A Career of Service

Each item in the UTA Libraries Special Collections Archive has a unique story to tell, and Ben Huseman has been mapping out those stories for the public for the past 17 years. At the end of December, he is calling it a career.  

As a cartographic archivist, Huseman has given a voice to the past so the present can hear and learn from them. One of the ways he has met this goal is through the expansion of collecting maps of Africa for the library.  

Huseman worked with UTA alum Dr. Jack Franke, who first wanted to purchase maps of Texas for the library’s archive. After discussing the proposal, Huseman shared that maps of Africa were the greater need for the archive.  

“To tell the history of cartography, you really need maps of the entire world. You can’t tell the history of cartography just in the history of Texas. You have got to have a bigger span,” Huseman said. “At the time, maps of Africa were undervalued. I thought this would be a great way for us to get into it.”  

Through their combined efforts, Huseman and Dr. Franke expanded the Africa map collection to around 700—maps in this collection date from the 1490s to the early 1900s.  

Huseman shared that these maps have helped bring people from across the globe to the university for research, but they have also benefited students here on the UTA campus. He noted that art history students have used them extensively in their studies.  

At UTA Libraries, Huseman’s role is one of a subject matter expert when it comes to visual materials.  

The experience he gained from working at several universities such as TCU and SMU, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, and the private industry has helped shape the Special Collections’ archive. His experience has also helped him provide mentorship to students and colleagues.  

While leaving a place he loves is difficult, Huseman feels that the time is right to pass on the joy of this position to someone new. He wants to encourage the new person not to be afraid to take chances and to be a risk-taker.  

 

“I would say, think big. UTA is a big university. Our students deserve the highest quality materials. Think big,” he said. “Don’t sell the collection short. We can do some great things here at UTA.”  

Huseman expressed his thanks to the many colleagues and donors that he worked with over the years, who have given so much to benefit others.   

Ben, thank you for your years of dedicated service, the mentorship you have provided countless individuals and your ability to, “Think Big.” The pride you put into your work represents the best of UTA.  

We at UTA Libraries want to thank you and wish you the best in your retirement.