After an incredibly successful first year, the McMaster University Library ambassador program has returned with an expanded team for 2022-23.
Ariel Stables-Kennedy, first year experience librarian, is the driving force behind the program, which was developed to help students navigate library services and spaces.
Throughout the fall and winter terms, the library ambassadors will plan engaging events, support social media initiatives, and teach students about the many ways McMaster library can support their learning.
Returning to Stables-Kennedy’s team of ambassadors for 2022-23 are Lavanya Sinha, fourth-year honours life sciences student, and Noor Latif, fourth-year honours environmental studies student.
Sinha and Latif are joined by Veronica Larrazabal Zea, second-year integrated biomedical engineering and health sciences student, and Matt Aksamit, fourth-year English and cultural studies student.
We spoke with the ambassadors about why they want to represent the library, how they interpret the role of an ambassador, and what they hope to accomplish this year.
Lavanya Sinha
Pronouns: She/Her
Fourth year, Honours Life Sciences
Why did you want to return as a library ambassador?
One of my favourite things about this role is how creative I can be in terms of planning events, creating social media content, and working with different groups at the libraries. It’s definitely something I haven’t had in other jobs before and it’s why I’m so excited to be back!
What do you hope to accomplish as library ambassador this year?
Although last year we planned some awesome initiatives through the library, it was hard to build strong connections with people in a virtual environment. Now that we’re all back on campus, I really hope to engage with folks in person, and hopefully, expand their idea of what the library offers outside of lending books and providing spaces to study.
What is one cool thing we may not know about you?
I love travelling! I’ve lived in four different countries and have travelled to almost 20 (and hopefully many more in the future).
Matt Aksamit
Pronouns: They/Them
Fourth year, English and Cultural Studies
Why did you want to be a library ambassador?
In part, I wanted to be a library ambassador to return to a work setting in the library sciences field, as I am considering pursuing a master of information technology degree and becoming a librarian. I also just find the vibe of libraries to be very open and welcoming!
What do you see as the role of a library ambassador?
I see the library ambassador as a bridge between the libraries and students, or as a sort of channel for information to be passed on to the student body that enables them to immerse themselves more fully in what the library has to offer.
What is one cool thing we may not know about you?
I have two cats named Frog and Bear, and they are the lights of my life! They're both tuxedo cats, and I like taking Bear on hikes through Cootes Paradise. (Frog has anxiety, so he's happy to stay home.)
Noor Latif
Pronouns: She/Her
Fourth year, Honours Environmental Science
Why did you want to return as a library ambassador?
My answer to that would be: why not? The great team that I get to work with, the hands-on communication skills that I’ve developed, the fun interactions that I have with students, and my enthusiasm for our libraries are just some of the reasons why I chose to return as an ambassador.
What do you hope to accomplish as library ambassador this year?
Since campus has returned to in-person learning and events, I want to start hosting more engaging library events so that the student body is fully aware of the vast resources that our libraries have to offer. I want to showcase that our libraries are a world of their own.
What is one cool thing we may not know about you?
One cool thing that people might not know about me is that I love to crack dad jokes and I can make up fairly good puns on the spot.
Veronica Larrazabal Zea
Pronouns: She/Her
Second year, Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences
Why did you want to be a library ambassador?
I think libraries are a miraculous resource to have, but it’s difficult for people to use them if they don’t know about them. I want to help promote everything the McMaster libraries have to offer so students can take full advantage of the resources available to them.
What do you see as the role of a library ambassador?
I see the library ambassador role as a bridge between the students and the libraries at McMaster. I think students are more enticed to access resources and services when the information is coming from fellow students, which the ambassadors are there to provide during events and on social media.
What is one cool thing we may not know about you?
I used to take piano lessons and play competitively before attending university. I made it to the Ontario provincials in 2021. My favourite classical composers are Frédéric Chopin and Muzio Clementi, but now I mostly dabble in more recent songs.
