WRITING CENTER - Key Persons
Adrian earned a Master of Science in Information degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from New York University. Adrian previously worked as the Associate Director of Learning Resources at Miami Dade College, Homestead Campus, and prior to that, as Peer Research and Learning Coordinator in the Department of Learning and Research Services at the University of Miami Libraries. He also held the role of reading room coordinator at the Kislak Center at the University of Miami for the department of Special Collections from 2018 to 2019.
In May 2023, Adrian joined the University of Miami Libraries as a Learning and Research Services Librarian. In this role, Adrian acts as liaison to the departments of History, International Studies, Political Science, Religious Studies, and the Michele Bowman Underwood Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, all in the College of Arts and Sciences. He initiates and fosters collaborative working relationships with students, teaching faculty, and researchers to ensure ongoing dialogue about the research needs of the University community. He also offers consultative and instructional services for undergraduate students, graduate students, teaching faculty, and faculty researchers to advance information and digital literacies and provide expert support throughout the entire research cycle.
Adrian is a member of the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).
Alberto del Pozo's Orichas
The Oricha Collection by Alberto del Pozo pays homage to the primary gods and goddesses that comprise the Afro-Cuban religion of Santería. Each pen, crayon, and ink illustration measures 40 by 30 inches. The Oricha Collection is held in the University of Miami Libraries Cuban Heritage Collection.
Job Titles:
- Unit Lead for Digital & Distinctive Collections Cataloging
Alejandra G. Barbón is the Unit Lead for Digital & Distinctive Collections Cataloging at the University of Miami. Joining the faculty of the UM Libraries in 2017, she leads projects and specialized bibliographic cataloging and metadata creation activities providing strategic direction and expertise across the University Libraries' Digital and Distinctive Collections including the Special Collections, the Jay I. Kislak Collection of the Early Americas, Exploration and Navigation, and the Cuban Heritage Collections. This incorporates applying metadata stewardship towards enhancing intellectual access and discoverability of digital content and print materials by integrating immersive approaches to classification and description, innovative advances in metadata creation, and best cataloging standards in resource description and authority work. Formerly, she served the UM Libraries as the Interim Head of Metadata & Discovery Services leading and managing departmental operations, services, activities, and projects while providing primary cataloging and liaison services for the distinctive Cuban Heritage Collection, contributing to the discovery and access to the University libraries' physical and digital content through specialized bibliographic cataloging and resource description activities.
Before joining the University of Miami, Alejandra worked as Director of the Libraries at Florida National University where she led and managed the delivery of library services, policy administration, projects, and operations across the University Libraries while fostering successful partnership with faculty, administrators, Members of the Board, stakeholders, and community organizations. Prior to this, she held various library and archival roles of increasing responsibility at Florida International University, Hillsborough County Public Library, and Miami Dade College.
Alejandra holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Kent State University with concentration in digital curation and preservation, and a Graduate Certificate in Liberal Studies from the University of Miami. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Florida International University. Her research interests include increasing access to print cultural heritage materials and enhancing discoverability of digital collections through advanced and immersive approaches to bibliographic description, metadata creation, and curatorial and preservation practices.
Alejandra is an active member of various national professional organizations including the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of Colleges and Research Libraries in the Cataloging and Metadata Management (CMMS), Rare Books and Manuscripts (RBMS), University Libraries (ULS), and College Libraries (CLS) sections. Regionally, she is also an active member of the Florida Association of Colleges and Research Libraries (FACRL), the Society of Florida Archivists (SFA), and the Cataloging Discussion Group within the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN).
Job Titles:
- Community Relations and Events Assistant
Job Titles:
- Interim Acquisitions Team Lead
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- Evening Circulation Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Manager, Acquisition and Serials
Job Titles:
- Director, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Angela Clark has over thirty-seven years of experience working in academic libraries. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Georgia State University and received her Master's in Library and Information Science from Simmons College (now Simmons University) in Boston, Massachusetts.
She joined the faculty of the University of Miami Libraries in 2004 and is a Librarian Professor and the Director of the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science Library. Before coming to the University of Miami, she was the Assistant Department Head of Access Services at the University of Georgia Libraries in Athens, 2001-2004.
