Category Archives: Meet the Staff

TSLAC Bids Farewell to Assistant Director for Archives, Laura Saegert

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As 2020 comes to a close, TSLAC bids a fond farewell to long-time employee and Assistant Director for Archives Laura Saegert, who is retiring after 39 years with the agency. Laura began her tenure at the State Archives with a grant project in 1981 and came on board full time in November of that year. She was led to the profession through her interest in history. While a graduate student at the University of Texas School of Library and Information Science (now the iSchool), Laura’s graduate advisor believed she would find archival work appealing and introduced her to Dr. David Gracy. The rest, she says, “is history!”

TSLAC Assistant Director for Archives, Laura Saegert

Laura first served as an assistant archivist then moved up through the ranks of archivist I, II and III. Following the retirement of both the state archivist and assistant director in 2009, Laura assumed many new duties as “team lead” for archives. This new chapter began during the final stages of the renovation of the Lorenzo de Zavala Building, tapping Laura’s project management skills.

By the time the new State Archivist Jelain Chubb arrived in June 2010, Laura was ready for even more challenges. She assumed the role of assistant director of archives in September 2010. According to Jelain, “Laura impressed me immediately with the depth of her archival knowledge, insights into the collections, and how well she had managed all the new responsibilities that came her way. She was undoubtedly the right person for the job.”

Laura Saegert (right) during her early days at the State Archives.

Though it is difficult to imagine the archives without Laura and her encyclopedic knowledge of the collections, she leaves an impressive legacy. In an ever-evolving landscape, she has guided her team through technological innovations in archival processes and improved online access to primary sources.

Recent efforts like the implementation of content management system ArchivesSpace and the creation of the Texas Digital Archive have kept us moving forward in our mission to preserve the historical record. The archives profession was obviously a true calling for Laura and her expertise will be missed.

We asked Laura a few questions about archives, her career with TSLAC and her future plans.

Q: What is an aspect of archival work that changed the most over the years?

A: Processing. When I started, we were doing a lot of item level processing (maps, photographs), and processing agency records was slower, spending more time on arrangement and description and producing very detailed finding aids. Over the years, due to the backlog and the sheer volume of records we have to deal with, the level of processing has moved to less time spent reviewing the records and providing less detail in the finding aids. The concept of processing is the same, but the time spent on each collection is less.

Laura Saegert reviews a collection.

Q: What will you miss most about the archives?

A: Interaction with my staff and working with the records.

Q: Is there an item or a collection that is a particular favorite and why?

A: My favorite collection is the Historic Map Collection. I have always been fascinated by maps, even took a cartography course in college and learned how maps are created. I worked on the map collection part-time for 10 years and set up the online map application.

Mapa de los Estados Unidos de Mejico, Segun lo organizado y definido, par los varias actas del Congreso de dicha Republica; y construido por los mejores autoridades, 1828. Texas State Archives Map Collection, #1022. Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/apps/arc/maps/maplookup/01022

Other favorite collections are records involving the state prison system and the Texas Youth Commission. I processed most of the records in these groups. Life in the prison system or the juvenile delinquent system is so different than what I experience and in working with these records you see some things in a whole new light. You also see how badly these systems were managed in the past and realize that history repeats itself regarding management of these institutions.

Q: How will you spend your time in retirement?

A: For the next 12 to 18 months, starting in January, I will be taking care of my new grandson part of each weekday while my older daughter goes back to work. I will be doing more quilting, reading, and when things get closer to normal, doing some traveling.

Laura Saegert, front row, third from right, poses with Archives and Information Services staff in 2018.

We truly appreciate Laura’s impressive service to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and wish her a happy and pleasant retirement.

Meet the Staff: Terry Carroll

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Meet the Staff is a Q&A series on Out of the Stacks that highlights the Archives and Information Services staff of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Sam Houston Center Maintenance Worker Terry Carroll.

In 50 words or less, describe what you do.
I am the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center’s maintenance worker responsible for cleaning the archives, museum, and historic buildings. I make small repairs, from replacing doorknobs to toilet handles, and maintain the grounds so visitors can enjoy them, trimming trees, mowing, weed-eating and more.

Why did you choose your profession?
I chose my profession because I enjoy working on multiple things. My job always keeps things interesting.

What is your favorite document, photo, or artifact in TSLAC’s collection?
My favorite building is the Jean and Price Daniel Home and Archives, with all its beauty and history. The home and its contents document the Daniels’ lives and years of public service.

