Larsen Hired as Undergraduate Engagement Librarian

University Relations

Kim Larsen

The University Libraries have hired Kim Larsen to fill the new position of undergraduate engagement librarian. Larsen began her duties July 1.  

"We are absolutely delighted to have Kim join the U of A Libraries," said Adriana Gonzalez, associate dean for research and learning. "She has hit the ground running and has already made connections with several departments and offices on campus. Kim brings with her a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, eagerness and a deep understanding of our students' needs from her own lived experiences."   

Larsen hails from Chicago and received her M.L.I.S. degree from the University of Illinois. She said that the natural beauty in Arkansas first drew her to the state.  

"After coming down for my interview, I knew that this is where I wanted to be because of the people," Larsen said. "I've been blown away by how welcoming everyone is. The sense of community in Fayetteville is incredible." 

As the first person in her family to attend a four-year college and the first to receive a master's degree, Larsen has a keen understanding of the struggles of first-generation college students.  

"I didn't learn how to use university resources until graduate school," she said. "I want to help students figure that out earlier than I did."   

The role of undergraduate engagement librarian was created to help students become aware of and learn to utilize libraries resources. 

"This position is part of our mission to build relationships and enhance the learning experience of our undergraduates," Gonzalez said. "Additionally, it is my belief that this position can help retention rates — especially of our first year, first generation and at-risk groups."

Larsen said she is passionate about teaching in librarianship and wants to make the campus community's time here more meaningful to them.  

"There's a lot of great work being done by my colleagues and across campus," she said. "I want to connect them to what will help with what they're already doing."  

She also said that she hopes to be a point of connection and welcomes any questions undergraduate students may have. 

"Students can come to me to feel more included and more like they're part of campus," Larsen said. "I'm always willing to help."

In her free time, Larsen can be found hiking the Northwest Arkansas trails with her standard poodle, Lyra.