Angela is an active member of the International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers (IAMSLIC) and its regional organization SAIL; and is the IAMSLIC Past President, 2021-2022.
Job Titles:
- Access Services Manager, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Job Titles:
- Scholarly Communications Librarian for Performing Arts & Humanities
Job Titles:
- Academic and Community Programs Manager
Job Titles:
- Emerging Technologies Librarian
- Interactive Media
- Music
Job Titles:
- Information Support Technician
Job Titles:
- Kislak Collection Manager
Prior to joining the University of Miami Libraries as the new Kislak Collection Manager, Mr. Arthur Dunkleman served as Director and Curator of the Jay I. Kislak Foundation for 24 years.
In 2004 a portion of the Kislak Foundation Collection was donated to the Library of Congress; Mr. Dunkelman was responsible for managing the transition and establishing research and public outreach programs. Two exhibitions --Treasures of the Jay I. Kislak Collection [2005] and Exploring the Americas [2007 to present] -- highlighted the materials and brought them to national and international attention. He also edited a comprehensive catalog of the collection, published by the Library of Congress.
His expertise range from an array of exhibitions at the University of Miami Kislak Center, the Freedom Tower, Miami-Dade College, the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library at the University of Pennsylvania, the Miami-Dade and Broward County Main Libraries, and the Miami-Dade Public Library. In addition, Mr. Dunkelman exhibition: Myths and Dreams: Exploring the Cultural Legacies of Florida and the Caribbean, toured six Florida historical museums. Among his other accomplishments, Mr. Dunkelman exhibited Antipodes: Travels to the Ends of the Earth exhibit at the Osher Map Library at the University of Southern Maine; the Maya, Portraits of a People, at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Tennessee. At the Explorers Hall, National Geographic Society in Washington DC, From the New Golden land: Four Centuries of Travel and Exploration in the Americas, and the Enchantress: Emma, Lady Hamilton exhibit at the Grolier Club in New York.
Mr. Dunkelman was a pioneer in the use of electronic media for multi-lingual, multi-cultural education and was the Project Director for the National Indian Education Association Library Demonstration Project at Rough Rock Demonstration School in Chinle, Arizona. The first Native American community-operated school in the United States, he also co-directed the New Mexico Media Conference, a statewide forum for educators and media professionals. As a partner in Blue Sky Productions in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he produced Lifeways, a series of films on village life and craft traditions in northern New Mexico and Rio Grande. A film that explored the environment and the diverse communities - Anglo, Hispanic, and Native American - that flourished along its course from its source in Colorado to the Texas-Mexico border.
Job Titles:
- Community Relations and Events Assistant
Job Titles:
- Head of the Calder Library 's Department of Learning
- Head, Learning, Research, and Clinical Information Services
Barbara M. Sorondo joined the University of Miami Libraries in May 2021 as Head of the Calder Library's Department of Learning, Research, and Clinical Information Services. She holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Mathematics, Science, and Learning Technologies as well as a Master of Science in Psychology from Florida International University, a Master of Science in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Miami. Her research focuses on information literacy in higher education and the well-being of library employees.
Dr. Sorondo is a member of the Medical Library Association, Florida Health Sciences Library Association, Florida Association of College and Research Libraries, and South Florida Health Sciences Library Consortium.
Job Titles:
- Academic and Community Programs Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Education and Outreach Librarian
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- Associate Vice President of Unit Development, Division of Development and Alumni Relations
Job Titles:
- Head of Manuscripts & Archives Management, Curator of Caribbean Collections & Subject Liaison for French and Francophone Studies
Béatrice Colastin Skokan joined the faculty in 2009 and serves as the Head of Manuscripts and Archives Management. She is responsible for the management and assessment of manuscripts and archival processing for collections in all formats accross the distinctive collections within the UM Libraries. As Curator of Caribbean Collections, she leads the coordination of collection development, exhibits, research, and outreach pertaining to the UM Libraries Caribbean collections. Her outreach activities include instruction in the use of Distinctive Collections primary source materials as well as the organizations of in house and online exhibits.
