Hi there! My name is Phebe Royce Leach and I’m the new Library Specialist II in Special Collections and Archives at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. I had been working at the Mary and Jeff Bell Library for a little over 3 years as a student worker in what is now known as the Resource Management & Discovery Department before I recently transitioned to Special Collections & Archives. I’m overjoyed to now be a part of the library full-time!
My interest in books and libraries began at a very young age. My grandmother lived with my family as I grew up and she loved books which, I think, kickstarted my passion for reading, books, and libraries. There’s something special about just being surrounded by books and history!
I’ve worked and volunteered in public and private libraries over the years and enjoyed working with a wide variety of people and materials. While I graduate with my Bachelor’s in Economics with an Entrepreneurship minor this December, my experience has led me to library science. I want to combine my interests of both business and libraries, which is why I am currently applying to Texas Women’s University for their Master of Library Science program and to TAMU-CC’s Master of Business Administration program for International Business. I hope to begin in the spring while I continue working at the Mary and Jeff Bell Library.
In Special Collections and Archives, the Archives Workroom outside of the I-Create Lab is where I call home. When I switch on the lights, my eyes land on maps upon maps, photographs, letters, papers, files, and pieces of history that I get to handle, read, and process for others to learn from and explore. Every day is something new and I feel like a detective tracking down information and discovering new leads to help make it more accessible for you! When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, writing, going to farmer’s markets, and traveling. I hope to see you in the archives!