Library ambassadors: written by Samantha Smith

Hi everyone! My name is Sam and I am in my 2B term of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. This is my second term working as a Library Ambassador and I could not be more excited to be back promoting all of the awesomeness that the University of Waterloo Library has to offer.

I originally applied to be a Library Ambassador because I enjoy being involved in campus life and liked the idea of helping more students discover resources that have been invaluable to me during my time here at UWaterloo. Working as part of a team, my fellow Ambassadors and I are responsible for helping students learn more about the library at various campus fairs and events and feedback sessions. Getting to work directly with both students and library staff last fall as an Ambassador was a wonderful experience, so I jumped at the chance to come back and work again this term.

As a Library Ambassador, one of my main tasks is planning and facilitating a term project that focuses on student engagement with the library. This term I have partnered up with another Library Ambassador, Mariam, to bring back the popular ‘Accio Potterheads’ project that was originally run last fall. The month of June marks the 20^th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book, so we decided what better way to celebrate than by organizing a witchcraft and wizardry extravaganza!

On June 29^th, we set ourselves up outside of the Davis Centre Library and ran a Harry Potter-themed photo booth and charades game, in addition we handed out Hogwarts acceptance letters and Silencio buttons. I had a lot of fun developing this project and was happy to see so many students enjoy it. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events organized by other Library Ambassadors such as the Women in STEM event happening July 10-12, Pieces of Community event July 17-21, and the stress buster activity tables July 24-August 11^th.  

Working as a Library Ambassador has given me so many fantastic opportunities, from mentorship with library staff to handing out cookies at Library Day with the President of UWaterloo.

I’m pretty lucky to have such a fun job where I get to talk with students, coordinate events and work with an amazing team of passionate people. This position has helped me develop both personally and professionally, and I would definitely encourage any students who are interested to apply to be a Library Ambassador for future terms!

-Sam