KU Libraries student employees recognized with dean’s awards
DASEE Photo Gallery - https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTa5U
Two student employees who do vital work in Spencer Research Library's public services and a KU Libraries student ambassador were honored among their peers and supervisors at the 14th annual Dean's Award for Student Employee Excellence (DASEE) luncheon on May 7, at Watson Library.
KU Libraries Dean Carol Smith said in her remarks that student workers this year averaged about 1,360 hours of work per week across all major offices and divisions of KU Libraries. She noted that, with the support of staff supervisors, student employees have significant impact on the reach of the libraries, engaging with multi-faceted projects and meeting a wide range of patron needs.
Theo McKay, a junior from Lawrence, Kan., received a $500 DASEE award for his outstanding contributions to Spencer Research Library Public Services. During his time at Spencer, McKay has collaborated on a wide range of projects, often volunteering to fill in gaps or take open shifts whenever needed. His deep knowledge of the stacks has made him a go-to teammate for difficult-to-find objects and high-volume class holds, and Spencer curators frequently request McKay specifically for special projects.
"This job changed the way I saw my future," McKay said. "I changed my major because of work at Spencer Research Library. I don't think I'd be where I am today without the people that I work with at Spencer – my peers as well as curators and staff. It's been an invaluable experience, and I'm very happy to be recognized for that."
Kit Cavazos, a senior from Albuquerque, N.M., also received a $500 DASEE award for their exceptional work in Spencer Research Library Public Services. Cavazos has been a trusted collaborator on everything from shifting projects to complex research assistance, to creative projects. They helped develop "Escape Rooms in a Box," self-contained puzzles themed around library materials, for a Haunting Humanities community event last fall. Cavazos will present the project at the ACRL Rare Books and Manuscripts Conference with Special Collections Curator Eve Wolynes this summer.
"The work I do really has changed my trajectory," Cavazos said. "I kind of knew the things that I liked, but it really has inspired me to go into libraries myself. Eve Wolynes and (Special Collections Curator) Elspeth Healey are big inspirations to me professionally. Any of the projects that I do wouldn't be possible without any of the curators and (Administrative Associate) Grace Brazell helping me."
Zoe Camarin, a junior from Olathe, Kan., was honored with a KU Libraries Student Ambassadors Program (KULSAP) Service Excellence Award at the ceremony. In her role as KULSAP president, Camarin kept the group active and organized, with particular attention to communication that fostered engagement between members. She also engaged with efforts around Watson Library's master plan, meeting with architects to share student perspectives, and took the lead in organizing "Cool Off With KULSAP," an event where students connected with libraries ambassadors around club involvement and library improvements. KULSAP connects students with KU Libraries leadership to promote student input and involvement in library services and programming.
Cash prizes were awarded to the DASEE winners, who were selected by a committee including members of the KU Libraries Board of Advocates. Former KU Libraries dean lorraine j. haricombe established the awards to recognize the dedication and quality service student employees provide.