The Central University Libraries is looking to fill as many as 15 spots on its Student Advisory Board (SAB).
SAB members meet once a month for pizza, soda and a discussion of all things library-related.
Eating pizza and drinking soda in one of Fondren’s conference rooms is a far cry from the library’s days before Gillian McCombs became the dean and director of the Central University Libraries in 1998.
“When I came, you couldn’t bring any beverages in,” said McCombs.
That all changed when by popular demand, members of the SAB wanted Fondren to sell coffee.
Originally, students wanted to have a Starbucks. When that could not be accomplished soon enough, the SAB members demanded coffee, any coffee.
“We thought we could just wait, but the students said, ‘At three in the morning, we don’t care what it tastes like as long as it’s hot and wet,'” McCombs said.
So the CUL installed a gourmet coffee machine in Fondren’s lounge.
The drink policy now allows students to sip their coffee in the student lounge areas and drink water from containers with lids throughout the building, McCombs said.
“All too often you show up to a group and you don’t feel your voice is heard,” McCombs said. “We care about what you think and you can make a difference for yourself and other students.”
McCombs has a history of implementing changes requested by the SAB. Fondren Library became a 24-hour operation, a suggestion box was set up for comments and the rental times for the DVDs were extended.
“I would encourage anyone who is creative, likes to give opinions, and likes to have their voice heard, to apply to join the board,” said Jordan Rolfe, a third-year SAB member.
To become a member of the SAB, students can attend the group’s first meeting at 5 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the Ornish Conference Room on the fourth floor of Fondren Library East.
Those who are interested should e-mail McCombs to be added to the list. Students who are interested but cannot attend the Sept. 10 meeting are also encouraged to contact McCombs.
For more information about the Student Advisory Board, or to be added to the list, contact McCombs at (214) 768-2400 or by e-mail at [email protected].
