The ASU Library is pleased to announce the spring 2023 recipients of the Tomalee Doan LibAid for Student Success award. Paityn Schlosser, map and geographic information systems assistant received first place. Alana Thigpen, communications and outreach library aide received second place.
Connecting patrons with maps and the Grand Canyon
Paityn Schlosser joined the ASU Library’s Map and Geospatial Hub (MGH) as part of the “Dutton's Atlas: How Cartography Helped the Canyon Become Grand” project last year. The multi-faceted project included an online and in-person exhibit and a hybrid symposium event. After the project wrapped up in the fall of 2022, Schlosser continued her work with the MGH, helping to double the amount of historical cartographic and geographical data available to the public.
"Paityn has exhibited the highest levels of library-based patron service,” said Matthew Toro, director of maps, imagery and geospatial services at the ASU Library. “She never fails to maintain her endearing, always positive, can-do attitude, even under immense pressure. She gives her full effort to everything she does."
The MGH is a library-based center for geographic information systems that tells stories with maps and data. Schlosser worked to connect ASU students and community with the incredible resources available in the MGH.
"As a student worker for the library, I've had the pleasure of working with spectacular staff in different departments to unite on complex projects with dynamic parts,” said Schlosser. “In my time, I've both organized and participated in seminars and symposiums, organized exhibits, collaborated with departments, and vivaciously worked to increase my own knowledge and skill so I can forge tangible resources for students at ASU to use."
Schlosser is a first-generation college student, who overcame challenges pursuing a degree in the midst of a global pandemic, and she found a home within the ASU Library. "The library has been more than a physical building to me - its been a place of growth, engagement and knowledge," Schlosser shared.
Schlosser graduated this spring and the LibAid for Student Success award will help support her with future educational endeavors. In the fall she will begin pursuing a master’s degree in geological sciences at Northern Arizona University.
Making the library a welcoming and inclusive place
Alana Thigpen is a second-year astrobiology and biogeosciences major with the School of Earth and Space Exploration who works as a communications and outreach student worker. As part of the communications and Web Services team, Thigpen leads and participates in outreach activities for student audiences, as well as developing content for the library’s social media platforms.
“Alana is an amazing ambassador for the library and her work not only helps build affinity for the library, it also helps promote all the services and events from across the library,” said Christina Peck, program and outreach coordinator with the ASU Library. “Her work helps the entire library better reach the student population. She also spearheads the promotion of book recommendations on our Instagram stories for all the heritage months, lifting up and honoring the voices from the communities each month celebrates.”
Thigpen supports outreach events such as button-making and monthly game nights and also initiated a plarn making (plastic yarn) workshop series. Collaborating with Zero Waste and theSustainability Committee within Staff Council, this series connects the library to ASU’s sustainability practices.
“My work at the library hardly feels like work. I like to think of it as more of a service to the population of students I am a part of,” said Thigpen. “Every day I come into work and am greeted by lovely people and work to provide unique experiences to my fellow students. Doing this is enjoyable and aligns well with my philosophy to be the change you want to see in the world.”
Coming to ASU has been a great opportunity for Thigpen, and she has been a leader for her siblings and friends back home out of state. The award will help support her education as she continues to complete her coursework for her degree with plans to graduate a year early.