Two student employees at the ASU Library, Alex Niño and Lucas Reynoso, have been awarded the Spring 2022 Tomalee Doan LibAid for Student Success award. The award has become a valued tradition at the ASU Library since 2019 to recognize outstanding student workers and their contributions to service excellence.
Helping researchers and guests access collections and archival materials
Alexa Niño has worked at the ASU Library for over a year at Hayden Library in the Wurzburger Reading Room. In her position, Alexa welcomes and assists guests, and helps to explain the specialized procedures for use of the Wurzburger Reading that ensure the safety, security, and long-term preservation of rare materials. In addition, Alexa supports the entire Distinctive Collections teams by assisting with events and classes, daily maintenance of the reading room and the Rare Book and Manuscript Collection. She received the first-place prize of $1,000.
Alexa was nominated by Julie Tanaka, Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts and Interim Head of Distinctive Collections. “Alexa possesses and demonstrates all of the characteristics that are critical to providing the highest level of service to anyone who walks through the reading room doors or calls the main line,” said Tanaka. “She is passionate and enthusiastic about her job which carries over into the service she provides to everyone, both guests and staff.”
Alexa contributed to outreach and promotion of the ASU Library’s collections by authoring several blog posts. One such post about Diane di Parma, a feminist Beat poet even helped to supply additional metadata for the bibliographic records, improving research opportunities.
“Being a part of the Distinctive Collections team has been an invaluable experience, and one that is incredibly fulfilling,” said Alexa. “I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have garnered, thanks to the ASU Library. I am so happy to be a part of a community that encourages research, inspiration, learning, and kindness. Being able to help researchers across multiple disciplines, those looking for answers, and curious patrons has been one of the most rewarding parts of working at Distinctive Collections.”
Alexa is planning to graduate in December with an MA in English Literature and hopes to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science degree.
Making everyone feel welcome at the library
Lucas Reynoso has been working at Hayden Library for two years. As a Library Aide, he works at the information desks, helps answer questions from students and patrons and demonstrates compassion and customer service to make everyone feel welcome. Lucas received the second-place prize of $500.
Lucas was nominated by Cristen Abrams who wanted to recognize Lucas’ impact and leadership with his peers. “Lucas’ most outstanding feature is how he has become a mentor to the new students,” said Abrams. “He helps with training using an unrivaled level of patience. Lucas knows how to share work without making the other one feel overburdened. He is a natural teacher and given his quick ability to learn.”
Working at the ASU Library has nurtured Lucas’ growth during his educational journey. “The library combines two things I love: people and books. At Hayden Library, I have been able to interact with many different people of all ages and make them feel welcome,” said Lucas. “My goal is always to ensure access to the library for everyone, making sure students and adults alike feel comfortable asking questions. I enjoy directing people to the resources they need no matter what their stage in life and contributing to their personal development and growth.”
Lucas plans to complete his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and pursue graduate school. His goal is to become an aerospace engineer with a career at NASA.
Supporting student success
The Tomalee Doan LibAid for Student Success award was created in 2019 through the generosity of Tomalee Doan, former Associate University Librarian, with the goal of providing further support to student employees who show a high level of commitment to serving the library and the university.
To help students like Alexa and Lucas, please consider making a donation to the Tomalee Doan LibAid Award for Student Success. Your support makes a difference for student workers in the ASU Library.