Dana Strahnson

Describe the career path that lead to your current position.

I remember doing a project in high school about potential careers. I picked librarian as my career of choice out of indecisiveness and because I had the misconception that as a librarian I would get paid to read YA novels at work. I explored a few other career paths during college, but it was actually my work as a summer camp counselor that led me back to librarianship. During those summers, I felt such joy from working with youth, and I pieced together that youth librarianship could be a bridge between working with youth and championing learning and reading. After finishing college, I decided to volunteer with AmeriCorps before taking the library school plunge, and it was at that time that my passion for equity and access really came into focus. I narrowed my interests further to public librarianship and started volunteering at my local branch of Hennepin County Library by shelf reading and assisting with youth programs. The following year I attended the iSchool, where I studied, volunteered with student organizations, and worked several part-time jobs in public libraries and on campus. After graduation, I joined the incredible Youth Services team at the La Crosse Public Library. Then just this last spring, an opportunity arose to work for Hennepin County Library, and I am thrilled to be back home working for the library system where I grew up. Being a Youth Services Librarian combines so many of my talents and interests, and I’m still amazed each day that I get to do so much of what I love. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I love that the library is a bright spot in people’s days and lives. It is so rewarding to see the joy on a child’s face during storytime or someone’s excitement at being handed the exact book they’ve been needing. It is wonderful being recognized at community events or even at the grocery store and hearing how much patrons love to use their library. I am so proud to work in such a welcoming and helpful environment and that it is my job is to make people’s days a bit better. 

How has your time at the iSchool influenced your career?

I am so grateful for my time at the iSchool. It was such a well-rounded experience between courses, student groups, and volunteering and working at the local public libraries. The experiences I had and the relationships I built during my time at the iSchool have made me a better librarian, and I continue to benefit from the iSchool. It is reassuring to know that I can call upon my former classmates, employers, and instructors for advice or learn something new through a Continuing Education course.

What is your advice for current or future students?  

I think it can be really easy to fall into the trap of worrying that you are not doing enough.  I know I was constantly on the lookout for the next opportunity that would maybe be “The Thing” that would get me a job. Balancing it all was overwhelming at times. Remember that everyone’s experience is going to be different, and no one gets through school completely on their own, so ask for help and be kind to yourself during your time at school.