Student Library Advisory Board

Board Membership

Fairfield University’s Library Student Advisory Board (SLAB) consists of approximately 10-15 graduate and undergraduate students that broadly represent the academic programs, all campuses and class years, and overall diversity of the Fairfield University student body. Membership is for a period of one academic year, October-May, and is renewable upon invitation. All students, except for students previously or currently employed by the Library, may apply for a position on the SLAB by submitting an application. Students enrolled in a study abroad program that takes them away from campus for an entire semester of the academic year should not apply. New members of the board will be selected and notified by late early October.

Student Library Advisory Board Mission

The DiMenna-Nyselius Library recognizes the importance of student contribution to library policies, services, facilities, resources, and programming. The primary objective of the Student Library Advisory Board is to facilitate communications and the exchange of ideas between the student body and the library administration in order to better address student needs, provide new services, and improve existing services. Board members will:

Convey student needs, concerns, and priorities regarding Library services, facilities, resources, and programming.
Provide advice and feedback on library policies and services.
Provide ideas and input on the design and implementation of new library services.
Provide ideas and input on improving library spaces.
Provide the Library insight into student study, research, and library use habits.
Help librarians communicate information about library services and resources to the student community.

Adapted from UC San Diego

This board is strictly advisory in nature and suggestions and comments will be given to appropriate library committees as well as the Dean of the Library, who may occasionally attend meetings.

Meetings

The Board meets 3 times in the fall semester and 1-2 times in the spring semester. Board members may be invited to attend other Library meetings and events or participate in surveys, the planning of library events, and other special projects.

The Fall 2026 meetings will take place at the DiMenna-Nyselius Library on the following Thursdays from 12:30-1:45pm: Oct. 22nd, Nov. 12th and Dec. 3rd. Lunch will be provided. Undergraduate students who take classes on the Main Campus should only apply for board membership if available to meet in-person on all of these dates. Graduate/Doctorial and Bellarmine/Austin campus students can apply if not available at these times and will be provided with an online or asynchronous option.

Librarian Facilitators

Lisa Thornell, Head of Library Outreach & Communications and Vic Johnson, Assessment Librarian

Student Testimonials

Board Members from the 2025-2026 SLAB cohort said the following in an anonymous exit survey:

“It helped me build my teamwork and communication skills, soft skills that are essential for any career."
“I've gained a deeper appreciation and respect for the behind-the-scenes of the day-to-day of professional work, specifically for our university library and staff."
“Serving as a member of the board has helped me to be able to work in a group of people from all different majors. It has also helped me to talk about what I believe could be changed, and helping others."
“It has helped me understand what it means to contribute to improving campus spaces/resources, which played a large role in helping me get into national honor societies on campus and secure an internship for the upcoming summer."
“I think it has made me more able to participate in research.”

Student Library Advisory Board

Board Membership