New Team Member: Tristan Arnold

Tristan Arnold's theater background has aided him in his new position as a Library Specialist at UTA Libraries. This experience has helped him assist library patrons and provide guidance to student staff members. 

At UTA Libraries, Tristan works in the Guest Services section of the Community Engagement Department. The Community Engagement Department works to provide programming, events, and customer service to community members from inside and outside of UTA. 

Tristan is a 2020 graduate from UTA, holds a bachelor's degree in theater, and worked for the library for two years as a student. He feels the training he received from his theater studies translates into running a team here at the library. It helps him understand employees' strengths, be empathetic, and make decisions at critical times. 

"A lot of my time in theater has been built around understanding your audience, learning to connect with them, and providing them with what they need," Tristan said. "How that (experience) relates to real life is that we can be in tune with the students or if anyone needs help, we can pick up on that very quickly and be able to help them." 

Tristan stated that he and his fellow staff members work diligently to provide excellent customer service and anticipate the needs of the people they serve daily. 

"We are working to be a little bit more proactive when it comes to someone needing help when someone is walking around looking lost," Tristan said. "Our students have been very on top of asking them, 'Hey, how can I help you,' 'Do you need anything?' or 'Can I help you find anything?'" 

Tristan stated he wants people to feel confident when they seek assistance at the welcome desk or when they talk to a library worker to know they will receive the help they need. 

Tristan expressed his thanks for the warm welcome that he has received since joining the UTA Libraries staff. He noted that everyone has been incredibly friendly and helpful.