The Jean and Price Daniel Home and Archives, Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center (Liberty), Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

For more information on the home, please visit www.tsl.texas.gov/shc/pdhouse.html

One of my favorite things in the house is a sleigh bed with swan heads carved into the footboard.

The sleigh bed is one of many antique pieces the Daniels collected on display in the home. Above the bed is a portrait of Jeanie Daniel, Price and Jean Daniels’ daughter, at age 14.

Sleigh Bed, Jean and Price Daniel Home and Archives, Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center, Texas State Library and Archives Commission

When you are not busy what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy reading, playing with my grandkids, and traveling.       

Thank you, Terry!       

        

Meet the Staff: Naomi Frantes

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Meet the Staff is a Q&A series on Out of the Stacks that highlights the Archives and Information Services staff of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

A photograph of Cataloging and Metadata Librarian Naomi Frantes standing front of the pink granite wall of the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building.
Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, Naomi Frantes

Describe your role at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).

I have the distinct privilege of creating metadata so that the vast resources of Archives and Information Services are discoverable by researchers here in Texas and around the world.  My responsibilities include creating catalog records for our archival collections, photograph collections, Texas state publications and United States government publications.  These collections and documents pertain to a wide variety of subjects and can be found in our online catalog. I also create personal and corporate name authority records; the records help ensure that researchers can find all the books by the same author or publications and collections by the same government agency.

Why did you choose your profession?

After high school, I went to a small college in Minnesota and was assigned to the library for my work study program.  I loved the job! My intent in attending college was to major in biology or chemistry but there were only a few science courses available at the small college.  My science professor encouraged me to transfer to a larger university, so I transferred to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Once again, I was assigned to work in the library. That position confirmed my desire to pursue a library career and I eventually graduated with a B.A. in history and German.  After taking a break from working to stay at home with my two children, I worked at the North Dakota State Library and obtained my Master’s Degree in Library Science.

What do you wish more people knew about TSLAC?

I wish more Texans knew about the vast array of services available from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.  There is something here for everyone!  Besides the amazing historical resources we have in the ARIS Division, TSLAC also offers the Talking Book Program, which provides free library services to qualifying Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. TSLAC also has the Center for the Book, which seeks to stimulate public interest in books, reading, literacy and libraries.  The Library Development and Networking Division provides online resources to the citizens and libraries of Texas and assists libraries and librarians in their efforts to serve their local constituents.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love to hike, explore Texas, visit national and state parks, play French horn, scrapbook, cross-stitch, bake, and hang out with my husband, Mike. I also love spending time with my two children whenever I can.

Thanks, Naomi!

Meet the Staff: Brianna Cochran

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Meet the Staff is a Q&A series on Out of the Stacks that highlights the Archives and Information Services staff of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Brianna Cochran

In 50 words or less, describe what you do.

As a new Library Assistant, my day is split between orientations and training, staffing reading rooms, and working on stacks maintenance projects. Eventually, I will be trained to assist patrons with locating research resources, and I will take on more complex stacks maintenance projects.

Why did you choose your profession?

I have always felt at home in libraries. When my single mother could not find a babysitter, she used to take me to the library with her while she studied for her associate’s degree. She studied in the adult reading room while I entertained myself in the children’s reading room. There, the children’s librarian taught me how to use an out marker and I enjoyed the satisfaction of placing a book on the shelf in its correct location. My childhood enthusiasm for libraries carried over to my home life. Enthusiastically, I created library check out cards on scraps of colored construction paper, for my personal collection of books and VHS tapes.

What is your favorite document, photo, or artifact in TSLAC’s collection?

At this point, I have a limited exposure to our vast collection, so I will probably discover new favorites as I work with more materials. However, my current favorite is our collection of newspapers on microfilm. I have selected the Houston Post from November 1, 1919, as an example.

Before working at TSLAC, I needed access to the Houston Post for personal research. The only places I could find that provided access to the out-of-print the Houston Post were Rice University in Houston and paid newspaper subscription sites, so I was not able to access the materials I needed for my project. I was excited to find out the Houston Post is at TSLAC, and I have enjoyed learning how to use microfilm.

The Houston Post. (1919, November 1)

The Houston Post. (1919, November 1)

[TSLAC also maintains institutional memberships to the Newspaper Archive and Newspapers.com Texas Collection, both available for free on-site in our Reference Reading Room located in the Lorenzo de Zavala State Library and Archives Building in Austin.]

When you’re not busy what do you like to do for fun?

