Preserving history with the Digital Collections Division

From distinct architecture to personal artifacts, Alexandra Rincon Kuzniar, a Library Media Project Specialist with the Digital Collections Division of the Miami-Dade County Public Library System (MDPLS), works diligently to preserve these treasures in the Library’s Digital Archives for Miami-Dade County residents to enjoy.

Kuzniar has always had a passion for art and photography. After graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design, she moved to South Florida and began her career as a photographer. In 2016, she joined the MDPLS team as an assistant in the art services division. Her interest in the library’s digital collections soon led her to blend her love of art with photography by capturing and preserving artwork. This transition allowed her to catalog various pieces of artwork, from the lunettes at the Main Library in downtown Miami to personal artifacts for the Community Memory Project, a project dedicated to collecting the life stories of Miami-Dade County residents.

Kuzniar has even contributed to the Community Memory Project personally by cataloging items belonging to her late relative Felisa Rincon de Gautier, the first woman elected mayor of a capital city in the Americas.

When asked about a memorable moment or her favorite part of working for MDPLS, she quickly credited the team.

"The team, every team member in the department has their specialty but we all come together to complete the projects and help each other achieve the final product that is shared with the patrons," she said.

She also enjoys the puzzled reactions when showing groups of high school students touring the facility items like VHS tapes and film negatives.

Outside of her work, Kuzniar enjoys photography, traveling, relaxing at the beach and exploring nature parks such as Tree Tops Park and Matheson Hammock Park.