Ms. Skokan received her Master's in Library and Information Science from Florida State University and studied at the N.A.R.A. Modern Archives Institute while pursuing her graduate degree. She also holds an M.A. in International Studies and M.A. in French Literature from the University of Miami as well as a Bachelor's of Business Administration from St. Thomas University.
Ms. Skokan is a member of the Society of American Archivists (SAA), the Society of Florida Archivists, and the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the American Library Association. Her research interests include the documentation of oral, immigrant and peripheral cultures.
Job Titles:
- Director of Technical Services
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- Evening Library Technician
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- Information Support Technician
Job Titles:
- Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair and Director of Academic Programs
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- Continuing Resources Library Technician
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- Digital Production Manager
Job Titles:
- Director of Research
- Director of Research Data & Open Scholarship
Cameron Riopelle is the Director of Research Data & Open Scholarship and a Librarian Associate Professor at the University of Miami Libraries. He received his PhD in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2017, his Master of Science in Statistics (concentration: Applied Statistics) from UIUC in 2015, and Master of Arts in Sociology from UIUC in 2012. Before coming to the University of Miami, he taught courses at UIUC, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Millikin University. His research interests include teaching pedagogy, theories of colonialism and the state, and research methods. For the past several years, he has developed a generalist approach to research methods to best aid others in their research. He is a Faculty Affiliate of the Abess Center for Ecosystem for Ecosystem Science & Policy.
Part of Cameron's responsibilities at the University of Miami Libraries include research consulting, which he enjoys because it involves helping others acquire valuable knowledge and skills. His experience includes working as a research methods consultant at both Scholarly Commons, a division of the UIUC Main Library, and Applied Technologies for Learning in the Arts & Sciences (ATLAS), a unit of the UIUC College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. His library experience includes working at a university library, public library, and internships at the Library of Congress and Folger Shakespeare Library.
In addition to his background in statistics and social scientific methods, Cameron has expertise in oral history and historical-archival research, having worked on the Veteran's History Project at the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress, indexing and accessioning labor leader John L. Lewis's personal documents at the Lee-Fendall House Museum, and his own dissertation on 20th century indigenous peoples' resistance to assimilationist efforts in Canada. He has also been actively involved in field archaeological and historical archaeological projects, and projects that use mixed methodologies.
Job Titles:
- Access Services Manager, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Job Titles:
- Community Relations and Events Manager
Job Titles:
- Assistant ( Miami Lakes )
Job Titles:
- Evening Circulation Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Dean and University Librarian
Charles D. Eckman joined the University of Miami as dean of libraries and university librarian in December 2013. He previously served as dean of library services at Simon Fraser University (2010-2013), director of library collections at the University of California, Berkeley (2006-2010), and principal government documents librarian and head of the social sciences resource group at Stanford University (1997-2006).
Dr. Eckman has managed and consulted for several digital library and open access initiatives. He currently serves as vice president and member of the board of directors for the International Association of University Libraries. His past service includes membership on the boards of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (2012-2013) and the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (2011-2013). He served on the Depository Library Council to the Public Printer (2003-2006). Dr. Eckman's research interests include information policy, open access initiatives, digital scholarship, and the history of scholarly communication. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from UC Berkeley (1987), Ph.D. in politics from Princeton (1986), and a B.A. in political science from Indiana University (1979).
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Library Facilities, Space Planning & Organizational Development
Cheryl Gowing has served as a member of the librarian faculty since 1987. In her current position as Associate Dean for Library Information Systems and Facilties, she provides leadership and oversight for the Library Technology and Facilities departments. These departments are responsible for public and staff computing throughout the libraries, system administration and integrations for library services platforms, and library facilities and renovation projects.
