Undergraduate Library Fellows

By Willow Beyer, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2024-2025

Over the course of my first semester as a Makerspace Fellow, I have had the opportunity to learn and grow beyond my new skills in crafting. I have watched and experienced the ways that art is not about just the finished product, the skills that go into creating it, or what it communicates; it’s about how its production affects the artist.

When visiting the Makerspace for the first time, many people comment on how calming the act of creating can be. Undergrads come here to work with their hands, take a breath outside of the academic demand of their day to day life, and help each other approach new problems. Sharing advice, working out the logistics of their ideas together, and showing off what they’ve been working on is an essential part of using the Makerspace. In the fiber arts room, it’s always fun to see the clothes people are making and think through the best way to accomplish their goals in a room full of people with varied sewing backgrounds. I love when people teach each other skills they learned that day, like using the Silhouette machine or button makers, because they get to not only solidify that knowledge for themselves, but meet someone new.

The Makerspace quietly works as a space for its users to decompress. Dedicating my service hours to creating has had a massive positive impact on my life. As Library Fellows, we work to create not just physical projects, but an intentional cohort where collaboration and feedback are valued and the methods through which they are carried out are clearly defined and respected. We work on a variety of shared projects, including workshop design and promotion and Make of the Month setup. Because we prioritize each other’s feedback, it’s much easier for me to share my ideas for my peers’ work and I feel more confident that I will get honest and helpful responses. By incorporating others’ insight into my Silhouette designs, stamps, and posters, I have been able to improve more quickly. By practicing articulating my thoughts on others’ work, I have improved in communication and solidified what I’m learning in design. Exposure to a community of intentional crafters and dedicated time for making has been helpful in alleviating stress and lifting my mood throughout the semester. While overwhelmed, spending an hour where my only job is to work on my knitting skills or to carve a stamp or make a Silhouette design helps to give me a break from the theory and abstract thought of my studies to work on something I can actually hold in my hands. I have found this experience very grounding, and can’t recommend enough that you stop by and see what the space can bring to your life!

By Madison Lee, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2024-2025

At Berkeley, it’s easy to be swept up in the relentless pace of “hustle culture.” Lectures, exams, and extracurriculars often dominate every waking moment, leaving little time to breathe, let alone nurture one’s creative side. Amid this whirlwind, the Makerspace became an unexpected refuge—a space where I can pause, reset, and rediscover the joy of creating.

I’m grateful to have discovered the Makerspace during a Makerspace Crawl. Until that event, I had no idea it even existed. It’s a place that has allowed me to step away from the grind and reconnect with hands-on crafts and activities that have brought me a deep sense of calm and fulfillment. It rekindled a love for creating that I didn’t realize I had set aside. So I hope that more students will have the chance to also experience it.

This past semester as a Library Fellow in the Makerspace, has been a journey filled with learning, experimentation, and connection. One of my earliest experiences involved learning to thread and use a sewing machine just minutes before a student walked in, eager to learn how to sew. Together, we tackled those first stitches—initial panic giving way to laughter and discovery. That moment set the tone for the collaborative and shared learning experiences that would follow.

As I immersed myself in the Makerspace, I was continually amazed by the projects and passions I encountered. One of my favorite moments was helping a student 3D-print a miniature spider figure. Listening to them share their love for miniatures, I marveled at the dedication and detail they poured into their work. These glimpses into others’ creative worlds became a constant source of inspiration.

Throughout the semester, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing students grow in their craft. Watching someone’s confidence blossom is nothing short of magical. One student I taught to use the sewing machine began by practicing straight stitches on paper. Week by week, they returned, steadily improving their skills and eventually completing a beautiful handbag project. Others brought in ideas for buttons and T-shirts for their clubs, clothes for fashion shows, and even intricate cosplays and Halloween costumes. Each creation told a unique story, and I felt deeply honored to play a small part in their journeys.

