National Women's History Month: Brittany Griffiths

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries is celebrating National Women's History Month by highlighting some of the inspiring women who make this organization a model 21st century urban academic library.

Today's interviewee is Brittany Griffiths, Publishing Specialist. Griffiths has worked for UTA and in libraries generally for two and a half years.

Alexandra Pirkle (AP): What was your first library-related job? How did you come to that job?

Brittany Griffiths (BG): UTA Libraries is actually my first library-related job! Prior to UTA, I was working as publisher for a small literary publishing company I started a few years back. I had long been eager to gain some more experience in publishing which kind of boils down to taking one of two routes: commercial publishing or non-traditional publishing. I was very excited about the opportunity to join the Mavs Open Press team here in the library because I strongly believe in the tenets of open access publishing. The dissemination of and access to information is so important because as they say, knowledge is power.

AP: What role have women played in your career and life?

BG: Women have played an indispensable role in my life from my sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother to my friends, coaches, mentors, and teachers…I wouldn’t be who I am today without the guidance and support of all of the strong women I’ve been blessed to have in my life. I grew up playing softball and have always had an expansive support system of coaches and teammates who would not only pick me up when I was down but pushed me to be better both athletically and as a human being. I have definitely inherited my competitiveness and eagerness to learn from the female role models in my life, and I have also been very lucky to have a “squad” of women in my adult life whose friendships are invaluable to me. They’ve truly taught me the meaning of unconditional love and friendship.

AP: What is one of your favorite things about working at UTA Libraries?

BG: I think my favorite thing about working at UTA Libraries is that student development and support is one of our top priorities. Especially at a university like UTA where a significant portion of our student population is comprised of non-traditional students working part-time and also trying to finish their degree. I think UTA Libraries recognizes that it can be difficult to juggle multiple responsibilities without a strong safety net or support system, and aims to provide services (and a public space) for students to utilize in order to meet their goals.

AP: Who is your favorite woman historical figure? Why?

BG: Audrey Lorde and Adrienne Rich are two of my biggest literary heroes. They were both strong feminists and fought not only for the equality of sexes but for the equality and the importance of representation of marginalized groups. On top of all of that, they were both fantastic writers and powerful queer icons.

AP: What is something about you that others would be surprised to know?

BG: I love being outdoors! Gardening, biking, hiking, camping, you name it. Rain or shine, bad weather or not, I definitely get a feeling of joy being outdoors.

Thank you, Brittany, for all of your hard work and dedication to UTA Libraries!