Ms. Gowing received a Bachelor's in Music from Rhode Island College, her Masters in Library Science in 1985 and a Masters in Music in 1984 in Organ and Liturgical Music both from the University of Michigan. Her previous positions at the University include Music Cataloger, Head of Cataloging, Integrated Library Systems Coordinator, Director of Technical & Access Services, and Associate Dean for Library Information Systems, Access, and Facilities. Prior to joining the University of Miami faculty in 1987, she was a music cataloger for an NEH grant at the Bowling Green State University Popular Music Sound Recording Archives.
Ms. Gowing currently serves on the University's Academic Computing Advisory Committee. She has represented the Libraries on the Faculty Senate and General Welfare Committees, the Senate Women & Minorities Committee, the Senate Library & Information Technology Committee, the Information Technology Leadership Council, the Information Security Advisory Council, the Faculty Senate Administrative Services Committee, the Portal Steering Committee, and the Provost's Women's Advisory Committee on Academic Affairs. She was elected Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect in 2004 to a three year term on the Innovative Users Group Steering Committee, serving as Chair in 2005-2006. She is active within several library professional organizations, including LITA [Library Information Technology Association]. ALCTS [Association of Library Collections & Technical Services], ACRL [Association of College & Research Libraries], and FLA [Florida Library Association]. Within the local community Ms. Gowing serves as President of the Library Board of Trustees for the Miami Shores Brockway Memorial Library, Librarian for the Biscayne Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, and Past-President of the Scottish American Society of South Florida.
Clara Huisman joined the Faculty at the University of Miami as the Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Fellow in November 2019. In this role, she provides conservation services for the paper-based collections held by UM Libraries and the Lowe Art Museum. She is responsible for conducting condition surveys, implementing conservation treatment and housing solutions, and carrying out examination and analysis of distinctive collections materials and works of art on paper. In collaboration with conservation staff, curators, and digital program team members, she helps prepare collection items for digitization, exhibition, and loans.
Clara received her M.A and C.A.S. from the SUNY Buffalo State Art Conservation Program, and holds a B.A. in Humanities with minors in Fine Arts and Art History from Florida International University. While pursuing her Master's, she held internships at the Weissman Preservation Center at Harvard Libraries and at the Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archive, and was granted a Cathy A. Baker Fellowship at the University of Michigan Library. Clara is a member of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), the Southeast Regional Conservation Association (SERCA) and the Guild of Book Workers (GBW).
Job Titles:
- Director, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
Job Titles:
- Digital Architect and Infrastructure Librarian
Job Titles:
- Research Analytics & Impact Services
- Research Impact Librarian
Job Titles:
- Visiting Librarian for Architecture Archives and Reading Room Services
Job Titles:
- Head, Special Collections
Cristina Favretto joined the faculty of the University of Miami libraries in 2008 as the Head of Special Collections. This Department houses the Libraries' collections of rare books and manuscripts, which also include rare maps, photographs, scrap books, art work, and oral histories and other historical materials. Cristina is responsible for further building and facilitating access for these collections, with the aim of forming a world-class research collection. She and her team also curate physical and virtual exhibits, host class visits, and work with community members to ensure that the rich history of South Florida is preserved and made available to researchers everywhere.
Before joining the Special Collections Department, Cristina has held a variety of posts throughout the country, including Head of Special Collections at San Diego State University, Curator of Rare Books at UCLA's Charles E. Young Library, and Director of the Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture at Duke University. She has also worked at the Boston Public Library, Harvard University Libraries, and the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She received her M.L.S. and C.A.S. (Certificate of Advanced Studies) at the University of Pittsburgh, and her B.A. in English Literature and Art History at the State University of New York at Albany. Cristina spent her formative years in Trieste, Italy, and received her Baccalaureate from the Liceo Giosue` Carducci in that city.
