November 16, 2009
Paula T. Kaufman
Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
230 Library MC 522
1408 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
Dear Paula:
I write in full support of the position request for a full-time Librarian for Latin American, Caribbean, and
International Studies, to fill the position vacated by Nelly Gonzalez several years ago. Paula Carns has
graciously taken on the yeoman’s task of managing the Latin American and Caribbean collections on a part time
basis, however the scope and international visibility and significance of the collections warrants a full-time
dedicated person to help shape the collection in the 21st century.
As you know, the Latin American/Caribbean collection is the fourth largest in the nation and is a major reason
why our faculty and graduate students come to live and work in the university community. (Indeed, it was a
major factor in my own decision to attend the University of Illinois Ph.D. program in Anthropology many years
ago). The collection is also a major factor in the long success we have had in maintaining our status as a Title VI
National Resource Center in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, as well as attracting recently the 14 million
dollar grant that supports the Lemann Institute for Brazilian Studies. We are currently preparing our proposal
for the next Title VI grant cycle, and the strength of the library is critical.
I am excited about your plans to develop an International and Area Studies service module in order to achieve
efficiencies, take full advantage of digital resources, and improve services for the public. A dedicated librarian
with expertise in Latin American and Caribbean print, visual, and digital media is critical to maintaining our
library as a world-class, treasured resource.
Sincerely,
Ann M. Mester
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Curriculum and Area Studies Centers
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anthropology