University Libraries welcomes new research & data services librarian

The University Libraries announces the appointment of Margo Gustina as the new research and data services librarian. Gustina brings more than a decade of leadership, research and teaching experience to the position. They started the position at the beginning of the fall semester.

Gustina has led two major research projects funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services as principal investigator. Libraries in Community Systems, a $305,000 grant project with the Northern New York Library Network, examines how libraries act as essential components of community systems. Rural Libraries and Social Well-Being, a $331,000 project with the Southern Tier Library System, studied how rural libraries contribute to equity, belonging and resilience. Both projects produced publicly available tools and data that continue to inform practices across the field.

Additionally, they worked as an instructor, designing and leading courses at UNM's department of economics and Syracuse University's School of Information Studies.

"My role as Research and Data Services librarian allows me to continue to expand the open access vision of UNM's College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences. Every day I get to support inspired scholars to create not only great research products, but to make each phase of that cycle rigorous, ethical and responsive to the needs we face as a society. I'm proud to be part of this community of learners and creators," they said.

Gustina's professional experience includes service as senior program manager at UNM, where they oversaw a multi-institution National Science Foundation-funded project on food security and sustainable agriculture in tribal communities. They previously served as deputy director of the Southern Tier Library System in New York, where they coordinated data, governance and resource sharing for 48 member libraries.

Gustina has also worked as a librarian with the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, the South-Central Regional Library Council and the South Seneca Central School District. They began their career managing community programs for the Central Arkansas Library System.

"We are excited to welcome Margo to the University Libraries. Their expertise in research and data services will not only strengthen the support we provide to faculty and students, but also expand the libraries' role in advancing openness, and impact across the university and beyond," said Amy Jackson, associate dean of University Libraries.

Gustina received their doctorate in economics from UNM (2025). They also hold a master's degree in library and information science from Syracuse University (2012) and a bachelor's degree in cultural studies and comparative literature from SUNY Empire State College (2011).