It is the Library’s great pleasure to introduce the latest addition to UC Merced’s Archives and Special Collections team, Polly Peralta. Polly Peralta is our new Archives Specialist, who helps the team to process archival collections. Polly joined the library in May 2025 and hit the ground running with all the different projects that the Archives is undertaking.
We were able to sit down with Polly to ask her some questions about joining the Archives & Special Collections Team!
What are you looking forward to the most about working for the UC Merced Library?
I am glad to be working in an archive that preserves Central Valley history. This is my first full-time position working in the Archive fields. I had experience before as a student intern at Fresno State at the Viticulture and Enology Library.
What is your favorite collection to work on so far?
My favorite collection that I have encounter so far is the Federal Women's Social Club from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks as well as many of the 4H Series from various UC Cooperative Extension collections. I really enjoy the 1950s and 1960s aesthetics, so I enjoy seeing the vintage styles in the Federal Women's Social Club’s photograph albums. The 4-H series has some retro Halloween decorations and cooking recipes that were found within the series.
What is one past achievement that you're most proud of?
Getting my Master of Science in Library and Information Science. When I was younger, I had a hard time with schooling. Once I found the right field, it helped me navigate higher education. My master’s degree is the culmination of all my hard work.
What would you like to accomplish or learn in your new role?
I am very excited to work full time in the archives. My long-term goal is to become an archivist. There are plenty of opportunities to develop my skills such as processing, preservation skills, and sharing history with the wider community.
Polly Peralta retrieving archival materials from storage.
