Taheera Shaheed-Sonubi: Empowering Students Through Library Innovation
SUNY Erie proudly continues the Thought Leaders Series, recognizing educators, staff, and students driving their fields forward through leadership, innovation, and a commitment to student success.
Our second feature spotlights Taheera Shaheed-Sonubi, academic librarian and chair of the Library Resource Center at SUNY Erie’s new South Campus at 50 Cobham Drive, Orchard Park.
Through her leadership, she empowers students to become confident, ethical researchers and critical thinkers. She is dedicated to supporting a diverse student population through teaching, research guidance, and leadership. In this role, she provides information literacy instruction for English, Social Science, Humanities, and Communication Arts courses, equipping students with the skills to find, evaluate, and use information ethically and effectively.
She advances access and affordability by integrating Open Educational Resources into the library’s collection, ensuring all students can succeed regardless of financial barriers. Her collaborative approach bridges faculty and students, fostering an inclusive learning environment where knowledge truly connects the campus community.
Through her individualized support, available in person, virtually, and via the AskUs 24/7 chat, students are guided to build confidence in their research, technology, and critical-thinking skills.
Shaheed-Sonubi actively collaborates with faculty on research assignment design, course material recommendations, and librarian support, as well as contributing to grant-funded projects. In addition, she provides research support for faculty engaged in doctoral-level work, extending her expertise beyond student instruction.
Beyond her library responsibilities, she is engaged in campus governance and student life, currently serving as a voting member of the College Senate, Student Adjudication Hearing Board, FFECC Executive Council, and the Elections and Leaves Committee, while also co-advising the Muslim Student Association, a division of SUNY Erie’s Student Government Association.
Shaheed-Sonubi holds a Master’s Degree in Information and Library Science from the University at Buffalo and has been recognized for her leadership, innovation, and service through numerous awards. She is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship, the Inaugural SGA Champion Award, and the SGA Library Service Award. Her commitment to community engagement was honored with the Women Touching the World Award during National Women’s History Month for service to the Buffalo community. She is also the recipient of the Imagine This Challenge Award, the Outstanding Library Program Award from the Western New York Library Resources Council for her “Human Library” initiative, and the SUNY Erie President’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Classroom or Alternative Instruction.
What’s changing in your industry? How are you helping your students stay ahead of those changes? Like most professions, the field of librarianship and information science is evolving rapidly with the rise of artificial intelligence and emerging technology tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and others. These innovations are transforming the way research is conducted, and students need guidance on when to trust AI-generated content, when not to, and how to use these tools responsibly. To support this, I integrate digital and AI literacy into my instruction sessions, helping students critically evaluate online information, identify misinformation, and apply AI ethically in their academic work.
Beyond research skills, SUNY Erie’s libraries serve as a crucial point of connection for students facing food insecurity, homelessness, or other equity challenges. I help by serving as an information facilitator, connecting students confidentially with campus and community resources such as SNAP benefits, food pantries, homeless shelters, and domestic violence services. The library often becomes more than a place for books; it’s the heart of the campus, an inclusive space that supports student wellness, belonging, and success.
How does SUNY Erie support equity and access for students? Many of our students face challenges such as limited technology, study space, or research support, and the library helps bridge those gaps by providing computers, databases, textbooks, and stigma-free spaces. I work directly with students to build their confidence in research and critical thinking, while partnering with faculty to design assignments that support diverse learning needs. By being present, approachable, and flexible, I build trusting relationships with students, meeting them where they are and helping them feel empowered in their academic journey. When additional accommodations are needed, the library connects students with the Student Access Center, ensuring they have the full range of support services. In this way, the library serves as a cornerstone for student success, helping all students access opportunities.
What inspires you to work at SUNY Erie? Our diverse student population, their stories, their struggles, their perseverance, and ultimately, their successes. I am continually moved by the resilience of students who face challenges yet keep pushing forward. As Denzel Washington once said, “Fall forward,” reminding us that failure is not the end but a step closer to success. I see that spirit every day in our students. Watching them walk across the stage at graduation, knowing the obstacles they’ve overcome and the moments they almost gave up but didn’t, is what drives me to serve, support, and advocate for them with my whole heart.
Working at SUNY Erie has been a life-changing experience. Throughout the past 20 years, I’ve had the joy of working with students from across the country and the world, each with unique stories and perspectives. What means the most is when former students, now doctors, lawyers, educators, athletes, or business owners, reach out to share their gratitude. Hearing their success stories reminds me that I’ve played a meaningful role in their journey, and that connection is what makes my work truly fulfilling.
Fun Fact: I was once a Western New York Regional Spelling Bee Champion, showing my lifelong love of words and learning. When I’m not helping students in the library, you’ll find me exploring the world by sea, having enjoyed more than 25 cruises (and counting!).
Taheera Shaheed-Sonubi, South Campus
Library Resource Center
50 Cobham Drive
shaheed@ecc.edu
716.851.1773