The workshops were another highlight of my time. I enjoyed collaborating with the other Makerspace fellows to select workshop topics that would spark creativity and plan detailed outlines and instructions to ensure the projects were approachable for everyone. Working with students to complete their first projects—whether guiding them through using Silhouette software to cut vinyl stickers or helping them transfer designs onto rubber for stamp carving—was absolutely infectious. These experiences reminded me that making isn’t just about the finished product; it’s about the process. The trial and error, the learning curve, and those moments of triumph along the way are where the real magic happens.

Of course, there were challenges. I struggled with teaching when I was a beginner and didn’t have much experience with certain crafts or tools in the Makerspace. At times, I felt incompetent—especially when a student asked for help, and I wasn’t sure how to assist them. However, I quickly learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a crucial step in the growth process. Whether I sought advice from fellow Makerspace staff or consulted more knowledgeable users, I came to deeply value the collaborative spirit that defines this space.

This journey has profoundly deepened my appreciation for hands-on learning and the ability of making to bring people together. Serving as a Library Fellow feels like the perfect opportunity to merge my passion for creativity with my desire to uplift and inspire others. The Makerspace embodies a vibrant culture of curiosity, hands-on discovery, and shared growth—a community that celebrates not only the things we create but also the joy we find in the process.

By Kati Khov, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2024-2025

It all began with a random Google search while lying in bed during one of my first weeks attending UC Berkeley.

“Sewing machines in Berkeley free to use”

After previously working at a public library, I knew about the many creative resources available in local community spaces. I needed a publicly accessible sewing machine as I figured bringing my own machine wouldn’t make for great roommate etiquette. I was stressed about having to commute to another city to work on my project.

But to my surprise, the first entry to my search was a link to the UC Berkeley Library guide detailing all the resources the Makerspace provided. Situated in Doe Library, I was ecstatic to find a space to work on my creative projects. From that day forward, I regularly attended the Makerspace Drop-in Hours, nearly every day it was open. Without the resources and people working at the Makerspace, I would have been unable to complete my cosplay project from Perfect Blue, a psychological thriller anime from the 90’s. I submitted my costume to Anime Los Angeles’s Masquerade contest where my partner and I won a judge’s award.

Even after completing my work, I still attended the Makerspace to hone my skills in other creative forms, such as crocheting. After such a positive experience with the community in the Makerspace, I decided to apply as an Undergraduate Library Makerspace Fellow because I wanted to instill the same creative opportunities and community-building for other students interested in art.

As a Library Fellow, I have enhanced many of my skills and learned new ones, from graphic design to making vinyl stickers using the Silhouette Machine. I would not have realized that learning new art forms isn’t as time-consuming and daunting when people have the materials and guidance they need. One of my favorite feelings is when students are impressed with their work at the end of a workshop we put together, and that they will come back and keep learning. The Makerspace has taught me that no skill is too difficult to learn when working with a community that encourages growth and opportunity.

By Ava Gessl, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2024-2025

As I finish the first half of my third and final year as a Library Fellow in the Doe Library Makerspace, I am deeply grateful for all of my experiences both learning and teaching new crafting skills. It has been rewarding to watch the Makerspace grow and have new people coming in every week, either discovering it for the first time or to continue work on ongoing projects. I’ve had the privilege of teaching sewing, crochet, and other crafting techniques, while also learning from students, the new Makerspace fellows, and the Makerspace staff about the challenges and rewards of crafting and teaching.

One of the highlights of this year has been my involvement with the Make of the Month, a series of crafts that my other library fellows and I worked on to prepare materials and instructions for fun and simple crafts on Tuesdays this semester. This opportunity has allowed me to interact with students in a relaxed and informal setting. I enjoyed guiding students through the craft and helping them walk away with something they made. I think the beauty of these workshops lies in their accessibility. They’re perfect for anyone—whether you’re a seasoned crafter or someone who’s just picked up a needle and thread for the first time. People are able to walk into the Makerspace for the first time and get the chance to learn about the space and create something.

