Margo Gutiérrez has been named interim head librarian for the Benson Latin American Collection, a unit of the University of Texas Libraries at The University of Texas at Austin. The appointment is effective Jan. 31, upon the retirement of Head Librarian Ann Hartness.
“The Benson Collection is one of the university’s premier research collections, world-renowned for the breadth and depth of its resources,” said Fred Heath, vice provost and director of the University Libraries. “We are fortunate to have someone of Margo’s experience, expertise and community stature to oversee its operations during this transition period.
“Margo’s long experience with the Benson Collection, together with her academic credentials, scholarly publications and well-established connections throughout the research communities will ensure that the Benson continues to operate effectively during the search for a new head librarian.”
Gutiérrez was named REFORMA Librarian of the Year in 2000 by the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking. She is the recipient of a General Libraries Librarian Excellence Award (in 2001) and the Director’s Staff Honors Award.
Gutiérrez has co-authored “The Encyclopedia of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement and the Mexican American Experience: An Encyclopedia” with Matt Meier.
Gutiérrez holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona, a master’s degree in Latin American studies from The University of Texas at Austin and an master’s degree in library science from Arizona. Prior to joining the University of Texas Libraries in 1987, she was readers services librarian at the Blumberg Memorial Library, Texas Lutheran University and a reference librarian at the University of Arizona Library, where she was also a cataloger and serials assistant.
