Roggio to Lead University Libraries Interlibrary Loan Department

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Robin Roggio has been named director of Resource Sharing and Interlibrary Loan, effective September 2024. 

Roggio's first position with the University Libraries was as a work-study student in 1992. She began working full time in 2000 as a receptionist for Interlibrary Loan and has moved up through five positions within the department since then.

"I love Arkansas, and it's an honor to serve my state institution in this way," she said. "The first 24 years have been so fun and fulfilling. I never get bored doing my job, and I know not everyone is so lucky. I'm looking forward to new quests in the years to come in my new role as director." 

The University Libraries are proud to offer access to millions of resources: books, journals, databases, manuscripts, and myriad online materials. But it simply isn't possible to own every single resource in existence, and that's where Interlibrary Loan comes in.  

When a researcher is unable to find a specific item they need in the U of A's collections, Interlibrary Loan specialists work with other libraries and institutions worldwide to borrow that item for them. This service is usually free to patrons because the University Libraries cover almost all of the associated costs. The Interlibrary Loan team assists these other institutions in the same way, lending out copies of U of A materials for their researchers who need them.  

During the 2023-24 academic year, Interlibrary Loan provided 955 unique users with 10,883 requested items. The University Libraries spent approximately $12,500 to make these transactions possible.  

"Interlibrary Loan is essential for researchers," said Roggio. "When patrons need unique and rare items, ILL is often their only option to obtain those. My staff and I will always go the extra mile to track down whatever they need for their books, theses, and papers."

Roggio said her favorite part of the job is hunting for materials requested by researchers. She's worked with myriad institutions to procure these resources, from the Oprah Winfrey Network to Shakespeare's house in Stratford-upon-Avon. She once utilized social media to procure photos of an Irish playwright's unpublished play from the 1980s. 

When she's not tracking down obscure materials for researchers, Roggio enjoys reading, birdwatching, cooking, live music, and spending time with her partner, dog, and five cats. 

"We are absolutely excited to have Robin serve as our new director," said Adriana Gonzalez, senior associate dean for Research and Learning. "Her immense dedication and commitment to our students and faculty is evident in the countless accolades, dedications, and acknowledgements she receives. She supports research and learning through her tireless pursuit of materials that sometimes are nearly impossible to get."