By Krisha Mehta, Library Communications Student Assistant
Poornima Goudar is making lives easier through communication, collaboration, and connection.
Goudar, who is entering her third year of honours life sciences, has worked at Thode library as a student assistant since September 2021. Her role involves circulating materials through the library, answering questions at the help desk, and directing people to where they can access resources. Currently, she is also becoming trained on the equipment such as the 3D printer and vinyl cutter at Thode Makerspace.
“We often see people stop by when they come to the desk and point out the little figurines we print on the 3D printer,” she said. “A popular one right now is the ‘Rocktopus’, which is an octopus with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s head.”
For Goudar, connecting people to valuable resources is a big part of success in her job.
“Guiding people to the resources they need for work that is meaningful to them is extremely important to me," she said. “People remember you when you help make their day a little easier— it’s both nice and fulfilling.”
When it comes to helping, Goudar is eager to accept any challenge, whether it be for patrons, her coworkers, or anyone else. Recently, in collaboration with her coworker, Jenna, she finished a step-by-step manual for new student assistants when they start training.
“When you’re starting a new job, it is nice and useful to have something to refer back to,” she said. “It is definitely something I wish I had, so it felt good to know it will be helpful for someone else.”
Goudar brings her compassionate personality into the Hamilton community, as well. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with a variety of organizations such as Community Volunteer Circles and Let’s Talk Science. Apart from that, she loves long walks and picking up small hobbies like embroidering and knitting.
“My favourite trail is the Sixteen Mile Creek Trail in Oakville since I’m a big sucker for those big trees and greenery, and I love it when they start to bloom again,” said Goudar. “I also tend to pick up different hobbies that pique my interest.”
Ann Pearce, Thode library manager, says Goudar is an integral member of the Thode team.
“Poornima’s work ethic shows the dedication and care she has in any task she’s given,” said Pearce. “Her warm and friendly personality makes it a joy to work alongside her.”
Working at Thode library has allowed Goudar to broaden her knowledge on the career opportunities that are available.
“I am still exploring my career options, but every day I see such a wide variety of people using the library and its resources, and it lets me look at pathways I had never even thought of,” she said. “It allows me to make those connections, learn about people’s experiences, but also prepare to set out and have those experiences for myself.”
Students of summer is a storytelling series from McMaster University Library featuring the student assistants who work in our spaces and provide valuable assistance to patrons during the spring and summer months.
