Katrina Rouan
Wayne State University Libraries
Coordinator for Reference Services
What are you currently reading?
I'm in between books, but I recently finished listening to The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America's Enemies by Jason Fagone. It was good company while I isolated with Covid. My daughter loves to read to me so last night I listened to excerpts from The Cardboard Kingdom, a graphic novel that has children navigating a variety of conflicts while also using cardboard to create imaginative costumes and fantasy worlds. It led to some unexpectedly deep, philosophical discussions.
What are your research interests?
Through my work supervising eight Graduate Student Assistants, I am interested in providing opportunities for future library professionals to gain practical experience, develop leadership skills, and find their professional identity. It is incredibly rewarding work to advocate for and support this group. I will never run out of ideas for this team.
I also have an interest in ways the library can support student parents through services such as family spaces, lactations rooms, updated policies, etc. Both of my parents completed their college education as student parents and my memories of their experiences have had a huge impact on me.
Do you have hobbies or interests outside of the library?
I started knitting about a year ago. I love the combination of being productive and meditative. I own a ridiculous amount of board games considering the size of my house and am in the middle of my first Dungeon and Dragons campaign, which started as a joke while on vacation with my siblings. I also enjoy going for walks in my neighborhood, around midtown Detroit, or on trails at local parks.
What drew you to the library profession?
During the last semester of undergrad, I started to second guess my aspiration of becoming a biomedical researcher. I met with a career counselor (thank you, Harriet!) and librarianship came up as a potential fit. I wasn't sold right away but started graduate school two years later.
What do you value about MiALA?
I value the opportunities to come together with other MiALA members to learn, discuss, engage, and create. I generally prefer to work with others and the connections I have made through MiALA have resulted in not only professional successes but also cherished friendships.
