Library Student Advisory Council

Background

In 2022, Western Libraries Strategic Planning process identified the need for the development of a Library Student Advisory Council (LSAC) to establish and embed mechanisms for open communication between the student body and the administration of Western Libraries. The following terms of reference were drafted by the User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) in collaboration with key stakeholders, including Student Council groups.

The function of this group will be:

  1. To provide a regular mechanism for channeling experience at Western Libraries.
  2. To solicit student feedback regarding existing library programs and services, at points of review and redevelopment stages.
  3. To involve students as key stakeholders in the development of new library services and facility enhancements.
  4. To create the platform for student voices and empower them to collaboratively shape the future of Western Libraries.

Purpose

The purpose of the LSAC is to represent the various opinions and concerns of Western students regarding the libraries to library administration, and to provide a forum for the library administration to solicit advice from students about library programs and services. For this reason, the Advisory Board should be composed of a diverse group of students who can give voice to and can raise perspectives from across campus.

Deliverables

Through regular meetings, this group will provide feedback regarding library services and spaces. When necessary, they might be surveyed and / or support survey development of targeted student groups on campus. The feedback provided through the LSAC will be considered, and where possible, actioned by library administration.

Membership

  • Vice-Provost and Chief Librarian (Chair) (ex officio)
  • User Experience Librarian (Student Engagement and Outreach) (ex officio)
  • Management Committee member (one year renewable)
  • 12-14 student representatives, including representatives appointed from University Students’ Council (USC) and Society of Graduate Students (SOGS). Remaining students will be students-at-large. (one year renewable)

Council Members 2024-25

  • Anna Lucia Bernardes Oliveira, undergraduate student at large
  • Anthony Cruz, VP: Academic, Society of Graduate Students
  • Bruce Yu, undergraduate student at large
  • Casey Lin, undergraduate student at large
  • Chantel Bennett, Music councillor
  • Duaa Abbasi, undergraduate student at large
  • Fatemeh Aminjafari, graduate student at large
  • Geoffrey Little, Vice Provost & Chief Librarian, Chair
  • Jaylin Marriott, undergraduate student at large
  • Jennifer Robinson, User Experience Librarian, Student Engagement and Outreach
  • Jiyon Shim, graduate student at large
  • Mariana Batista, VP: University Affairs, University Students' Council
  • RJ Dill, SOGS councillor
  • Sara Poulin, User Services Manager (Taylor Library)
  • Tessa Smith, Social Science councillor
  • Yousuf Ali, undergraduate at large

Accountability

Western Libraries members of the LSAC are accountable for:

  • Creating meeting agendas, soliciting items from Council members in advance of each meeting
  • Facilitating meetings, encouraging active participation by all members
  • Maintaining formal notes from each meeting
  • Arranging for meeting notes to be posted to the Western Libraries website
  • Providing updates on any actionable items arising from the business of the Council

Student members of the LSAC are accountable for:

  • Recommending agenda items for meetings
  • Reviewing meeting agendas in advance
  • Actively participating in meetings through constructive dialogue
  • Communicating activities of the Council to other students

Student member participation will be recognized through every student’s Co-Curricular Record (CCR).

Meeting agendas and minutes

The LSAC will meet at least twice a year. The Chair will set the agenda for each meeting and will accept agenda items from any group member up to five days prior to a scheduled meeting. Agendas and meeting notes will be posted to the Western Libraries website.