The Special Collections and University Archives could not function without the amazing student workers who assist the staff on a daily basis on numerous projects. Our Student Spotlight series highlights these students to showcase their outstanding work, academic interests, and some of their favorite collections in our repository.

Tom Beech
Major: Architecture
Year in School: 5^th Year / Senior
Job in SCUA: LSA III / Processing Student

Tell us a little bit about what brought you to Special Collections and University Archives? What made you want to work here, as opposed to other places on campus?

I (luckily) ended up working Special Collections and University Archives completely by chance. Originally I had applied to work in the main library, as several of my friends were working there and really enjoyed it. What interested me the most about working at the library was being able to learn while I was working by reading a book’s synopsis when it was checked back in, or helping a student find research materials. However, when I submitted my application I was recommended to Special Collections and University Archives. I hadn’t really known what Special Collections and University Archives was, but after receiving a job offer I was extremely happy that things worked out the way they did. Working as a processing student has been one of my favorite jobs, and the best part is that it hardly seems like work at all. Where else can you read about spiritual communes, hold artifacts from the Hindenburg, and look at drawings by Le Corbusier all while working?

Continue reading →