Introducing Mariagabriella Stuardi, Special Collections Cataloging Librarian at the University Libraries

Gabriella Stuardi joined the Libraries in January and jumped directly into learning about CMU, our library systems, and our cataloging practices.  In the Clarke Historical Library, she takes the lead in creating original cataloging records for printed books, microfilm, and other formats. Gabriella also works with the Acquisitions and Resource Management department on cataloging matters and provides reference services for the Library Research and Instruction Services department. Among her library activities, Gabriella serves on the Reparative Cataloging committee, with Marian Matyn and Brady Cramer, which is focused on redressing harmful or problematic description of library materials.

Gabriella brings a wealth of original cataloging experience with her to CMU. For nearly ten years, she cataloged European manuscripts and printed books at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library Rare Books and Manuscripts Library. While at Illinois, she also worked with digital projects and was a graduate research assistant in the Medieval Studies Program. She gained valuable teaching experience at Illinois as well, having taught Italian for the Department of French and Italian since 2018, which awarded her an Excellence in Teaching Italian award in 2022. Gabriella currently has a couple of research projects underway about European manuscripts and the history of the book. Outside of the library, you may see her walking Mount Pleasant neighborhoods with her sweet dog, Leone, or at nurseries buying new plants, as she is a devoted “plant person.”