by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
In every Minnesota community, there's a library. And in every library, you will find workers dedicated to the betterment of their neighbor's lives. That's why the most important resource in a library is not its books, but the people who work there. Kate Dougan, already employed at a library, is pursuing her MLIS degree at St. Catherine University.
Tell us one thing you've learned at St. Kate's about libraries that surprised you.
Something that surprised me was how much I've learned from my fellow classmates. So many of us in the program are already working in library and information centers. I've loved getting to hear about all the different things that people do in their work and what brought them to the program. It goes to show that while different types of libraries may provide very different services, they also have a lot of similarities, like the shared goal of connecting people with information.
What made you want to become a librarian?
Like so many library workers, my interest in libraries began when I was a kid. I was fortunate enough to live within walking distance from a library and my homeschooling family spent a lot of time there checking out books and attending programs. I also credit my grandma, who worked for Anoka County Library for many years. Seeing her love of libraries helped me see myself working in one. I now work for a public library and love that I get to work directly with my community, introducing people to resources, troubleshooting printer issues, and hosting cool programs.
Can you share a story about how the library had a positive impact on your life?
When I was a kid, the youth services librarian at my local library had a big impact on my family. She genuinely cared about us and showed interest in our lives. She encouraged me to volunteer as a teen and went out of her way to cheer on one of my siblings and his sled hockey team. Her warm and positive presence always made me feel welcome and wanted in the library. As I step into my early career, I hope to bring that same energy to my work.