However, what I’ve learned about teaching these workshops is that it’s not always as easy as it seems. Behind each session, there’s a lot of planning and preparation that goes into making sure everything runs smoothly. From learning the craft myself to breaking down each step into digestible instructions, there’s an entire process of trial and error. However, each hiccup presents an opportunity to learn from the other library fellows to refine my approach and learn how to better navigate these situations in the future.

One of the workshops I participated in was designing and leading a card-making class. I had the opportunity to design a few new card designs and explore how to make them interactive and fun. One of my favorites was creating a slider card of a cow being abducted by aliens. It was a blast finding new ways to make these cards work and experimenting with different mechanisms to get the sliders to move smoothly. It reminded me how much fun it is to play with paper and explore new ways to create something beautiful and functional. Seeing students want to try my design and lighting up when they completed it was a moment of pride, and it was amazing to share that sense of accomplishment with them.

Another workshop I loved was the Needle Felted Mushroom series. I’ve always been drawn to needle felting, and this workshop gave me a chance to not only teach from experience but also indulge my own creative side. In preparing for this workshop I created three tiny felted mushrooms of different colors and shapes, to display to students the wide variety of creative options needle felting allows. The process of sculpting wool fibers into such delicate, three-dimensional shapes was both relaxing and fulfilling. It was especially fun to watch students get lost in the rhythm of felting, turning simple materials into tiny works of art.

Another key aspect of being a Library Fellow this year has been working more closely with the new cohort of fellows. It’s been an exciting experience to collaborate, share tips, and troubleshoot together. In many ways, teaching is just as much about learning from your students and fellow Makerspace staff as it is about offering instruction. As a team, we’ve spent a lot of time refining our teaching strategies, streamlining workshop materials, and developing a more effective way to guide students through each project. Working together to develop the Make of the Month and monthly workshops has been very helpful in gaining multiple perspectives on how students may want to pursue their crafts and how best to support them.

Looking ahead to my final semester, I’m excited to continue exploring new crafting techniques and working alongside students and other Makerspace fellows. I’ve learned so much over my experience as a Makerspace fellow, and I know there’s still so much more to discover. Each workshop is an opportunity to grow, to connect, and to share in the joy of making something from scratch. The Makerspace has become a place where I feel not only challenged and inspired but also supported by a community of fellow makers who share the same passion for creativity and crafting. I’m grateful to be part of such a dynamic and supportive community of makers. The possibilities are endless, and I’m excited to keep crafting, teaching, and inspiring the next wave of creative minds at Berkeley.

By Timothy Kim, Undergraduate Library Research Fellow, 2023-2024

As my time as an Undergraduate Library Fellow (ULF) at the UC Berkeley library comes to a close, I look back with gratitude to the lessons I’ve learned over the past two years. This role has not only shaped my understanding of academic research, but I’ve also gained invaluable skills of empathy, teaching, and most importantly learning. 

As an inexperienced ULF, I had a lot of ideas about what solutions to try and what projects to take on but not a strong understanding of the role of an ULF. This spark of interest is what helped the undergraduate research fellows work on and develop the Bancroft Library User Experience project and Wayfinding project among many others, as we developed ways to improve how library services were utilized. Having the inexperience is what allowed us fellows to draw up creative ideas and try to find pain points and inefficiencies in how students and researchers used the library. 

Simultaneously, as the other research fellows and I gained experience, we also learned the ropes of teaching in front of classes of our fellow peers on how to conduct Research 101 basics. Through carefully observing the students taking the class, I learned where to anticipate potential problems people might have, as well as those who wouldn’t necessarily bring up their obstacles in the first place.

As I gained more experience through my second year, I eventually transitioned to conducting more one-on-one peer advising. Armed with a deeper understanding of how people learn, I approached teaching with a renewed perspective and confidence. This year was about action—applying theories and techniques I had learned in real-world scenarios and refining them through experience. Every visiting student came with unique challenges and learning styles. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and empathy in educational settings. It was through these personal interactions that I rediscovered the joy of learning and the satisfaction of helping others achieve their academic goals.

