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In his first year as a UCLA Cluster (opens in a new tab)peer research and writing specialist, Nick Wilson, a fourth-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics major, remembers helping a nervous new Bruin. “Just a few months out of high school, they weren’t sure how to start the research process for their first writing assignment, so I walked them through using UC Library Search,” he said. “Soon after, I overheard the same student showing classmates how to navigate the site. Seeing students flourish so quickly is one of the great joys of this job.”
Every fall, new Bruins arrive at UCLA with impressive educational achievements but little experience using an academic library—knowledge that is essential at a university known for undergraduate scholarship. So how do they grow into inquisitive, resourceful UCLA scholars like the 1,700 who presented faculty-mentored projects at Undergraduate Research Week last May, including 165 who applied for the Library Prize for Undergraduate Research?
Powell’s newly reopened East Rotunda serves as a central support hub, housing three peer-led programs that work together to equip students to succeed. Library student research assistants, all trained to provide in-person and online research support, are often a first point of contact. They answer Library and research questions, guide users to resources and databases and connect them with specialist librarians.
Research and instruction librarian Sylvia Page said students value the thorough, approachable support and like working with fellow students who understand the UCLA experience. She cited a recent student who described the service as “knowledgeable, responsive and patient,” adding, “They not only helped me identify sources…but also helped me develop the skills to do further research.”
Students in UCLA’s Cluster Program(opens in a new tab) are also paired with a librarian liaison and undergraduate peer research and writing specialist like Nick. Librarian Katherine Kapsadelis, who oversees the program, said the specialists are trained to “help students learn the key writing and information literacy skills that provide the foundation for college-level scholarship.”
Last year, Library staff and peer specialists provided 899 consultations for cluster students. In collaboration with the humanities division of the College, the East Rotunda also houses the Undergraduate Writing Center, offering one-on-one writing support. Fourth-year history and Arabic major, Linde Spear, who used Powell’s services before becoming a peer specialist summed up the system’s impact: “Every time I’ve used these services, I’ve left knowing exactly how to tackle my assignments and with more confidence in my research and writing.”
