Francesca Marini
Associate ProfessorBiography
Dr. Francesca Marini (she/her/herself) is a tenured Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts. She holds a doctorate in Library and Information Science (UCLA), a master’s degree in Archival Studies (Modena State Archives), and a bachelor’s degree in Film and Theatre Studies (University of Bologna). Her research focuses on performing arts documentation and archiving and on theatre history, as well as on special collections and archives outreach. She publishes in performing arts journals and archival and library journals. Prior to her current role, Dr. Marini worked for eight years in the Texas A&M University Libraries, Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, and also served as Director of Archives at the Stratford Festival (Canada) and as Assistant Professor of Archival Studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Dr. Marini is an active member of several professional and scholarly associations; she serves on a number of committees, including the American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) Conference Program Selection Committee. Current and recent leadership roles include Immediate Past Chair of the Society of American Archivists’ Exhibits and Events Committee (E2), and President of the Theatre Library Association (2019-2022). She is a former Chair of the Diversity Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS, American Library Association/Association of College and Research Libraries), and she is actively engaged in diversity and inclusion initiatives, including serving on the committee of the Cushing Library’s Don Kelly Collection of Gay Literature and Culture Research Fellowship. She is a member of several committees and working groups within the School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts. She teaches courses on various topics, including aesthetics of activism, devised theatre, and arts documentation.
Education
Ph.D. Library and Information Science
The University of California, Los Angeles, 2005
Ph.D. dissertation: Sources and Methodology of Theater Research in the View of Scholars and Information Professionals, University of California, Los Angeles, 2005 (245 pages). Adviser: Professor Marcia J. Bates.
Master’s Equivalent, Archival Studies
Modena State Archives-School of Archival Studies, Paleography and Diplomatics Italy, 1997
B.A. Film and Theatre Studies
University of Bologna, Italy, 1997
Undergraduate dissertation: Renato Simoni Drammaturgo (Renato Simoni Playwright), University of Bologna, Italy, 1997 (222 pages); Summa Cum Laude. Adviser: Professor Luigi Gozzi.
Scholarly Interests
Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Performance Studies, Arts and Performing Arts Documentation and Archiving, Outreach in Special Collections and Archives (especially exhibitions).