Itza A. Carbajal
Latin American Metadata Librarian,
The University of Texas at Austin
“As the archival profession tries to define its role and contributions to society, those elected to leadership positions must reflect the present as well as the future of the field. These elected representatives are there to encourage change and support the field as it adapts in order to grow and thrive.”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Latin American Metadata Librarian, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Special Collections, The University of Texas at Austin, 2018–present.
- Archives Assistant, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 2016.
- Graduate Research Assistant Reference Services, The University of Texas at Austin, 2016–2017.
EDUCATION
- Continued Education in Digital Archives Specialist Program, Society of American Archivists.
- Master of Science in Information Studies, The University of Texas at Austin School of Information.
- Continued Education in Archival Practice & Theory Certificate, Modern Archives Institute, National Archives & Records Administration.
- Bachelor of Arts, Dual Degree in English and History, The University of Texas at San Antonio.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Archival Education and Research Institute: Program Committee Member, Archival Education and Research Initiative.
- Online Computer Library Center (OCLC): Archives & Special Collections Communities: Linked Data Review Group, Appointed Member.
- Linked Data for Production: Pathway to Implementation Project: Ethics in Linked Data Affinity Group, Co-Convener.
- Society of American Archivists: Human Rights Archives Section, Chair, Steering Committee Member; Liberated Archive Forum, Program Subcommittee, Member.
- Archivists Against History Repeating Itself Archivists Collective: Founding Member.
- The University of Texas at Austin School of Information: Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Appointed Graduate Student Member; Curriculum Committee, Appointed Graduate Student Member.
- Association of Moving Image Archivists: Local Program Committee, Member.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS AND AWARDS
- “Ethical Obligations to Archival Donors: Defining the Affective Relationship Between Archival Donor and Archivist” (in review).
- “Book Review of Ethical Questions in Name Authority Control” (in review).
- Alpert-Abrams, Hannah, David A. Bliss, and Itza Carbajal. "Post-Custodial Archiving for the Collective Good: Examining Neoliberalism in US-Latin American Archival Partnerships," Journal of Critical Library and Information Studies 2, no. 1 (March 03, 2019), doi:10.24242/jclis.v2i1.87.
- “¡Afro-Colombianos Presentes! Launching a Post-Custodial Project with the Proceso de Comunidades Negras in Colombia,” Tex Libris UT Libraries Blog (November 2018).
- “I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means: Differing Conceptions of the Archive,” SAA 2017 Conference Recap Article for the Students and New Archives Professionals Section (August 2017).
- “Digital Keepers: The Ethics of Saving Online Data About Latin American Social Movements,” Portal: LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections Annual Review (Fall 2017).
- “Web Archivability: A Pathway Towards Dialogue,” Dodging the Memory Hole: Saving Online News Fellowship (2016).
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
- "Radical Empathy at Work: Lifelong Learning and Linked Data," 2019.
- "Metadata Development and Decisions in Post Custodial Collaborations," 2019.
- "Decolonialization & Indigenization in/through Archives for Repatriation, Reparations and Land Reclamation," 2019.
- "Metadata From the Source: Participatory Metadata Models in Post-Custodial Projects in Latin America," 2019.
- "Centering Donor Consent: Investigating Archival Donor Relations Practices," 2018.
- "Creating Knowledges: A Discussion on the Significance of Gloria Anzaldúa and Archival Collections," 2018.
- "Crossing Borders: Why Archival Science Students Benefit from Interdepartmental and Transdisciplinary Coursework," 2017.
- "Digital Keepers: Ethics of Saving Online Data About Latin American Social Movements," 2016.
- "Towards an Archive of Our Own: Exploring the Early Stages of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Digital Community Archive," 2015.
QUESTION POSED BY NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The work of the Nominating Committee is critical to the success of SAA as an organization. Describe how you would identify and recruit potential candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and who demonstrate commitment to SAA’s Strategic Goals.
CANDIDATE’S RESPONSE
I believe in the work of cultivating, supporting, and uplifting the next generation of archivists. As the archival profession tries to define its role and contributions to society, those elected to leadership positions must reflect the present as well as the future of the field. These elected representatives are there to encourage change and support the field as it adapts in order to grow and thrive.
If elected as a member of the Nominating Committee, I will continue to reach out, advocate for, and nurture others looking to get involved and contribute back to the archival field. Throughout my various careers, I have made it a point to connect people with each other as well as to opportunities for growth. The Nominating Committee as witnessed with this year’s election plays a crucial role in setting up opportunities for people to join and contribute to the archival community. As a representative of my communities, I believe that it is my duty to use my privileges, status, or connections to highlight new people, perspectives, insights, and ways of engaging with the field.
In particular, my perspective as a woman of color from multiple historically underrepresented cultural backgrounds and identities equips me with an acute sensitivity and ability to identify who continues to be left out, who needs to be brought in, and how to balance competing interests and visions within a diverse group.
2020 ELECTION HOME
