The Ohio State University student Mary Polemeni-McGovern has accomplished a lot in the six months she worked at Research Commons in the 18th Ave. Library. In addition to her daily tasks, Mary learned skills like using and creating LibGuides, uploading to Ohio State’s Knowledge Bank, and navigating and editing the Ohio Innovation Exchange site. Mary shared that this helped her build confidence in herself and her work.
In her scholarship essay, Mary shares, “The small staff I work with is incredibly supportive, and I trust that my supervisors wouldn’t assign me a project I’m not capable of handling…My supervisors are incredibly accommodating and make it easy to ask for help, which gives me the freedom I need to independently explore new concepts and has helped with my life-long perfectionism.”
Working at Research Commons has provided Mary with more than just hands-on experience. Through her time here, her confidence has increased, and she has begun to grasp the scope of the possibilities of academia. Mary shares more about herself, her experience and advice for other students considering applying to University Libraries in the interview below.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I'm an Honors Student studying Astronomy & Astrophysics with a minor in Music! I'm very passionate about STEM education and outreach programs and will be an Astronomy Education Intern at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum this summer. I am also currently Vice President of AROUSE (Amateur Radio Organization for Undergraduate Student Entertainment) Student Radio here on campus and formerly served on the e-board for the Female Gaze Screening Club.
What drew you to working with University Libraries as a Student Employee?
I was drawn to work at the libraries because I have spent so much time in the libraries studying and working and have always loved the environment of the libraries.
What’s something you’ve learned by working for University Libraries?
I have learned so much about graduate research and the resources offered by the Ohio State Libraries during my time working at the Research Commons.
How will this scholarship impact your time as a student at Ohio State?
This scholarship means a lot to me, as I have really enjoyed working at the Research Commons and appreciate the libraries so much. It is always nice to have your work recognized, and it demonstrates how much Ohio State Libraries cares about their staff.
What would you say to other students who are considering working for University Libraries?
I have encouraged anyone who says they're looking for an on-campus job to apply for a position at the libraries. Even when I was interviewing for various positions at the start of the school year, library staff has consistently been kind, welcoming, and supportive.