Interview with an LSA: Who they are and how they can help
Approaching the Service Desk at the library might be intimidating, but our Library Student Assistants (LSAs) are here to offer a friendly face! They can assist with a wide range of queries and, as students, provide a unique and relatable perspective. To help you get to know our LSAs better, we spoke with Peni Lebaivalu, one of our LSAs at the Burwood campus library. We asked him some questions about being an LSA to give you a better understanding of who the LSAs are and how they can help.
What is an LSA?
“They are Library Students Assistants – Deakin students who assist users of the library, whether they are librarians, the public or other students and alumni.”
How can an LSA help a student?
“LSAs help with general enquiries on the uses of the library. Through the direction of the librarians, LSAs help students to locate books, direct them to specific areas in the library as well as assist students execute tasks in the library like printing, picking up or returning books. LSAs also help students in installing Wi-Fi or download and install university software and apps. LSAs pick up books that students have requested and place them on the holding shelf or package them for delivery to the student’s stated address.”
Why do you love being an LSA?
“Being an LSA has been crucial to my self-development while studying. The ability to efficiently execute service delivery and LSA tasks is a challenge that I’ve learnt to enjoy. Coming onto shifts and just having that excellence mindset, playing my role well in the team has been invaluable. Getting to also meet and help students from various backgrounds and faculties has been an enjoyable experience.”
What is one thing you wish people knew about being an LSA?
“I wish people knew LSAs are there to assist them if ever they need assistance around the library.”
What’s the most common question you get asked and the answer?
“The most questions we would get is; where can a student find a specific book, that they need for an assignment or a class.”
Our Library Student Assistants (LSAs) are a valuable resource for all library users. Whether it’s locating a book, assisting with library technology, or providing general guidance, LSAs like Peni Lebaivalu are dedicated to enhancing your library experience. Don’t hesitate to look out for them the next time you visit the library. You can spot them in black vests, with Library Student Assistant written on them – they are here to help!