This fall, the newest cohort of the Libraries Student Advisory Council (LSAC) has begun meeting to expand opportunities for communication between the Libraries and the CMU student body. A team of undergraduate and graduate students from across campus, along with members of the Libraries faculty and staff, will discuss input and feedback on Libraries services, collections, spaces, and events.
Members have the opportunity to gain a unique perspective on the operations of the Libraries and obtain valuable expertise in student leadership, teamwork, and creativity. As the Libraries launches new AI tools and champions open science, builds new partnerships across campus, unveils exhibits exploring CMU history and rare treasures, and more, student input is now more important than ever.
Please join us in welcoming the newest LSAC members to the Libraries team.
Aarushi Dave is a graduate student studying Energy Science, Technology, and Public Policy in the College of Engineering. Aarushi is looking forward to helping keep the Libraries in the best shape possible, as well as looking out for the students of the College of Engineering and how they can use the Libraries better for both work and recreation.
“The libraries of every educational institute I've attended have been an important part of my journey. Both Hunt Library and Sorrells Library are spaces I love. I think the sheer number of resources available, academic and non-academic, and the Archives, make the Libraries a valuable resource on campus.”
Alicia DeVrio is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Computer Science studying Human-Computer Interaction. She is excited about introducing and welcoming more students to the joys and wonders of all the resources the Libraries has to offer, as well as working to expand those resources to better serve student needs and desires.
“I love going to the library and just wandering the stacks and choosing books at a whim to check out, and I appreciate the community spaces provided by the library.”
Aayush Dhanotiya is a graduate student studying Information Security, Policy, and Management in the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. He wants to be a part of transforming the image of a library from a place of books into a place of broad knowledge and culture.
“For me personally, the Libraries is a beacon of knowledge. I think knowledge is the most valuable resource.”
Riona Duncan is an English major in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. As a part of the council, she hopes to get her peers as excited about the Libraries as she is.
“The University Libraries are super valuable because they're a great space to study. They're chock-full of resources and knowledgeable (and nice!) people to help you if you need it, which is so important to being a student.”
Kabir Kedia is a graduate student studying engineering in the College of Engineering. He wants to contribute to LSAC by helping to provide CMU students with access to even more resources.
“The Libraries is the best space to study — and eat and chill. It’s basically home inside another home.”
Rebecca Kira is a creative writing major in Dietrich College. She is looking forward to increasing the student body’s knowledge of the media room and the vast amount of multimedia resources the Libraries has to offer.
“I love that the library provides a space for quiet study, as well as the opportunity to learn about such a wide variety of topics in multiple different forms of media.”
Matthew Reeder is a graduate student studying music in the College of Fine Arts. As a student in the humanities and performing arts disciplines, he hopes to advocate for expanding the Libraries’ resources to further support different kinds of research, and wants to help his fellow students get more involved and increase awareness of the many resources the Libraries offers. He also hopes to learn how his colleagues across campus and in other fields use those resources, to help aid student research.
“To me, the University Libraries is a bastion of intellectual curiosity. It forms an invaluable resource to students on campus because it provides free access to information, space to gather for collaborative projects, and overall encourages students to be creative in pursuing their research. The additional events and workshops the Libraries hosts likewise grant students further opportunities to hone their skills.”
Aysha Zackria is a dramaturgy major in the College of Fine Arts who is minoring in English literature and culture and sonic arts. As someone from an interdisciplinary artistic background, she’s excited to see people who study different subjects sharing space together. She wants to encourage other students to utilize Libraries resources to their fullest extent.
“The library is a space where people can seek help without fear of judgement. The librarians are always eager to lend a hand to any personal or professional projects. Their range of resources and services is so broad. Whether you're looking for a book, a new technology, or a historic medium, the library will track it down for you. There's really something for everyone.”
Nancy Zuo is a Dietrich College student studying Digital Immersive Storytelling. She views the Libraries as the intellectual hub where students are able to collaborate, learn, and complete research during their time at CMU. As a fifth year student, she is very familiar with CMU resources and is looking forward to increasing communication between the Libraries and students.
“I spent a great deal of time in the University Archives and in talking to older faculty about their experiences at CMU, and would also like to advocate for voices and initiatives that don't receive as much funding and attention from students, and make them more known.”
Libraries faculty and staff on the council includes Communications Coordinator Sarah Elizabeth Bender, Liaison to the School of Architecture Lynn Kawaratani, CLIR Postdoctoral Fellow in Community Data Literacy Taiwo Lasisi, Director of Library Services Joelen Pastva, Access Services Manager Amy Perrier, and First Year Writing Support and Open Educational Resources Specialist Ethan Pullman.