Two UConn students are helping to make sure their peers’ voices are heard on a very important topic: the library.
Erika Elechicon, a political science and communication double major and the USG Vice President’s Chief of Staff, is the undergraduate student representative to the Vice Provost’s Library Advisory Committee. Michael Ambroselli represents the graduate student population.
The students serving on the Provost’s Library Advisory Committee are working to represent UConn students in important library issues.
In this role, Erika and Michael sit in on important meetings with the Library’s Vice Provost, Martha Bedard, and faculty representatives from various academic departments. The committee of approximately 15 faculty, students and administrators discusses issues regarding the library and how to handle them.
“It’s important to have a voice at a meeting attended by so many big decision makers,” said Elechicon. “These decisions affect all of us and we need to represent our views.”
Elechicon is doing just that. She contributes to major discussions on library issues, such as the effects of the state’s proposed budget cuts and the adoption of open source textbooks, things that could have major consequences for students in the future.
Michael Ambroselli, the graduate student representative to the committee, agreed with Elechicon.
“Decisions made with respect to the library directly affect all students and faculty, so it is important for us to be able to provide direct feedback and input in such matters,” he said. “Since the committee advises the Vice Provost for University Libraries, this committee is the most direct route to for us to learn about all matters concerning the library, and to provide feedback.”
Both Elechicon and Ambroselli chose to participate in this committee because they realize how important the library is for all students at UConn.
“The library represents the cornerstone for all scholarly and research activity at a research institution such as UConn,” said Ambroselli.
“The library isn’t just a place to sit and study, it’s a resource for students and faculty,” said Elechicon.