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Name: Veronica A. Gonzalez
Hometown: Santiago de Chile
Job Title/Department: Archivist, Sound and Image Resources, Green Library
Location/Campus: Green Library 510/Modesto A. Maidique Campus
In a nutshell: I work with the unique Díaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Popular Music Collection. I perform different roles such as doing research to support scholars when they are not able to visit our facilities. I am involved in initiatives such as digitization and preservation projects. My primary goal is to ensure that all this treasure is available for present and future generations. I actively promote the collection through different means including conferences, workshops and social media (Facebook, blogs and others). I work with a group of wonderful students that, fortunately, are very enthusiastic and engaged with the collection.
Number of years at FIU: 9
What would you like the FIU community to know about your department?
That FIU hosts one of the largest collections of Cuban and Latin American music worldwide. It was a generous effort started by Cristobal Diaz-Ayala in 1960. This collection contains not only audio—nearly 40,000 rare vinyl records and other recordings—but also printed documents related to Latin American music such as photographs, pamphlets, lyrics, newspaper articles, among others.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I consider myself a very lucky person. I have the good fortune to work in an interesting and versatile job. It is a blessing to be able to help researchers complete their puzzles and also to learn something new every day. While working with a music collection, I am able to learn about different disciplines such as history, sociology, psychology and others. Even though it may not seem obvious, all these subjects can be explored through records, books, pictures and other items that we have in the collection.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?
I love the fact that FIU is a multicultural campus where all its members can feel welcome. My personal experience is that here you can project yourself and find the support of your colleagues and friends regardless of what your background is. FIU has a spot for everyone, and it allows you to learn from other cultures and heritages.
Family snapshot: I come from a large family where women prevail. I have a wonderful six-year-old son that makes every moment of my life very special.
Word that best describes you: Dedicated
First paying job: I supported the journalists who worked at the Chilean newspaper El Mercurio by providing the most accurate, reliable and current information about different subjects in advance of their covering events or interviewing diverse personalities.
Favorite TV show: Antiques Roadshow on PBS
Your proudest accomplishment: Receiving a scholarship to study at the Smithsonian Institution, which allowed me to learn about digital audio processes. This gave me the opportunity to travel to Washington and be trained by specialists about audio preservation.
What do you do when you are not working at FIU? My son occupies most of my free time. We read, play football, watch movies, among other fun activities. However, I also find the time to pursue an online master’s in library science.
Our most impactful research:
Great article! Its awesome to see you get the recognition you deserve.
The Diaz-Ayala Cuban and Latin American Music Collection is a wonderful resource for researchers.Its a pleasure working with you at the Sound & Image Resources Department.
Excellent interview!
Veronica, you sound very passionate and happy to work with such special collection. I am sure your work is highly appreciated by your colleges, but most importantly by patrons. It is always nice to be helped by a dedicated and enthusiastic person willing to provide a great customer service and excellent experience. I am glad that we, FIU students, count with employees like you.THANK YOU
I’m one of the colleges that is very lucky to have Veronica working for our community and also for our students. She is a very hard worker, professional, dedicated and professional person. Veronica is a gift. She is enthusiastic about life and learning, kind & compassionate with others and always striving to achieve!!! It is a privilege work with her.
Thank You.
I had the opportunity to share as classmate and coworker, Veronica is an excellent colleague.Her work in the collection is very valuable, Veronica is a role model for future generations.