Have you noticed the Student Assistants resplendent in their red t-shirts at the Ask desk on the first floor of the University Library, Ormskirk?
Research at other universities has shown that students can benefit from ‘peer to peer support’, hence the move to introduce Student Assistants into the library.
Students themselves have indicated that if they have got a query they would prefer to ask their peers first before they would approach a member of staff.
According to The University of Manchester,
‘There is strong evidence that Peer Support has a positive influence on students’ experience of their time at University, both academically and socially.’
The Student Assistants are trained in the use of library and learning resources, study skills and basic IT functions. They can also help students to understand the layout of the library.
The Student Assistants offer an additional layer of support to complement the work of the staff at the Ask desk and the flexible IT support staff.
Next time that you are in the University Library say ‘Hello’ to the Student Assistants and if you’ve got a query, don’t be afraid to ask.
For more information please contact [email protected]