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University of Southern Maine
Libraries & Learning

USM Student Library Advisory Collective (SLAC): Home

SLAC Application

Thank you for your interest in joining SLAC at the University of Southern Maine Libraries! Please click on the link HERE to fill out our online Google Application. 

 

If you answered "Heck Yeah",

Join SLAC's Any Book Book Club!

Image Created by Alex Lecrone (Former SLAC Member)

LibraryTimes! on WMPG 90.9 FM 

The local USM radio station, WMPG, previously hosted the monthly USM Libraries Radio Show, "LibraryTimes!". On this show we talked about all things happening at the three USM campus libraries, held interviews with some awesome library staff, and featured members of the USM Student Library Advisory Collective (SLAC), all while learning about the inner-workings of our little corner of the academic library world. The "LibraryTimes!" show ran from September 2022 to October 2023.

Did You Know?

These items are available from the USM Libraries.
Ask at the Service Desk and have your USM Student ID! 

Large Headphones                  

Scientific Mathematic Calculators

HP Laptops

S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Light Boxes

Apple Computer Dongle to convert HDMI 

Course Textbooks on Reserve (A range of 100-400 Level Classes)

The following items are available in the "Library Living Room" on the Third Floor of the Glickman Library in Portland. They are "In Library Use Only", meaning that they are to be used within the library living room space, so no checkout is required!

Board Games & Card Decks (Tsuro, Cranium, Timeline, Parcheesi, Seven Wonders, Forbidden Island, Pandemic, Fluxx, Concept, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Lords of Waterdeep, Card Decks, Magic the Gathering, and more Classic Games!) 

Dungeons & Dragons Books (Players Handbook, Monster Manual)

Welcome to the USM Student Library Advisory Collective (SLAC)!

From the Archives: Gorham Normal School Library Club, circa 1933

SLAC Mission Statement

The Libraries at the University of Southern Maine recognize that student voices are an integral part of successful library policies, services, facilities, resources, spaces, and programming. The purpose of the Student Library Advisory Collective (SLAC) at USM is to provide space for Students and Library Administration to effectively and professionally communicate regarding student needs and ideas, the improvement of library services, and the facilitation of library student engagement and outreach initiatives. 

Adapted from Fairfield University & UC San Diego

Members of the Student Library Advisory Collective (SLAC) will:

  • Discuss and address Student needs, concerns, and ideas regarding USM Library spaces, programming, resources, and services with Library Administration.
  • Provide feedback and advice on USM Library initiatives, services, programs, resources, and policies.
  • Assist Library Staff in communicating information about USM Library services, resources, and programming to the wider student community.

It is important to note that this board is advisory in nature. Student suggestions and comments will be given to the appropriate library committee(s) as well as the Library Director, who may occasionally attend meetings.

Who are the Members of SLAC?


Membership of the Student Library Advisory Collective consists of undergraduate and graduate students, representing a range of academic disciplines and backgrounds, in an attempt to encompass the broad diversity of the USM Student population.


Board Memberships typically last for one Academic Year in order to allow the widest possible access for Student participation; however, term extensions are possible and supported.

All USM Students are welcome - and encouraged - to join SLAC.

When does SLAC Meet?

The Student Library Advisory Collective at USM meets once a month through the semesters, at pre-arranged & scheduled meeting dates and times, alternating between the three campus libraries and/or through an online format. Board members may also be invited to attend and participate in other library meetings and events on campus.

SLAC Initiatives

The USM Student Library Advisory Collective has achieved or initiated the following items:

- The USM Student Any Book Book Club (ABBC)

- LibraryTimes! Radio Show on WMPG, 90.9 FM

- Gathering student feedback for designing the 2022 USM Library Website

- Letter to past Provost Jeannine Uzzi highlighting the need for library instruction in the classroom

- Ongoing reviews of USM Library spaces across each campus

SLAC Staff Facilitators

For more information about the Student Library Advisory Collective at USM, please contact the Library Staff Facilitators listed below.

Thank you for your interest in SLAC! We look forward to hearing from you.

Elizabeth Bull, Library Specialist - Access Services & Interlibrary Loan (Lewiston)
(P) 207-753-6526; (E) elizabeth.bull@maine.edu
Carrie Bell-Hoerth, Coordinator of the Gorham Learning Commons (Gorham)
(P) 207-780-5346; (E) carrie.bellhoerth@maine.edu 
Hadriane Hatfield, Library Specialist - Access Services (Gorham)
(P) 207-780-4329; (E) hadriane.hatfield@maine.edu