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Marlayna Christensen University Archivist, Describe your role at the Library. In my role, I help students and researchers navigate our collections and collect records about campus life; academic and administrative activity; faculty governance; research and teaching; student activities; sports; and community relations.
When did you begin working at the Library, and in library science in general? My library career began back east where I worked at the Folger Shakespeare Library, New York University and Yale. After a decade, I relocated to UC Santa Barbara and worked there for three years before coming to UC San Diego in 2002. I worked in a few positions before becoming the university archivist in 2016.
Here to Help At the Library, we have subject librarians who specialize in topics ranging from aerospace engineering to visual arts. These subject matter experts help our patrons explore specific areas of study and drive research projects forward. Meet two librarians who consistently go above and beyond to ensure student success.
Timothy Chu First Year Experience Librarian Describe your role at the Library. In my role, I introduce students transitioning from high school or junior college to the Library’s vast resources and services—my main charge is to support student success. Incoming students need help adapting to the rigors of university-level research—that’s where I come in. I ensure they are familiar with our offerings.
2001
Renowned artist John Baldessari transformed the building’s facade and interior foyer to become the 15th piece in UC San Diego’s Stuart Collection: Read/Write/Think/Dream.
2003
The first Dinner in the Library was held, a novelty in 2003 when food was prohibited in the building. Originally hosted and fully planned by Friends of the UCSD Libraries, the event became an annual tradition with proceeds benefitting the greatest needs of the Library.
2004
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s birthday, a bronze statue of Dr. Seuss and one of his most memorable characters, the Cat in the Hat, was unveiled at Geisel Library. The statue was sculpted by Geisel’s stepdaughter, Lark Dimond Cates.
When did you begin working at the Library, and in library science in general? After earning my bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, I returned to my high school and worked as a library assistant—this was my introduction to library work and led me to pursue my Masters in Library and Information Science at UCLA. After graduating, I served as associate librarian at De La Salle High School for two years, then transitioned to UC San Diego, taking on my current role.
2004
The papers of San Diegan Herman Baca, a leading Chicano rights activist and prominent member of the Mexican-American community, were acquired by the Library. Since the 1960s, Baca educated and represented the Chicano community and the rights of undocumented immigrants by means of organizing protests, encouraging self-determination and defending human rights.
