Murphy Library News

Meet Sarah Bakken, our new Information Literacy Instruction Librarian

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Mankato, Minnesota and attended the College of St. Benedict with a major in History. I love spending time with my sisters and close friends. I'm in a busy mom toddler stage and loving every moment with my daughter. I'm a huge Swiftie, and have been to every tour except her most recent sadly. Summer is my favorite season. I would spend every day outside in the sun if I could. I'm always up for grabbing a coffee!

What are you currently doing or working on? What’s something you really like about it?

I really like seeing the opportunities for growth and changing up how we have been doing things so we can best support our staff and students. I've also really enjoyed getting to know more about our library and campus.

How did you get interested in librarianship?

I was always a lover of literature and history from a young age. When I was in undergrad, I really enjoyed doing research for my history papers, and I also started working in our library. I didn't love the writing part, but I found myself loving the research process. I got to know the campus librarians well, and realized becoming an academic librarian was what I wanted to do. I loved the idea of being able to help others find their research and be constantly learning through others research.

How would you explain to a martian what you do for work and why you think it’s important?

I help people understand how to find and evaluate information they need. In our information overloaded world, it's so important for people to have a better understanding of where information is coming from and how to navigate where to look. Whether it's for renewing your driver's license online, staying up to date on election information, or finding reliable peer reviewed articles for a writing assignment- all of those tasks require using information literacy skills.

It’s the weekend and it’s raining. What’s on your agenda?

Probably taking my daughter to the library, making cookies, and watching movies.

It’s the weekend and it’s sunny. The day is yours. What will you do?

I will start my day at a coffee shop with an iced latte to read a book. I would then find a delicious patio spot for lunch with friends, and spend the rest of the day in the sun reading.

What have you read or watched recently that you’d recommend?

I watched House of Dragon this summer and loved it! I also watched the Sopranos for the first time this summer, and I'm a fan! I understand so many more pop culture references now.

You walk into a bookstore with no agenda. Where will you head first?

Children's section to find a book for my daughter no doubt.

Fun fact about yourself?

I have a secret talent of coming up with riddles for scavenger hunt clues.

You just found out you can time travel. Where could we expect a postcard from?

I've always wanted to have a chat with the young Queen Elizabeth. I have always found her life so fascinating being that she has a world leader and there for our modern history.

Something spectacular you’ve discovered recently about the Driftless Region or La Crosse?

I love Super Street Tacos near campus and the muffins from Global Grounds Coffee shop. So good!

You can find Sarah in her office (120 Murphy Library), or at the Research/Reference Assistance Desk, teaching a class or somewhere else in the library!