In 2019, the University of Arizona re-implemented its Peer Information Counselor program - designed to allow students from underrepresented communities to work with members of the cultural centers on campus on research and library skills, but with one change. The previous program had students staff the reference desk and occasionally work in the centers, but the new program would have PIC students working entirely on outreach with students from these communities, whether by hosting study hours at the centers, actively collaborating with students on projects at the centers, or facilitating different research or outreach activities around campus with those students. In doing so, we hope to change perception of the library as a large, physically intimidating space filled with staff too busy to help students to one of a collection of caring staff and students willing to meet previously ignored communities on campus in their own space to help them.
