New Faces at the Info Desk

Each semester the Parkland Library hosts several practicum students from the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois. These students work on special library projects and staff some hours at the information desk. Practicum students use this experience to learn the ropes of reference here at Parkland, as well as earn some credit hours. Please welcome this semester's practicum students: Sarah and Karen.


Sarah Schmidt decided to pursue a career in library science after several years reporting for different newspapers across the country. Her focus in library science is on reference and instruction work, and her hope is to work at a two- or four-year college library, teaching information literacy classes. She has become more certain of this path, as she's enjoying working at the Parkland College Information Services Desk this semester.

Karen Klein is in her last semester at University of Illinois' GSLIS. She's interested in pursuing academic librarianship and open to other library experiences. Her goal as a librarian is to help patrons. Karen enjoys working on the reference desk as well as behind the scenes. When she's not studying she enjoys reading (of course!), writing, and spending time with friends.

Sarah and Karen are both eager to help you get all of the information you seek so if you've got a burning question (or several), ask away.