UTA Libraries Seeks Submissions for COVID-19 Archive Project

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries has administered a call for materials related to the coronavirus crisis for its COVID-19 pandemic archive project.

The Libraries is collecting both digital and physical materials with the intention of adding them to permanent archival collections to document this historical time for the benefit of future generations.

“This is a critical moment in global history, and we want the experiences of our community to be documented,” said Rebecca Bichel, dean of UTA Libraries. “We believe that archiving these materials will empower those who come after us with first-hand knowledge of the pandemic’s impact on our students, faculty, staff, and beyond.”

Michael Barera, University and Labor Archivist, is overseeing the project. Barera says the project is necessary to develop a broader, richer understanding of the impact of the novel coronavirus.

“Whether you are submitting a physical diary, digital artwork, or oral history—you are helping us preserve a piece of the COVID-19 experience here at UTA,” Barera said. “We invite everyone in the university community to contribute to this project to help make our collective memory of this time as complete and representative as possible.”

Those interested in submitting their materials for the COVID-19 pandemic archive project can visit the Special Collections submission page.

The first phase of this project will be focused on the UTA community, including students, alumni, and faculty/staff. The second phase of this project will be expanded to include the broader community, beyond the boundaries of the university.