By Krisha Mehta, Library Communications Student Assistant
Shruthi Viswanathan is someone who wants to make a positive impact on McMaster University’s community.
As a student assistant with Library Accessibility Services at McMaster library, Viswanathan says she is dedicated to raising awareness on the need for accessibility, bringing equal access to resources, and improving these resources on campus.
“We live in such a diverse community with people from different backgrounds and individual capabilities,” she said. “It is important that we create an equitable environment that does not put anyone at a disadvantage.”
Viswanathan, who started working at the library in May, is entering her fourth year of psychology, neuroscience & behaviour.
Her job includes working on projects such as learning about the assistive technology available at Library Accessibility Services and creating educational videos on how they are used. She also works on transcription work and converting material into accessible formats when requested.
“I am excited about a new project we are working on that involves 3D printing,” said Viswanathan. “We are researching 3D printing resources to provide students with information they can use to print their own assistive devices, and I am intrigued to see how this works out.”
Viswanathan says working at Library Accessibility Services is helping develop skills that will benefit her career.
“Working here has helped me become more detail-oriented and build my research skills,” she said. “This helps me prioritize quality over quantity of my tasks and is a transferrable skill that will help me in any professional environment in the future.”
When she finds some free time, Viswanathan loves to read, travel, and spend time outdoors.
“I really enjoy spending time outdoors like hiking or going to the parks,” said Viswanathan. “Just in general, I like living a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and spending time with my friends.”
Nancy Waite, manager of Library Accessibility Services, says Viswanathan brings a radiant personality that adds to the Campus Accessible Tech Space, also known as CATS.
“Without student assistants, we would not be able provide alternate formats for students who require them,” said Waite. “Shruthi is very pleasant to talk with. She is friendly and outgoing.”
Viswanathan is constantly looking for ways to help the community she lives in, either through her personal or work life.
“Everyone has their own unique skillsets that they can use to help the community and make a positive impact, so just be yourself, and be passionate.”
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.