The skills I’ve acquired extend far beyond the walls of Doe library. Learning to teach and communicate effectively are abilities that I anticipate will influence various aspects of my life, from my future academic pursuits to professional endeavors. The ability to facilitate learning and foster understanding is an invaluable tool I will always carry with me.

As I reflect on my time as a ULF, I cannot help but be extremely grateful to the program and its coordinators for its success in not only providing a service to the student body but also in educating me and the other fellows in mentorship and teaching. I believe through the program’s unique and diverse projects I’ve emerged as a more competent and confident individual.

By Sydney Hardister, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2023-2024

Reflecting on my journey as a library fellow, I’m struck by how my experience has mirrored my own personal desire to reignite my passion for creating. Initially drawn to the Makerspace with little knowledge of what it entailed, I embarked on this journey with a simple intention: to rediscover the joy of making. Little did I know that this decision would lead me down a path of self-discovery, friendship, and skill development.

In the vibrant atmosphere of the Makerspace, I found not only a place for experimentation but also a community of like-minded individuals who shared my enthusiasm for creativity. Here, making mistakes wasn’t just accepted; it was celebrated as a natural part of the learning process. Through countless hours of crocheting, knitting, and exploring various crafts, I learned the invaluable lesson that failure is not an endpoint but rather a stepping stone toward growth.

Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of my fellowship was the opportunity to share my newfound skills with others through leading workshops. Teaching became a means of deepening my own understanding of the art forms I had embraced, while simultaneously fostering connections with fellow makers. These interactions underscored the importance of community and collaboration in the creative process, reminding me of the joy that comes from both sharing knowledge and learning from others.

With each new craft I embraced in the Makerspace, I could feel myself falling deeper and deeper in love with creating. From crocheting to stamp making, each project served as a catalyst for my creative journey, inspiring a cascade of new ideas and endeavors. Before long, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of projects, each one fueling my enthusiasm and drive to create. This steady flow of creativity became a source of calm and contentment in my life, offering a sense of fulfillment that I had long yearned for. Beyond simply acquiring new skills, my time in the Makerspace served to center me both as an individual and as a creative, reaffirming the profound love that comes from bringing imagination to life through craft and creation.

Ultimately, my time as a library fellow has been a testament to the transformative power of creativity and community. Through the ups and downs of this journey, I’ve learned to trust myself, follow my passions, and embrace the joy of making. As I look back on my time here, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships formed, the skills acquired, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in my creative endeavors.

By Sofia Hernandez, Undergraduate Library Research Fellow, 2023-2024

I joined the ULF program three years ago as an emerging sophomore, eager to enter the world of university libraries. I am now entering the final stretch of my undergraduate career, time flies when you’re having fun! Throughout these last three years, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside like-minded Fellows and passionate librarians to bridge the gap between the undergraduate population at Cal and research. 

In the past year, the Research fellows began our in-person Research Appointments to aid other undergraduates in getting started with navigating university resources to conduct research, an entry point that is often inaccessible to the larger undergraduate population. Rather than meeting with faculty members, students at the library had the option of connecting with a peer (AKA us!) for support in their assignments. In connecting with other undergraduates through the Fellow’s Research Appointments, I learned how to adapt to various learning styles and adjust my support/advice on a case-by-case basis.

