UTA Libraries Staff Spotlight: Nicholas Williams

History for Nicholas Williams is not just about times, dates and places; it is about people. 

As a digitization specialist at UTA Libraries, Nicholas works to preserve these stories for future generations. 

His interest in history started early on as he watched documentaries on television, read books and later researched specific subjects. 

This interest has continued through Nicholas’ undergraduate studies at Tarleton State University, his master’s program at UTA, and his internship with the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. 

“I worked on the oral history transcripts where I would listen to the audio and audit the transcripts, making sure they were up-to-date and accurate with the correct spellings and information the interviewees were giving,” Nicholas said. “I got to sit in on their speaker series in the summer. Holocaust survivors and their children would come and speak, and they would tell their stories. It was interesting and eye-opening.” 

Nicholas stated hearing these personal testimonies from survivors and family members made history more than words on a page. They became real moments with insight, emotions and feelings. 

At the Central Library, Nicholas is working to preserve the voices from the past. 

One of the projects he is currently working on is the preservation of the physical copies of “The Shorthorn” that date back to 1919 and university yearbooks. Nicholas and fellow staff members are digitizing these items to be accessed online. 

“Artifacts are important, but not everyone can visit places like the library’s Special Collections department or a museum,” Nicholas said. “So digitizing records, artifacts or pictures and putting them online makes them more accessible to people.” 

Nicholas shared that these preservation efforts will help ensure that history is preserved. Scanning these documents allows future generations to learn and connect with the past. 

We are so thankful that much time and care is taken to preserve our campus and local history. Efforts made by Nicholas and other staff members show the care that UTA Libraries have for our past, current and future students—well done.