National Women's History Month: Sunday Phillips

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 Sunday Phillips, Metadata Supervisor. Phillips has worked for UTA Libraries for twenty-three years.

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

SP: I did not work in a library before immigrating from the Philippines to the United States to join my husband in 1995. I was doing substitute teaching before this opportunity came along.

I was hired at UTA Libraries as a Library Assistant I in the Science and Engineering Library. That job was serving at the circulation desk and looking for books that were tagged in the system as “lost.” I served in that library for a year until a cataloging position opened in the Central Library. I took that job and eventually rose to the ranks of Library Assistant IV, developing an expertise in cataloging and metadata and also taking a leadership role.

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

SP: My mother was a military wife and she “held down the fort” while my father was away, mostly during my high school and college years. She was an example of being independent, being resourceful, and able to manage the household overall.

Most of my bosses and supervisors in my past and current positions were women, whose leadership and guidance inspired me. They also mentored me.

The physician and dentists that partner in my health and wellness are also women.

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

SP: We serve students, faculty, and staff and partner in their education and research goals and successes. We adapt to the changing times and technologies to offer information that is accessible and discoverable. I work with great colleagues.

I love the flexibility in work schedule that the UTA Libraries has allowed me to have. It helped a lot in raising a family and all the demands of children schooling, health, and other family schedules.

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

SP: Mary of Nazareth (Virgin Mary), mother of Jesus. She was just a young teenager and totally surrendered to God’s plan for her life.

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

SP: I was athletic in high school – a basketball and volleyball star.

Thank you, Sunday, for all of your hard work and dedication to student success!