Laura Killingsworth has joined the Wisconsin Water Library’s staff in January 2020 as a Project Assistant. She will be working with Anne Moser as well as other members of the team. Read on to learn more about Laura:
Laura Killingsworth, Wisconsin Water Library Project Assistant Photo by Adam Ruechel
Can you tell us a little bit about your educational and professional background?
I graduated from UW-Madison in 2014 with a BS in Rehabilitation Psychology and certificates in Global Health and European Studies. Following graduation, I worked at Rogers Behavioral Health in a variety of clinical and research positions before deciding to return to graduate school for a master’s in Library and Information Studies. I will be graduating from UW’s Information School in May 2020.
What positions in libraries have you held?
During high school, I worked as a page at my hometown library in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In college, I worked as a member of the Reserves and Circulation Services Staff at College Library. Since starting my graduate program, I have worked as a Reference Student Assistant at College Library and as a member of the Web Services and Usability Assessment Team, as well as some collection development work for the 4W Initiative here on UW’s campus.
Why did you decide to work in the library profession?
Since high school, I have always kept librarianship in the back of my mind as something that I would enjoy doing. I was not feeling completely satisfied in my behavioral health career and decided to go back to the drawing board about other possible helping professions. I love the educational aspect of librarianship, as well as the vital role that libraries play in society.
Do you have a role model as a librarian?
I am lucky to already have so have many role models and mentors in my short time in the field! Ian Benton at College Library was my supervisor during undergrad, and was willing to meet up with me years later to discuss librarianship as a career when I was thinking of making a change. Hearing how enthusiastic he was about his job and the field of librarianship in general ultimately led me to pursing my master’s degree.
What is your favorite book of the last year?
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Asha Bandele and Patrice Cullors was one of my favorites I finished earlier this year. I also really enjoyed On the Come Up by Angie Thomas and Becoming by Michelle Obama. Currently, I am reading Fly Girls by Keith O’Brien.
What is your dream vacation?
As someone who loves the outdoors as well as Lord of the Rings, I really want to go to New Zealand!
What are your hobbies?
I love being active, and I’m not too picky about what I’m doing: running, yoga, climbing, tennis, hiking, skiing, you name it! You can also usually find me outside enjoying whatever the season has to offer.
Photo by Laura Killingsworth