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F. X. Roberts papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: SC073

Collection Scope and Contents

F.X. Roberts served as a library science professor and reference librarian at the University of Northern Colorado from 1987 to 1997. He retired as professor emeritus in 1997. This collection contains material related to Roberts's interest and research into bookmarks, including an annotated bibliography on bookmarks, articles about bookmarks, and photographs related to his bookmark collection. Also within the collection are additional published writings by Roberts, including poems published in the Greeley Tribune. The collection also includes articles written by his wife, Dorothy Roberts, on parliamentarians and the deciphering of shorthand.

Dates

  • Creation: 1968 - 2010

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. User is responsible for all copyright compliance. Please contact the UNC University Libraries Archives & Special Collections Department at library.archives@unco.edu or 970-351-2854 for further information.

Biographical Note

Francis Xavier Roberts (F.X. Roberts) was born on September 15, 1932, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He earned a master's degree in education from Boston State College, a master's degree in librarianship from Simmons College in Boston, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Academic Librarianship from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Roberts taught librarianship and American literature in England, East Africa, Australia, and the United States. He also worked as a high school English teacher in Massachusetts and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, under the Government of Tanzania. In 1962, while in Tanzania, he met Dorothy Web, and together they worked in education and administration for both the British government and, after independence, for the Tanzanian government. They married on June 24, 1963.

In addition to his teaching career, Roberts held various positions, including an education officer, a library assistant at Emerson College in Boston, and a librarian at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Boston. He was a reference librarian and professor of library science at the University of Northern Colorado from 1987 to 1997 and retired as professor emeritus in 1997. His poetry has been published in various small journals and magazines.

During his time as both a teacher and a librarian in England, Africa, Australia, and across the United States, Roberts collected a diverse array of bookmarks that highlight both historical and contemporary cultural events and locations, enhancing the educational value of his collection.

Full Extent

2.00 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists of articles, photographs, albums, and an annotated bibliography on bookmarks and other writings by F.X. Roberts. The collection also includes articles written by Dorothy Roberts on parliamentarians and deciphering shorthand.

Collection Arrangement

This collection is organized into the following series: Series 1: Articles and Photographs Series 2: Bookmark Albums

Source of Acquisition

Gifted from F.X. Roberts on October 7, 2005, and January 19, 2006.

Bibliography: Sources consulted

“James A. Michener: A Checklist of His Works, with a Selected, Annotated Bibliography.” Book News, Greenwood Press.

“James A. Michener Library to Exhibit Bookmark Collection Commemorating National Library Week, April 22-28.” (Folder- Roberts, F.X.).

“Roberts.” Greeley Tribune, June 22, 2023.

Processing Information

Processed by Shirley Soenksen, 2010.

Title
F.X. Roberts papers
Status
Minimally Processed
Author
Inventory prepared by Shirley Soenksen. Revised by Becky Yates
Date
2025-09-16
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Edition statement
Revised on 2025 September 16 by Becky Yates

Revision Statements

  • 2025-09-16: Finding aid revised and updated by Becky Yates

Repository Details

Part of the University of Northern Colorado Repository

Contact:
University Libraries
James A. Michener Library L119
Campus Box 48
Greeley CO 80639