UTA Libraries Staff Recognized for Hard Work

The accomplishments and hard work of the UTA Libraries staff were recognized on Friday, Aug. 12, with a cool summer dessert - ice cream. Staff members took a break to enjoy a moment of fun and fellowship. 

Walter Betts, Library Systems and Technology Department Head, stated that these types of events are essential to be able not just to connect with people in your department but throughout the libraries. 

“It is a great chance to sit and celebrate with colleagues outside your department,” Walter said. “It has been wonderful to meet people outside your department because it gives a chance to strengthen relationships, make connections and figure out how I can help them.” 

Walter stated that has not always been the case due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his first nine months, Walter came to an almost empty library building to work. Events like today make the library a better place to work. 

Rebecca Bichel, Dean of Libraries, shared that Friday’s ice cream social is one of the ways the leadership at UTA Libraries can express their thanks for the hard work that goes on daily in the building and throughout the university campus. 

“The staff Ice Cream Social is one of those events that I love. Ice cream is a celebratory food, but (today) is about the leadership of the library saying, ‘thank you,’ and ‘we are so grateful for what you do,’” Rebecca said. “I think this timing is perfect as we are getting ready to go into the fall semester. It is an opportunity for us to sit together one more time, take a breath, and enjoy ourselves as we move into the fall.”