Library ambassadors: written by Samantha Smith

Hi UWaterloo! My name is Samantha and I’m in my 2A term of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. Working as a Library Ambassador has been such a great experience for me thus far – by helping to promote the library and all of the awesome services it provides, I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot too.

I originally applied to be a Library Ambassador because I wanted to help students discover what a great resource the library is and see yet another way the University of Waterloo is a fantastic school. During my first year, I found the library to be a tremendous resource that supported my academic success. From liaison librarians that helped me with daunting research projects, to borrowing a board game for much needed stress-relief, the library is more than just an awesome study space.

Each Library Ambassador is tasked with developing a term project, and the project I am developing and implementing is the Library Passport Challenge. The passports will be available online, to reduce the environmental footprint so that only passports being used are being printed.  Students will be answering questions and going to different Library locations across campus to get their passport stamped! Once the passport is completed, students can drop them off at Dana Porter Library and will have the chance to be entered in a draw for a $20 gift card for Retail Services. Stay tuned to the University of Waterloo Library’s social media accounts for details. Completed passports must be submitted by October 31st. I’m really excited about my project because I think it is an engaging way for students learn more about the Library and all the services that are offered.

Being a Library Ambassador has been a great way to develop my communication and organization skills, because my job involves a lot of student engagement and helping to organize events. My job has also allowed me to meet so many students and library staff alike, which in turn has helped me to build connections on campus. Some upcoming events that you can catch me at are: Office of Academic Integrity events, where you can test your knowledge on academic misconduct to win prizes, and Library Day, a library appreciation event for all students (there are free cookies and apples)!