This is the third instalment of People of McMaster, a new series celebrating the incredible people who help make McMaster a great place to work, learn, teach and conduct research. Click here for the previous instalment and check back for more stories in the coming months.    

When Karin Stonehouse joined McMaster University’s Campus Store in 2019, she brought with her a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation.  

As a course materials buyer, Stonehouse ensures that students have access to the resources they need to succeed.  

At McMaster, Stonehouse has found a place where her enthusiasm for problem-solving and her commitment to student success can truly flourish. 

 Can you tell us about your role at McMaster and what brought you here? 

I’m one half of the course materials buying team, responsible for all textbooks and general interest books. I also run the Immediate Access (IA) program, providing students digital course materials from Day 1.  

I manage course selection, coordination with instructors and publishers, and customer service. My varied career started at the University of Toronto bookstore, leading me to McMaster, where I saw an opportunity to make a real impact. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

There’s no typical day! We’re always working ahead to secure materials for the next term. This involves coordinating with professors and department coordinators, working with publishers, and placing orders before classes start.  

My days are filled with a mix of internal and external collaboration, all aimed at supporting our students. 

What do you enjoy most about your job and working at McMaster? 

I love the diversity of people I work with — professors, department coordinators, student staff. It’s rewarding to support students and be part of a vibrant community.  

Running the IA program is a highlight. It started with one or two courses, but this fall we had the largest offering of IA coursebooks, with an 85 per cent student participation rate.  

Instructors appreciate having all materials available from Day 1 and students enjoy the convenience of finding everything they need in one place within Avenue to Learn without having to navigate the purchasing process — and low prices. Seeing the positive impact on students is incredibly fulfilling. 

What is something people might not know about your role or the work that your team does? 

Everything we do is because we truly care about students. The Campus Store is such an integral part of campus life but is often behind the scenes: We’re making sure that students have fun outfits for events like Homecoming, and we’re there at convocation supporting the ceremony and handing out gowns. 

If you could swap roles with anyone at McMaster for a day, who would it be and why? 

I’d love to drive around in a golf cart all day to be outside, or work in the greenhouse, because I love plants!  

But seriously, I think it would be valuable to swap roles within the Campus Store. It would give a better understanding of how we could work more effectively together as a team and provide more awareness about the assumptions we make about different roles. 

What do you do in the morning to get ready for work that helps you start your day off right? 

I’m a total morning person. I used to commute from Toronto, but now that I live in Hamilton, I have more time in the morning. I wake up early and give myself about an hour and a half to start my day. This time is invaluable for self-care.  

Not having to commute means I don’t feel rushed or stressed when I arrive at work. 

What is a quote that inspires you? 

When I think of my job, a quote from Schitt’s Creek comes to mind: “When one of us shines, all of us shine.” It’s perfect for a team environment. Celebrating each other’s successes strengthens the team and fosters a supportive, passionate work environment.