UTA Libraries Staff Spotlight: Leyla Bunster

In her role as a multidisciplinary librarian at UTA Libraries, Leyla Bunster helps people find the resources they need. 

Leyla’s interest in libraries grew from a young age. As she spent more time at the library, it soon became her favorite place to visit. While completing her master’s degree at UTA, Leyla found that working at a library could combine her love of helping people and history. 

“I think that everything excites me about working here. Working with students, working with faculty, and learning what they are working on and what their interests are,” Leyla said. “The most exciting part is finding the tools and resources to help them meet their research needs.” 

Starting as a student worker, Leyla joined the staff at UTA Libraries full-time in August 2021, first as a library specialist. She then moved into her current liaison role last year and works alongside three other librarians. In this role, the team works to help people from across the university from several departments as they are conducting research or working on projects. 

“Morgan Rowe-Morris and I work together with the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs, providing support for faculty in whatever their needs are. We try to identify (the needs) and see where we can help best, whether through resources, collections or acquisitions,” Leyla said. “I also work with the Center for Mexican American studies. I have worked on several projects to help expand our Latin American and Mexican American collections and have collaborated with the CMAS leadership team to achieve this.” 

Leyla stated she enjoys the opportunities presented to her daily to gain knowledge, learn new things, and positively impact peoples’ lives as she works alongside staff members and students.