skip to main content
Sara Mawhirter
Sara Mawhirter
00:54

Sara Mawhirter

Linda Hall Library

Kansas City, MO USA

"Nothing is really ever set in stone and your goals can shift at any time."

Career Roadmap

Sara's work combines: Education, Science, and Communicating / Sharing Stories

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

Reference & Instruction Librarian

I connect people to information and unique collections that inspire curiosity and discovery.

01:51

Day In The Life Of A Reference And Instruction Librarian

My Day to Day

My days are split between helping people navigate our unique STEM and history-of-science collections and introducing new audiences to all that the library has to offer. As a reference librarian, I answer research questions from visitors, scholars, and researchers around the world. As an instruction librarian, I curate materials for class visits, exhibits, and programs that help people engage with the collection. My favorite part of my job is being able to uncover a hidden gem almost every week.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

My one regret is that I didn't diversify my educational experience as much as I could. There are so many paths under the library and information services umbrella. I'd encourage students to look at all the different aspects that make information services work: cataloging, metadata, archives, management, etc. Look at your course catalog, find the thing that intimidates you, and see if you can face it head on. The more you can expand your toolset, the better!

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Art History

    University of Missouri-Kansas City

  • Graduate Degree

    Library and Information Science

    University of Missouri-Columbia

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    After dropping out of art school and questioning the career path I thought I wanted, I found a part-time job at a local library and discovered a new direction.

  • 2.

    Working in the library helped me rebuild my confidence, complete my degree in art history, and realize that librarianship was a natural fit for me.

  • 3.

    I committed to youth services and spent seven years helping children, teens, and families connect with books, learning, and library resources.

  • 4.

    I grew into leadership roles and eventually managed a youth services department.

  • 5.

    The COVID-19 pandemic shook up the future I had envisioned for myself, and I took the opportunity to explore new possibilities within librarianship.

  • 6.

    I joined Linda Hall Library as a reference and instruction librarian, stepping away from public youth services into the world of STEM and history-of-science collections.

  • 7.

    By helping people discover and access a unique collection of scientific and historical materials, I now connect new audiences to the power of research, curiosity, and lifelong learning.

Related Leaders

No related leaders found