I started working in the Mary and Jeff Bell Library, March 18, 1998. The Library is a division of Academic Affairs reporting to the Provost. During the past 22 years, I have seen three Presidents and six Provosts in administration. I have worked directly under three Directors, one Interim Director, two Management Teams, one Associate Vice President, and currently the Dean of Libraries. There was a point when we had a void in library leadership and I was the only full-time staff in the Library Administration Office, for almost a six-month period, during which I reported directly to the Provost, Dr. Sandra Harper at the time.
There are so many memories, from staff, floor plan changes, new décor, new services, databases, and programs, that there is not enough time to cover even a fraction of what I would like to, so here are some highlights that mean something to me specifically. I have had the honor of being elected by co-workers and winning the Employee Excellence Award for 2004-2005. I was a member of the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Committee for 9 ½ years. I served on Staff Council and many other committees through the years as well as getting involved with numerous events. I have always loved getting involved with the employee and student functions that bring us all together. The atmosphere and comradery have always meant so much to me.
Two things that I think will stick with me forever: Library Hurricane Prep Days and Banned Books Week.
Through the years the library developed a reputation for being prepared for emergencies. Then there’s the execution of these plans and jumping into action for the real-life storms, ones were people got wrapped in the shelving and others got sand bagged in the building. It may sound like fun and games, but we take the safety and wellbeing of the library, resources, and patrons very seriously.
Banned Book Week is one of my favorite events. We have an Open House during the week and invite others to come in and learn why certain books have been banned and challenged throughout the years. I have always enjoyed the enthusiasm from our patrons and staff from all around the campus coming by and share their thoughts with us during the event and getting to answer their questions. I am extremely proud to say that dressing up as Banned Book Characters was my brainchild in our library. I shared my idea with the Library Director at the time and she gave me the ok to move forward with the idea. I contacted and work directly with Kelly Russell from the College of Liberal Arts to get it started and bring in Theater Students dressed as our favorite Banned Book Characters. I even got a face to face Kudo’s from Provost, Chris Markwood, who loved the idea.
A Final Note
My Mother once told me “if you can find a job you like and get along with at least 50% of the people you work with consider yourself fortunate.” Then later in years I had an instructor that told me “find something you like to do, do it well, and above all have fun doing it.” I guess I could say I found all that and more at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. I fell in love with the Library, the University and the people, they are all top notch. I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing Administrators, Faculty, Staff, and Students, through my years here.
While I am seriously looking forward to my next chapter of life, I will always remember my time here and my TAMUCC family. Like family, we’re a little dysfunctional at times, but we love each other just the same, so call me a lifer.
Slàinte
Cindy Roper
