News Archives: Two New Librarians Book Into GPRC
Friday, October 16th, 2020
GPRC鈥檚 Learning Commons welcomed two new staff members over the summer. Amanda Wills and Marissa Rocca joined the GPRC community in August.
Wills joined as the new Collection Development and Analysis Librarian. She attended GPRC for two years before completing her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at the University of Alberta where she later attained a Master of Library and Information Studies. Wills was previously employed at GPRC as the Grammar and Writing Tutor before transitioning to the Learning Support Coordinator.
鈥淭his is my dream job,鈥 said Wills. 鈥淕PRC has been my home for a long time. I love seeing new and returning students learn and succeed. The staff and faculty here are amazing and work so hard to make sure the students get the best of what they need to be successful. To be part of that team is an honour.鈥
Wills鈥 duties as Collection Development and Analysis Librarian include ensuring the College鈥檚 physical collection aligns with the curriculum offered at GPRC and connecting with students and faculty to see what kinds of supports they need. She is also teaching Learning Commons instruction classes.
鈥淚 want everyone to feel comfortable and confident using Learning Commons resources. Librarians are in a unique position to support information seekers, particularly students, at a time when information is super abundant and overwhelming,鈥 said Wills. 鈥淚鈥檓 really looking forward to working on some amazing projects with the Learning Commons staff. We鈥檝e got some incredible people on the team and are at a point where we can really make a difference in our students鈥 learning experience.鈥
Rocca joined as the Student Learning and Experience Librarian. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in her hometown at the University of Lethbridge. She formerly worked at the University of Lethbridge library and the city鈥檚 public library.
In addition to her Bachelor鈥檚 Degree, Rocca has a Master of Library Science from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.
Rocca鈥檚 role includes connecting with faculty, instructors and students to support their research endeavours. She will also be involved in planning and facilitating some outreach events through the Learning Commons.
鈥淚 wanted to be a librarian because I love to help people learn and discover new things,鈥 said Rocca. 鈥淚 like being able to find new ways to connect and support students. GPRC has a diverse student population and a really interesting collection of programs. I am interested in working with student disciplines I had not had the chance to work with before.鈥
While finishing her Master鈥檚 Degree, Rocca completed a co-op placement in the University of Lethbridge library.
鈥淚 have always loved libraries and once I started working in one, I found out that I really loved to help people, as well. Looking for the right book or piece of information can be challenging, but it鈥檚 so satisfying when you find it,鈥 said Rocca.
The GPRC Learning Commons is the academic heart of GPRC; a place to engage, learn, and discover. Supports are offered to help faculty and students engage in teaching, learning and research. .