Student Library Advisory Committee

At the first meeting of the 2024-25 academic year,  Lauren DiMonte, associate university librarian for Research and Learning,  welcomed new and returning members. In addition to scheduled meetings, optional “insider experiences” will be offered. Members are invited to suggest behind-the-scenes aspects they would like to learn about. We are committed to letting members know how their feedback is used to shape services, programs, and spaces across the library system. 

Patricia Carey, director of communications strategy, led an exercise on student perceptions of Yale Library. Themes that surfaced included the richness and complexity of library resources as well as students’ desire for  clearer pathways through the complexity. Students shared a range of feelings evoked by the library, from comforting to confusing and intimidating. The library is seen as one of the places on campus where different segments of the Yale community come together. The role of the library in supporting student success was also discussed. Insights from this session will be used to shape web content and other library communications.

Chelsea Fitzgerald,  postdoctoral researcher in user experience, shared and tested with the group proposed modifications to the library’s Quicksearch discovery tool that were developed with input from some of last year’s committee members. 

The next meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 8, noon-1 p.m. in Room 121 of the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. The topic will be Yale Library strategic planning. 

SLAC members were invited to a breakfast preview of the newly renovated Andrews Study Room (SML 2015) and to meet Barbara Rockenbach, Stephen F. Gates ’68 University Librarian. Attendees offered  suggestions for additional features and decorative elements to be added during a second phase of the renovation.