memory be a blessing." - Dani Cook, former Director of Teaching & Learning
"Christina was a gift to the Graduate School of Education. She looked out for our library needs and shared her expertise with our faculty and students. She was one of my favorite people at UCR. Thank you for sharing all of the stories about Christina’s wonderful life. She will be remembered and missed by all." - Sharon Duffy, former Dean, UCR Extension
"Christina was remarkable; such an amazing help to students in the GSOE. Every time she came to a class to open the exploration of a search, I learned something new." - Rollanda O'Connor, Professor, Graduate School of Education
"Christina was a wonderful colleague, librarian, researcher and teacher--always quick to help and with a serene and healing smile on her face. I am thankful for Christina's presence in my life and in the lives of our students, staff, and faculty. We miss you very dearly, Christina." - Robert Ream, Interim Associate Dean and Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education
Amazing Stories: A Century of Science Fiction
A new exhibit marking 100 years of the historic science fiction magazine Amazing Stories is now on display at the Tomás Rivera Library.
Founded by Hugo Gernsback in April 1926, the magazine helped define the genre of science fiction as we know it today. This exhibit showcases a selection of landmark issues from the magazine's illustrious history, and will be available to view on the first floor of the Tomás Rivera Library until Sunday, April 26, 2026.
These items are pulled from our Eaton Collection of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Learn more about the Eaton Collection on the Eaton webpage or follow the collection on Facebook and Instagram.
| Event | Amazing Stories: A Century of Science Fiction |
| Location | Tomás Rivera Library, first floor (after you enter, turn left) |
| Dates | Monday, April 6 - Sunday, April 26, 2026 |
| Hours | View this exhibit during the Library's operating hours. Monday - Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 12 a.m. |
Celebrating the Eaton Collection's 50th anniversary
On Saturday, Oct. 26, supporters of the UCR Library's Eaton Collection of Science Fiction and Fantasy gathered to celebrate the collection's 50th anniversary.
The Eaton Collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy is one of the world's largest, richest, and deepest collections of science fiction, fantasy, horror, utopian literature and related genres. The collection originated with the personal library of Dr. J. Lloyd Eaton, consisting of about 7,500 hardback editions of science fiction, fantasy and horror from the Nineteenth to the mid-Twentieth centuries, which was acquired by the UCR Library in 1969.
“The Library team realized that the 50th anniversary of the Eaton Collection would be an ideal opportunity to reach out to all our Eaton stakeholders and show our appreciation for their support,” Derrick said. “We welcomed distinguished authors whose work resides in this collection, and one noted science fiction scholar came from as far away as the Caribbean to participate.”
University Librarian Steven Mandeville-Gamble greeted guests as they arrived at Rivera Library, along with Assistant University Librarian for Content and Discovery Tiffany Moxham, Director of Distinctive Collections Cherry Williams, Special Collections Processing Archivist Andrew Lippert, Associate Director of Development Jernine McBride, and Senior Director of Development Clyde Derrick.
Mandeville-Gamble gave welcoming remarks, followed by Interim Provost Thomas M. Smith.
The program featured a panel discussion on "Graduate Research and the Eaton Collection at UCR," moderated by Dr. Sherryl Vint, professor of Media and Cultural Studies. Speakers included UC Riverside graduate students Taylor Evans, Brandy Lewis and Josh Pearson.
Pearson noted the fanzines, in particular. “One of the things that really struck me is that the practices and modes of engagement that were fostered in Science Fiction -- the forms of fandom, the forms of community developed in the kinds of fanzines that are enshrined upstairs in the Eaton -- have come to permeate not only American culture in general, but particularly American youth culture,” he explained. “Some of the most important ways that my students are making meaning in the world with Science Fictional images have their origin in some of the things that are collected upstairs. Returning to those and thinking hard about them is a way of thinking hard about some of the most crucial questions that we’re thinking about as educators right now.”
Festivities concluded with Williams and Lippert taking guests on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Eaton Collection in the Special Collections and University Archives department, located on the fourth floor of Rivera Library.
If you are a UCR alumni or community stakeholders who enjoys science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other types of speculative fiction, please consider supporting the Eaton Science Fiction and Fantasy Fund. To learn more, please contact Jernine McBride Williams, Associate Director of Development for the UCR Library.
Library Receives Mellon Grant for Innovative App
Archiving social media for generations to come.
A two-year, $517,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will fund a joint project called "Documenting the Now: Supporting Scholarly Use and Preservation of Social Media Content." The project — a collaboration between The University of California, Riverside, Washington University in St. Louis, and the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities (MITH) at the University of Maryland — responds to the public’s use of social media for chronicling historically significant events and demand from scholars and archivists seeking a user-friendly means of collecting and preserving this digital content.
The three institutions will develop DocNow – a cloud-ready, open-source application that will be used for collecting tweets and their associated metadata and Web content. The app will be specifically designed to help authenticated users tap into Twitter streams to identify web content that is of value for current and future research.
Bergis Jules, co-principal investigator and community lead at UC Riverside, hopes the DocNow project will be a catalyst for community building around the scholarly use and preservation of social media archives. "Community building will be vitally important as we continue to develop standards and effective practices around the collection and access to this rich content," said Jules. "I'm excited The Mellon Foundation is supporting this project as it will be an important contribution to scholarship on social media archiving."
The grant also supports the development of best practice recommendations for ethical, copyright, privacy, and access issues related to collection of social media content.