Cristina has given talks throughout the country on the topics of collecting women's history materials, as well as on preserving local heritage collections. Her area of study is 19th century women's domestic cultures, with a particular interest in culinary history and the cuisines of immigrant cultures in the United States.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President of Unit Development, Division of Development and Alumni Relations
Job Titles:
- Gene Banning Pan Am Research Grant
Job Titles:
- Manager, Acquisition and Serials
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer, Biomedical Communications
Job Titles:
- Scholarly Communications Librarian for Performing Arts & Humanities
Job Titles:
- Director, Information Resource Center / Business, Economics
Job Titles:
- Kislak Collection Manager
Job Titles:
- Dean and University Librarian
Job Titles:
- Curator for Cuban Collections
Job Titles:
- Emilio Bacardí Moreau Chair and Director of Academic Programs
Job Titles:
- STEM and Interdisciplinary Research Librarian
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Collection Strategies
Job Titles:
- Director, Architecture Research Center / Art & Art History Librarian
Job Titles:
- Community Relations Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Library Facilities, Space Planning & Organizational Development
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Digital Strategies & Scholarly Communication
Job Titles:
- Digital Production Technician
Job Titles:
- Systems Support Technician
Job Titles:
- University Archives Technician
Job Titles:
- Head of Preservation Strategies
Job Titles:
- Manager of Monographic Resources
Job Titles:
- Digital Initiatives and Metadata Librarian
Job Titles:
- Head, Digital Initiatives
Job Titles:
- Cuban Heritage & Spanish Language Collections Archivist
Job Titles:
- Director, Information Resource Center / Business, Economics
- Industry Research
- Real Estate
Job Titles:
- Director of Technical Services
Job Titles:
- GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement
Job Titles:
- Education and Arts & Sciences Librarian
Job Titles:
- History of Europe
- History of the Middle East
- History of the United States
- Master of Arts in International Administration ( MAIA )
- Modern Languages & Literatures
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Executive Director
Job Titles:
- Director of the Marta and Austin Weeks Music
- Latin American Music
- Music
Job Titles:
- Database Maintenance Technician
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Library Services ( Afternoon )
Job Titles:
- Student Success Librarian
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Learning & Research Services
Job Titles:
- GIS Librarian for Instruction & Engagement
Job Titles:
- Electronic Resources Library Technician
Job Titles:
- Technician
- Latin American Music, Music
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Library Services ( Days )
Job Titles:
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- STEM and Interdisciplinary Research Librarian
Job Titles:
- Emerging Technologies Librarian
Job Titles:
- Learning Commons Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Monographic Resources Library Technician
Job Titles:
- Manager, Interlibrary Loan / Document Delivery
Job Titles:
- Web Designer & Front End Developer
Job Titles:
- Instructional and Information Services Librarian
Job Titles:
- Metadata and Special Collections Librarian
Job Titles:
- Integrated Systems Librarian
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Biomedical Communications
Job Titles:
- Reference and Education Librarian
Job Titles:
- Director of Research Data & Open Scholarship
- Research Data & Open Scholarship
Job Titles:
- Advertising
- Geography & Sustainable Development
- Media Management
- Public Relations
Job Titles:
- Director of Access Services and Learning Commons
Job Titles:
- Head, Creative Studio
- Interactive Media
Job Titles:
- Daytime Library Technician
Job Titles:
- Director of Technology Strategy & Planning
Job Titles:
- Biomedical Data Librarian
Job Titles:
- Interlibrary Loan & Reserves Manager
Job Titles:
- Academic and Community Programs Manager
Job Titles:
- Director, Architecture Research Center / Art & Art History Librarian
- Real Estate
Job Titles:
- Director of the Marta and Austin Weeks Music
Job Titles:
- Data Curation & Visualization Librarian
Job Titles:
- Head of Manuscripts & Archives Management, Curator of Caribbean Collections & Subject Liaison for French and Francophone Studies
- Manuscripts & Archives Management
Job Titles:
- Head, Learning, Research, and Clinical Information Services
Job Titles:
- Serials Library Assistant
Job Titles:
- Advertising, Communication, Geography & Sustainable Development, Media Management, Public Relations
Job Titles:
- Biomedical Data, Data Services
Job Titles:
- Assistant, Serials / Technical Services
Job Titles:
- Community Relations and Events Planner
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Dean
Job Titles:
- Unit Lead for Interdisciplinary Collections
Job Titles:
- Web Designer & Front End Developer
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean, Access and Discovery Services
Job Titles:
- Digital Projects Librarian
Job Titles:
- Course Reserve Supervisor