Walking up to UTA Libraries’ Special Collections on the sixth floor of the Central Library, you’ll notice something different about our latest exhibit. It doesn’t just reflect history; it reflects perspective. The Special Collections Student Selection from the Archive mini exhibit isn’t curated by librarians or archivists; it’s curated by the student staff who bring curiosity and fresh perspective to the archives daily. 

“These selections are from our wonderful student staff here in Special Collections,” Heather Claney, Reference Services Manager, said. “That includes our student reference assistants and some of our grad students who have been working with other staff members, too. They could pick anything out of the Special Collections Archive that they wanted to share; it just had to fit into the glass display case.” 

The result is an exhibit that reflects each student’s life experience. Each artifact is paired with a short note explaining why it was chosen, giving visitors a window into the students’ thought processes. For Claney, those notes transform the display into something more powerful. 

“My favorite part is that you’ll see a little blurb underneath the caption explaining why they chose this item,” Claney said. “I love seeing what they discover in the archive and why it jumped out at them, why it is their favorite, or how it has impacted them.” 

The items reflect a wide range of experiences and curiosities. One student selected an atlas of New Orleans alongside a print showing the water levels during Hurricane Katrina, connecting the piece to her own family’s experience with the storm in 2005. Another highlighted a striking map from the cartographic collection that tied directly to her studies. 

“That’s what’s neat, it’s a little sampling of everything,” Claney said. “The diversity is so neat, you get to see them share pieces that connect to their studies, their families, or simply something that made them stop and wonder.” 

For Claney, the exhibit is a reminder of why Special Collections matters, not just for researchers, but for the entire Maverick community. It’s also a reflection of how deeply students are woven into the Libraries’ mission.  

“Something unique and special that I value about the Libraries is our student employees and the dedication they bring with them. Not only are they going to school, but they are also getting opportunities for professional development because of the work they do here,” Claney said. “They are an intricate part of the Libraries and the campus community. This exhibit gives them a chance to share what stood out to them with their fellow students and the community.” 

The Special Collections Student Selection from the Archive mini exhibit will remain on display on the sixth floor of the Central Library through at least August, possibly into September. Stop by Special Collections to see the exhibit in person and experience history through the eyes of your fellow students.