Hello hello!

About me:

Welcome to my library blog! My name is Katie Steffensen and I am in my third(!) semester of the MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) program at Dominican University. (This means I'm halfway to my degree!) I'm also pursuing a certificate in Youth Services. Outside of work and school, I love reading (duh), crocheting, playing video games, and napping with my cat Indy, who turns 15 this month!


Me and Indy | Photo source: Katie Steffensen


Where am I from? This always feels like a tough question to answer: I was born in Arizona, spent about 4 years of my childhood in Texas, and ultimately spent most of my growing-up years in Orlando, Florida. There, I earned my B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Florida, and then took a hard right turn by working in circulation at my local library branch. I had a great boss there who recognized my passion for the library world, and encouraged me to pursue a master's degree in library science. However, as there were no library schools in Orlando (and I was already itching to leave my hometown), I took a risk and moved to Chicago in 2021, beginning at Dominican in 2022. 

At the beginning of this year I began working full-time as a Youth and Teen Services Associate at Lincolnwood Public Library. I had already been curious about pursuing a path in youth services in public libraries, but 5 months in I can say I love this job, this career field, and would be perfectly happy working with kids and teens ages 0-18 for the foreseeable future. No two days are the same, just like no two kids or patrons are the same!

Technology and Me

I've always considered myself to be relatively savvy with technology in general. Maybe this is just a typical Gen-Z experience, but growing my parents always looked to me for answers if they had any issues with their phones or computers not working on them. Working in libraries, however, has shaken that confidence from time to time. I'm lucky that my current job also has a separate IT librarian who is happy to help with all things technology, but I'd still like to have my own grasp on how to best use technology in programs for kids and teens. 

From doing weekly storytimes for babies and toddlers, up to hosting video game tournaments for teenagers, technology undeniably has a place in youth programming. The question is, how as librarians do we best integrate that technology into our programming? I often see or hear coworkers brainstorm on how they might be able to improve on a program by including a technological component, but ultimately lament that the process would be too difficult or cumbersome and thus abandon it. I want to break out of that mindset and encourage myself to go the extra mile with my programs, even if it includes a few extra steps!

I'm always excited and amped up about new ways to make the library a fun and educational place for kids in our community to visit and interact with. So, my ultimate attitude towards technology in the library mirrors my attitude towards any new or daunting library process: let's do it!


Image source: GIPHY

Comments

  1. NMZumpanoMay 12, 2023 at 9:30 AM

    Great to meet you, Katie. I imagine you'll find some of our topics this summer will lead you to new ideas for your youth programs. I'm excited to hear what you think this summer. You cat is adorable, too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DesireeMay 13, 2023 at 4:13 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. DesireeMay 13, 2023 at 4:15 PM

    Hi, Katie! Congrats on your relocation! I always find it admirable when people are able to pick up and move to another state. You and I seem to have a lot of the same hobbies, although my crocheting always looks a bit wonky. I love crafts in general, though. Indy looks like a great work partner and literal cat naps are the best!

    -Desiree

    ReplyDelete

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