This academic year, the Research Fellows were given the opportunity to lead between 3-4 “Research 101” workshops per semester in addition to hosting Research Appointments. Before our first workshop, I remember feeling incredibly nervous at the thought of presenting to a room full of students. However, the nerves quickly settled as I began to teach at the front of the class. Hosting Research 101 is similar to our Research Appointments; both provide a safe space for undergraduates to ask questions about the library and their writing without the fear of being judged by an adult figure of authority. Leading Research 101’s quickly became my favorite part of the fellowship. After a workshop, I’d often say to Avery (my most frequent Research 101 partner) that the front of the Doe 223 classroom often felt like a stage and we were the performers–that’s how much fun I had talking to folks! With each workshop, we’d continuously try to improve upon and even experiment with the flow of the presentations. We’d make adjustments to the order of slides, experiment with switching speaking roles, and most importantly, connect with our attendees at the end similarly to our one-on-one Research Appointments.

As I approach my upcoming graduation, I’ve had time to reflect on my participation on campus and can confidently say that I have left my mark at the Berkeley library. This upcoming fall, I will continue to foster my passion for librarianship as a MLIS graduate student. Though my time working at Berkeley’s libraries is coming to an end, I will continue to remain committed to the mission of providing equitable and transformative support for library patrons and students, one library at a time!

 

By Avery Klauke, Undergraduate Library Research Fellow, 2023-2024

With my time as a Berkeley student winding down, I wanted to reflect on the past year and my undergraduate experience. 

Throughout the past year, the overarching theme for the research fellows was to take initiative in the projects that interested us. For me, co-teaching Research 101 workshops was high on my priority list, as I saw this as one of the best opportunities to engage with as many students as possible. I recognized that the importance of these workshops lay in their ability to provide insight into the library system while also providing students with an open forum to ask questions. Additionally, the research fellows met with various librarians to provide a student perspective on library spaces to make them more welcoming and accessible. In essence, my goal for this year was to contribute, in any capacity, to the libraries and the general Berkeley community.

While writing these reflections, I often focus on what we research fellows have contributed, but I also wanted to highlight how Berkeley (and by extension this position) has given back to me.

My experience started the same as everyone else’s, as my freshman year at Berkeley was akin to throwing me into flaming chaos. General confusion mixed with lots of looming pandemic anxiety is how I would describe it. People always say college is the best time of your life or it’s where you ‘find yourself,’ (however you choose to take that) but unsurprisingly, no one tells you where to start. And as someone who thrives off consistency, finding my “niche” here was important.

Becoming a research fellow gave me consistency that I had never experienced before. It was similar to an extended group project, but unlike some randomized assignments in those required lower-level classes, everyone contributed consistently. Where I would draw a blank after a student’s question, the other fellows could offer their insight; likewise, I stepped up in their moments of need. To be expected, being a research fellow helped me hone my ability to work with and for others (something I’ve learned is a skill not everyone possesses). But it also taught me little lessons like how to improvise, adapt, and not focus on something so much that I lose sight of the big picture. I anticipate using these skills frequently as I leave the past 18 years of schooling behind.

By Ava Gessl, Undergraduate LibraryMaking Fellow, 2023-2024

A large part of my Berkeley experience has revolved around lectures, exams, and assignments. However, the Makerspace has become a creative outlet for me and many other undergraduates. This year, I have had the opportunity to help plan and execute workshops, including learning to crochet in order to teach others. I think that for anyone who wants to find a creative outlet at Berkeley, the Makerspace is an amazing place to explore and learn new skills, and I am happy that I have had the opportunity to be a part of it for another year. What I’ve come to appreciate most about teaching sewing, crochet, and every other craft offered at the Makerspace is the gratification it brings to students. I think the Makerspace is an important part of student life at Berkeley. It is the perfect place whether someone wants to learn a new skill or have a space to pursue a craft they already know. By sharing my passion for crafting and providing a supportive learning environment, I hope to inspire other students to unleash their creativity and pursue their projects with confidence.

