By Krisha Mehta, Library Communications Student Assistant

Matthew Aksamit is bringing a creative vision to promote self-directed learning at McMaster University.

Aksamit is currently in their fifth year of English & cultural studies. They started working as a library ambassador in September 2022, then moved to the LinkedIn Learning ambassador role in spring 2023.

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.

How are post-secondary institutions addressing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning?

This question was at the centre of a working lunch that brought nine high school teacher-librarians and educators from the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board to Mills Memorial Library on May 26.

By Krisha Mehta, Library Communications Student Assistant

Veronica Larrazabal Zea brings her creative ideas to life to help students with their university transition.

As a library ambassador at McMaster University Library, Larrazabal Zea appreciates the idea that libraries provide knowledge and resources without a profit focused mindset.

“To be able to promote the variety of resources and engage with a wider audience is very important to me,” she said. “It is what libraries are made for – to help people.”

By Krisha Mehta, Library Communications Student Assistant

Jeannette Oh is determined to promote the learning of media as the newest form of knowledge.

As a student assistant at Lyons New Media Centre, Oh is fascinated by the accessibility of resources and knowledge that the Centre provides. Being able to facilitate the learning of different software and equipment is important to her.

In keeping with last month’s theme of creativity, the LinkedIn Learning Club @ McMaster is launching an introduction to visual arts.

During the months of June and July, McMaster University students using their free LinkedIn Learning accounts will have access to a collection of instructional courses on illustration and design.

The campaign, entitled Visual Arts: A Spatial Exploration, was crafted by Matt Aksamit, a McMaster student and LinkedIn Learning ambassador.

By Krisha Mehta, Library Communications Student Assistant

Meenaa Saththi keeps two things close to her heart: inspiration and curiosity.

As a student assistant at Thode Makerspace, Saththi is constantly inspired by the diversity of people and projects that come in and out of the space. Being able to encourage makerspace visitors and make their visions come to life is meaningful to her.

A grant program that makes it easier for McMaster University instructors to create and adapt free, high-quality open textbooks and course material to improve teaching and learning is expanding.

This means that double the funding of $60,000 will now be available each year for the next three years through the Open Educational Resources (OER) Grant Program. It is supported by the Office of the Provost, McMaster University Library, the Health Sciences Library, the MacPherson Institute and McMaster Students Union.

Canadian biographer and historian Charlotte Gray is helping give new life to literary non-fiction in Canada.

Gray has donated her archive to the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections at McMaster University Library.

“I had a very warm experience at McMaster’s archives while researching Pauline Johnson for my book, Flint and Feather,” said Gray. “Since then, I’ve held a special place in my heart for McMaster.”

By Krisha Mehta, Library Communications Student Assistant

Growing up in libraries, Clara Rakovac was inspired from a young age by the plethora of knowledge available at her fingertips.

She recalls her mother Sandra, a longtime employee at McMaster University Library, having her sit at a little desk next to her while at work.

“I remember being so enamoured with a building having so much knowledge,” Rakovac said. “You can find anything you want.”