The University Libraries welcomes Katie Youmans to the Libraries Teaching Partnerships department! Youmans describes her work as “teaching people how to use library resources and research tools to identify and locate information, how to critically engage with information of all kinds, and how to responsibly utilize and manage information critical to their research and academic goals.”
In practice, she collaborates with faculty, students, and campus partners to spot gaps in information literacy and jumps in to help, whether through in-class sessions, Canvas learning management system content, custom course guides, or one-on-one consultations.
Youmans is passionate about helping students become thoughtful, critical users of information. “The Libraries' mission begins with teaching students to be critical information users and knowledge creators,” she says. “That’s the part I connect with most.” Her work strengthens not only individual research projects but also the Libraries' role as a vital part of the university’s academic mission.
When asked what excites her most about her new position, Youmans doesn’t hesitate: “I absolutely love teaching. Engaging with students and hearing about their research, especially what motivates and challenges them, that is what continues to excite me about being here at UNL Libraries.”
Outside of work, Youmans has plenty of creative pursuits. She is an avid reader and writer who loves fantasy and sci-fi. Her favorite fantasy series is the "Realm of the Elderlings" by Robin Hobb. She’s also a longtime fan of Dungeons and Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games, and she enjoys crafting, photography, and travel. (Fun fact: she once attended a summer photography school and even worked as a semiprofessional photographer with a studio in downtown Seattle.)
Youmans has traveled to nineteen states and five foreign countries and even lived in South Korea for a time. She says she doesn’t have a single favorite place, “just favorite things (and people) in each of them.” At home, she shares her space with Hudson, her beloved senior chocolate Labrador retriever, and her loving husband Stephen.
Contributed by Melissa Sinner, University Libraries