Remembering Anne Comeaux
Anne Comeaux, who worked as a librarian at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio for 38 years, passed away on August 16, 2026. Anne worked as a librarian in Texas, mostly within the University of Texas System. She served at the Health Science Center in various roles, contributing her skill and experience to helping make the library what it is today.
After receiving her Master’s Degree in Library Science in 1974 from the University of Texas at Austin, she worked at the UT Austin campus undergraduate library, the Harry Ransom Center, and afterward at the Texas Medical Association Library for several years before moving to San Antonio and starting her career at the Health Science Center in 1977 where she remained until her retirement in 2015.
Accomplishments
Anne started as the Search Analyst in charge of online searching, switching to programming and systems in support of the library’s online catalog and other functions. She worked for several years as the head of Interlibrary Loan, designing an automated system for tracking requests before more modern software solutions were available. She also wrote financial databases, created an archival database to manage collections in the University Archives, and taught herself the MUMPS programming language, acting as a regional support specialist for other users.
In December 2000 Anne was appointed as the records management officer (RMO) for the university. She developed records management training classes for university staff, created a database to retain information on retention of records and generate retention schedules, set up a system of Records Management Representatives to manage state records for departments and divisions, and developed an online, searchable Records Retention Schedule.
In 2007 Anne became the Assistant Director for Special Collections, adding the roles of University Archivist and rare books librarian. She received a grant to finance a preservation specialist’s evaluation of current practices in the University Archives and P. I. Nixon Medical Historical Library and recommend improvements for better preservation. She was also successful in securing several Rescuing Texas History grants to digitize interesting books about San Antonio and early physician pioneers in the Nixon Library and Bexar County Medical Society membership records for physicians born before 1911. Both of these collections can be viewed on the Portal to Texas History.
Anne also worked with other library staff to set up the CONTENTdm Digital Archive, which is still in use today.
Anne retired from the library in 2015 after more than 41 years as a health sciences librarian, leaving behind a legacy of service and professional excellence.
The library staff extend their condolences and best wishes to Anne’s family.
Remembrances
Many retired and current library staff worked with Anne over the years and remember her fondly as a valued and talented colleague. We are pleased to share their comments here.
I remember Anne fondly from my first years as a librarian at UT Health. I worked with Anne from 1980 until her retirement in 2015. During our years as colleagues, I recognized Anne as a super librarian who could take on almost any role with enthusiasm. She was always in the forefront of innovation and new technology. After retirement, I enjoyed working with Anne as a committee member in the Association of Retired Faculty and Associates (ARFA). Anne had a kind and giving spirit that was recognized by all her colleagues and friends. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Rajia Tobia, Retired Executive Director of Libraries
Anne played an important role in shaping both the Dolph Briscoe Jr. Library and the P.I. Nixon Medical Historical Library over the years. Her dedication to preserving history, supporting researchers, and serving our library community left a lasting impact on countless colleagues, students, and faculty members.
She will be remembered not only for her knowledge and professionalism, but also for her commitment to the libraries she loved and the people she served. She will be missed.