I like to be in nature. Beaches are my favorite, but in Austin I like to hike nature trails. I am learning to practice mindfulness, which is accepting and noticing the present moment without judgment. Therefore, my hikes look more like walking slowly and marveling at water droplets sparkling in the sun, rather than hiking quickly for exercise. I find mindfulness helps manage stress, because it gives me a sense of power. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, I can make decisions about what to do in the present.

Meet the Staff : Taylor Fox

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Meet the Staff is a Q&A series on Out of the Stacks that highlights the Archives and Information Services staff of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Photograph of Taylor Fox

In 50 words or less, describe what you do.

I’m a Reference Librarian, and I answer questions from people researching or just plain curious about Texas history, government, and culture! I’m the lead for our Genealogy and Main collections, which involves identifying very old books that need maintenance and very new books to collect and make available to researchers.

Why did you choose your profession?

I was a student worker at my university’s library because I heard it was a fun place to work, and figured if I wanted to fully immerse myself in academia, I better understand how to use the library. I started in technical services, then moved to circulation, then to interlibrary loan, where I really found the heart of what libraries are all about: making information available to the public without discrimination or judgment. It’s a wonderful sentiment that speaks strongly to me, and so I pursue it!

What is your favorite document, photo, or artifact in TSLAC’s collection?

This changes over time as I’m exposed to more and more of what TSLAC has to offer, but currently my favorite publication in our collection is a periodical called The Woman’s Viewpoint. This was a female-led periodical published in Houston between 1923 and 1926 which sought to provide a space and vehicle for Texas women to share their opinions “fully, frankly, and fearlessly.” The magazine offered articles on a variety of topics which the editor considered of interest to women: government, politics, and women’s right to vote; environmental concerns; the importance of maintaining good health and recreation; and fashion, movies, music, and other cultural affairs.

Image of The Woman’s Viewpoint, Vol. 1 No. 1 Sterling, Florence M. The Woman’s viewpoint magazine. Houston: Woman's Viewpoint Publishing Co., 1923.

Image of The Woman’s Viewpoint, Vol. 1 No. 1
Sterling, Florence M. The Woman’s viewpoint magazine. Houston: Woman’s Viewpoint Publishing Co., 1923.

One of the reasons I enjoy this periodical so much is because it’s very easy for me to think of Texas in the 1920s the way my family has described it: lots of cows, farms, and not much to do. This magazine transports me to a grander view of Texas: one of daring, educated, urban women dedicated to building strong homes and communities, with the understanding that their voices were critical to the shaping of our state and country.

When you’re not busy what do you like to do for fun?

I play guitar in a prog-rock band called Dream Eater, and enjoy writing, rehearsing, and playing shows around town; come see us! I also practice yoga regularly and occasionally try to lift weights with my husband, a guaranteed good time. My kind of fun involves eating breakfast tacos, drinking coffee, reading, jamming, and hanging out with my crazy cow-dog, Dingo.

Meet the Staff: Caroline Jones

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Meet the Staff is a Q&A series on Out of the Stacks that highlights the Archives and Information Services staff of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

In 50 words or less, describe what you do.

I assist patrons in the Reference, Genealogy, and Archives Reading Rooms in conjunction with the Reference Librarians and Reference Archivists. This includes helping patrons with searching our catalog or using our microfilm readers, and other tasks like pulling and refiling materials and processing both US and Texas documents.

Why did you choose your profession?

When I was a sophomore in college, I went to a presentation my history professors were hosting concerning professions you could pursue with a BA in history. One speaker was an archivist (who I realized when I started at TSLAC was Jelain Chubb, the current State Archivist). Prior to her talk I didn’t know much about archives and wasn’t sure what I’d do after graduation, but the possibility of handling historic documents and making them accessible for research sounded like the perfect way to use my history degree in a hands on way. I loved the idea of being able to handle historical artifacts and not just read about them second hand. After volunteering in my high school’s archive back in Dallas and working in the St. Edward’s University Munday Library, I was determined to get into this field.

What is your favorite document, photo, or artifact in TSLAC’s collection? 

I don’t think I could ever choose just one! At the moment, one of my favorites is this photograph from the Graham (R. Niles) collection. I really enjoy this image because of the humor this woman has in posing with her dog. I enjoy finding these more candid images of people where they are clearly having a good time and not taking themselves too seriously. I also love animals, so I feel this woman is a kindred spirit.

1964/306-1675, Photographs, Graham (R. Niles) collection. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

When you’re not busy what do you like to do for fun?

I’m big into adult coloring books, Pilates and Barre classes, learning calligraphy, reading and writing, and binge watching shows on Netflix.