As a library fellow, I have had the opportunity to share my passion based on over a decade of sewing experience, and use my learning process in crochet to help others. Learning crochet for the Granny Square Workshop was challenging but fun. It is always good to put yourself into the shoes of someone learning a new skill to remember what it’s like. I was able to apply the mistakes and tricks I learned to help new crocheters in the Granny Square and Crochet Rose workshops. It was exciting to work with students new to crochet and see them use what I learned to transform yarn into something beautiful. This felt different than teaching sewing in the T-shirt Tote Bag or providing one-on-one sewing help because of my years of sewing experience. My prior experience has helped me assist with a wide range of problems and projects. However it has also made it harder for me to remember what it was like to be a beginner. Threading a sewing machine is now a trivial step for me, but I must always remember to go slow, explain all my steps, and why when introducing someone to a sewing machine. I love both teaching experiences and how they each inform each other about what is the best way to teach a new skill and provide the most helpful advice and support. I hope to be able to provide a mixture of guidance that comes from mastering a craft with the perspective of someone who just started in order to give tips that are not obvious but extremely helpful to a beginner. 

This year my making journey has focused more on learning new skills, both crafting and organizing. This process has been dynamic and not without bumps, but I think that it helped me be a more effective library fellow. I found a way to master the vinyl cutter, or specifically its unwillingness to connect to my computer. I am happy with how learning crochet has opened a door for me to help students learn a skill that is on the rise with undergraduates. Taking a more active role in designing and working with my library fellows in workshops has been a rewarding process of logistics, effective communication, and troubleshooting unexpected student hurdles. Working in a workshop environment with  time constraints has forced me to streamline my teaching process and ability to quickly move between students at different levels of experience. In the Crochet Rose Workshop I worked with students who had never crocheted before and their enthusiasm for creating a chain with even stitches was another reminder that every step in a creative process is important and worth celebrating. As a library fellow, I’ve had to be patient and supportive, guiding students through the process step by step, encouraging them to persevere, and quickly troubleshoot unexpected problems. It has been a practice in tailoring my teaching approach to meet the diverse learning styles and skill levels of the students. Overall, working in the Makerspace and helping students learn has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. It’s not just about teaching a crafting skill, it’s about fostering creativity and community. I look forward to continuing to share my passion for sewing and learning alongside the students in the Makerspace. 

By Adelaide Phillips, Undergraduate Library Making Fellow, 2023-2024

I started working in the Makerspace in Fall 2022 during my junior year at Cal. I’m graduating this Spring as an architecture major meaning most of my education was design and model making. The Makerspace has provided me with so many resources and learning opportunities like leading workshops, utilizing new tools, and providing peer-to-peer design tips these past two years. I’m truly going to miss this space when I leave Berkeley.

During my time as a library fellow, I’ve learned how to operate various equipment like 3D printers, vinyl cutters, button makers, sewing machines, and more! This work would not be possible without guidance from dedicated Makerspace staff. Whether assisting fellow makers with their projects or navigating the challenges of a physical move and leadership transitions, the Makerspace has been a constant source of inspiration and learning. This space would not be what it is without the people and the students who make wonderful projects here every week. I always enjoy bringing friends to the Makerspace and seeing them get so excited about all the cool equipment and supplies we have to offer! Helping out my friends 3D print tiny stairs or do some last-minute pieces for their architectural models is so rewarding. I love seeing the look on their faces when they see the 3D printers zooming away.

The Makerspace has also been a great place for my personal projects. Whether it’s 3D printing pieces for an architecture model, hemming my graduation dress on the sewing machines, or crocheting a new pillow while learning to make granny squares; the Makerspace has provided me with all the resources I need and more! The craft guides I and the other Making fellows have compiled over the past couple of years have been a great resource for me and my peers. Additionally, learning how to lead workshops, like our Crochet Rose and Grad Cap Decorating workshops, has been a wonderful opportunity to develop my leadership and teaching skills.

Another one of my favorite things about working in the Makerspace is getting to help so many people on so many different projects. I’ve been able to hone my problem-solving skills and think on my feet. Finding solutions where there seems to be none; and never saying no to any idea! Like I said, I’m truly going to miss the Makerspace after I graduate but I will take with me the lessons it has taught me as I embark on my professional career.