Stuck on research? The A-LISTers are here to help!

Cook Library's A-LIST program provides peer-to-peer assistance in research and library functions.

Conor Reynolds '15 gained experience through A-LIST that helped him land a job after graduation.
Conor Reynolds '15 gained experience through A-LIST that helped him land a job after graduation.

Entering Cook Library can be intimidating.  With five floors of resources and access to over 200 databases, it can be difficult to figure out where to begin a research project. But the Albert S. Cook Library Leadership Institute for Students (A-LIST) program ensures each student has a helping hand – from fellow students.

The year-long program (now in its third cohort) employs three students trained in research, library databases and citations. Participants – dubbed A-LISTers – are available to help TU students get started on research or answer any questions about general library functions.

Having access to peer-to-peer assistance can make a tremendous difference for some students, says Conor Reynolds ’15, who served in the program’s first cohort.

“Some people might be intimidated to go up to a librarian and ask a question,” Reynolds explains. “But if there’s [a fellow student] who will literally come to you to help you with a problem, that’s awesome.”

In addition to providing assistance to students, A-LISTers complete independent projects in an area of their choice.  Reynolds' independent study was instrumental in securing his position as director of Tower Fund & Stewardship at Mount Saint Joseph High School.

“Now that I’ve graduated and am out in the real world, having that experience is huge,” Reynolds says.

Photo of a A-LISTer wearing bright yellow shirt
A-LISTers wear bright yellow shirts so students can easily identify them.

The independent projects give students the ability to pursue what they are passionate about, says senior Melanie Lutz '16, who just finished her term on A-LIST’s second cohort.

“If we were really interested in social media or starting a project with a different organization on campus, we could do that,” the audiology major says. “We weren’t just employees – we were really treated as co-workers with the librarians.”

Lutz suggests applying to A-LIST if “you’re ready to work, serious about responsibilities and want to make a difference on campus.”

Those who aren’t interested in participating can take advantage of the program by approaching A-LISTers with questions – just look for the students in bright yellow shirts.

“If you’re working on a research paper and you have access to a program like A-LIST, there’s no reason you shouldn’t do well on that paper with these resources at your disposal,” Reynolds says.

Turn research into reality

Supporting A-LIST is easy.

Just visit the program's page to learn more.