UTA Libraries Staff Spotlight: Samantha Streeter

Starting a research project can be intimidating, often leaving someone to wonder where to even begin. Enter Samantha Streeter. The desire to help others is Samantha’s daily motivation at UTA Libraries. She serves as one of the libraries' research librarians, connecting patrons with the resources and information they seek. 

"I wanted to become a librarian to help people. I figured out in college that one of my strong suits is research," Samantha said. "So, I thought the best way to help people was to use those skills to help others." 

Staff members are ready and able to share their knowledge so people can successfully search for the answers they seek. 

"I think there is an impression of research and reference services that people can find intimidating. It can be hard if you're a new student not knowing where to start researching something," Samantha said. "I would say don't be intimidated. You don't have to have any knowledge to come and talk with us because that is what we are there for." 

While Samantha enjoys the opportunity UTA Libraries provides to give back to others, she takes time outside work to recharge through music. She credits her mom's musical taste as a big influence. 

"My mom was like a 1990s grunge kind of lady. She was into the Toadies, the Pixies and The Smashing Pumpkins. I have been listening to all that stuff since I was a kid. I was lucky to have a very cool mom," she said. "I listen to pretty much anything, indie, alternative, and rock from the 1970s to now. I really like Gothic rock like The Cure, but I also like more contemporary indie artists like boygenius. I also love Kate Bush. It is all over the place." 

Her love of rock ‘n’ roll may seem like a stark contrast to some of her other interests, like Victorian literature and knitting, but oddly they balance each other out nicely. 

"I have two literature degrees, and I like the hoity toity Victorian literature a lot. I am about to finish 'Middlemarch' by George Elliot. It is a giant Victorian novel that I have been reading for a couple of months now," Samantha said. "I also like contemporary books like 'Normal People,' by Sally Rooney, which they turned into a show. I never watched the show because I was too attached to the book." 

Samantha and her fellow staff members are here to help with your research needs, for projects large or small. So, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have got the resources and answers you are seeking here at UTA Libraries.