For so many students, the Libraries are their “home away from home”. Take a casual walk through the various library spaces at York, and you’ll see students camped out in every corner. Libraries are essential to students’ academic experience; they are the site of much of a student’s reading, writing, researching, thinking, creating and studying. It’s important, then, that students be engaged as much as possible in the planning and development of their libraries.

This year marks the second year of the Library Student Advisory Group (LSAG). This group was created to provide a forum for dialogue with students about library issues including services, policies, resources and physical and virtual spaces. This year 23 students are serving on the committee, representing a broad cross-section of undergraduate and graduate students from different faculties and disciplines. 

Last year the Library Student Advisors were engaged in discussions about issues such as renovations in the Scott Library (the Learning Commons), noise and food policy, and the design of the new catalogue search interface. 

This year, LSAG has expanded its role from its original advisory function to encompass project work as well.  The students chose two projects, one in each term.  The fall project consisted of the Scott Learning Commons Open House which was held on October 20th.  LSAG helped plan, promote and host the event.  LSAG members were also involved in a Learning Commons Speakers’ Corner which interviewed students about their reactions to the newly renovated space.

In the winter term, the primary LSAG project will be to plan and organize an Undergraduate Conference to be held in the Scott Library in March. This small conference will provide an opportunity for students to present their research and ideas to the larger community.  (Watch for more information about the conference on the Libraries’ web site.)

For more information on the Library Student Advisory Group, contact Mark Robertson, Associate University Librarian, Information Services.