My Library Ambassador Experience

By Sophia Arredondo, Journalism Major and Library Ambassador

Sophia Arredondo recaps how being a Library Ambassador prepares her for her future career.
Three students in purple stand behind a UAlbany Libraries table in front of the fountain.

Sophia Arredondo (right) tables with the Library Ambassador program.

Coming to Albany from Long Island, my freshman year of college was a difficult transition. I knew joining clubs would help me meet new people, but I wasn’t sure which campus organizations were the right fit. My sister–a UAlbany alum– had sent me an Instagram post from the University Libraries about applying to become a Library Ambassador. I have always been a big reader, and I worked at my local public library in high school; I even wrote my college essay on how public libraries shaped my love of reading and who I am today. That background made me confident in my decision to apply, and when I received the invitation to join, I accepted immediately.

The Library Ambassador program is unlike any other organization on campus. It’s a volunteer leadership opportunity, allowing students to create social media content, staff events, and so much more. It’s led by Marketing and Outreach Librarian, Amanda Lowe who has become a mentor for me during my time at UAlbany. I’ve learned so much about  academic libraries and how creative outreach and marketing can expand access to resources. She has also shown me what a future career in librarianship could look like, which has been inspiring as I explore my own career options. 

Tabling at events such as Accepted Students Days and Preview Days have been such an impactful part of being a Library Ambassador. When I started college, I had grown more introverted, but these experiences helped me find my voice again. Talking to students and parents, sharing my experiences and helping others learn about the Libraries strengthened my communication skills. What once felt intimidating is now something I enjoy!
 

...the Library Ambassador program has given me clarity, confidence and transferable skills to succeed. No matter what path I choose, these skills will stay with me.

Last spring, I had the opportunity to bring one of my own ideas to life: a Shakespeare-inspired romantic comedy movie night in honor of the Bard’s birthday. After pitching the idea, polling on what movie to watch and working with the Library Ambassador team, the event became a reality. We watched one of my favorite movies, She’s the Man. Seeing an idea turn into a successful event showed me what I am capable of as I continue to build confidence in my event planning and leadership skills.

A woman student in a pink sweater preparing a bag of popcorn
Sophia prepares popcorn bags for a Library Movie Night.

This fall, I also incorporated the Libraries into my role as a First-Year-Experience Peer Educator by teaching a class session on the University Libraries. Class presentations are also an opportunity as a Library Ambassador. I was able to use my public speaking skills, create a lesson and engage students with fun marketing materials provided by Ms. Lowe. Watching the students learn something new about library resources was rewarding.

The social media aspect of the program shaped my interests too. Seeing how consistent, engaging content can grow an audience inspires my own creativity and has strengthened my interest in digital marketing.

As someone who’s gone back and forth between pursuing social media marketing and becoming a librarian, the Library Ambassador program has given me clarity, confidence and transferable skills to succeed. No matter what path I choose, these skills will stay with me.

What makes this program special is that you grow as you go, supported every step of the way. There are so many possibilities when it comes to the Library Ambassador program and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities, mentorship and community this program has given me.