The papers of Mexican-American librarian Elizabeth Martinez consist of correspondence, writing, memos, publications, photographs, and other material. Collection has been minimally processed; folders have been listed but no rearrangement was conducted.

Elizabeth Martinez (born 1943 in Pomona, CA) is a librarian whose career has focused on bringing diversity, multiculturalism and equality to public libraries and information policy. In 1966 she was the first Mexican American librarian to serve in the state of California when she took a position in the Los Angeles Public Library. Martinez has served as a library administrator, professor, and Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA). In 1965 Martinez obtained a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. The following year she received her Library Science degree from the University of California. She later continued her education by receiving a certificate of management from USC in 1978 and an executive management program certificate from the University of California, Irvine in 1986. In 1971 Martinez co-founded REFORMA, The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, which is an affiliate organization of the ALA. Along with Binnie Tate Wilkin, she co-chaired the first ALA policy on diversity "Equity at Issue" in 1986. She was County Librarian of Orange County from 1979 to 1990, and was later the city librarian of Los Angeles (1990-1994). Martinez has also been credited with reviving the Salinas Public Library system while serving as Library Director there.

9.5 Linear Feet (19 boxes)

While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.

Collection has been minimally processed but is open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.