By Liam Reilly
@liampreilly852
Mackenzie Dunn is the outreach reference librarian of the Learning Commons and the liaison to the departments of First-Year Seminar, Honors Program, Humanities and Social Sciences, Literature, Writing, and Journalism, and Visual and Performing Arts. She’s been at Springfield College for five years and takes pleasure in being able to help students and work with faculty.
The student sat down with Dunn to learn more about her life at and outside of Springfield College.
Student: What made you come to Springfield College?
Dunn: My husband was moving to Western Mass. for a job, and I was looking for a job when the outreach reference librarian position came up. It sounded right up my skill set, where I get to work with students and go into classes. I really like working with first-year students and helping them make the transition to college, and I enjoy doing outreach stuff because I love going to events and talking to faculty and students, and promoting the library’s resources and services.
Student: What are you currently working on?
Dunn: I’m working with Spiritual Life Director David McMahon on Douglass Day on which Fredrick Douglass chose his birthday to be Feb. 14 and so we always do an event for that every year.
Student: What is your favorite spot on campus?
Dunn: I really like the Karpovich Room on the fourth floor of the Learning Commons a lot. I also like the museum in the basement of Judd, because it’s got a beautiful tile floor from when it used to be a swimming pool and really great exhibits about college history.
Student: What do you do with your spare time when you’re not on campus?
Dunn: I do a lot of reading which fits being a librarian, but I’m always watching a series of sorts. I also do crossfit four mornings a week and I enjoy baking and cooking. Cooking is a good skill to have and baking is fun because you have to pay attention to the recipe but it’s so exciting when it comes out.
Student: How has your time been at Springfield College?
Dunn: It’s been really great. I started in summer of 2019, so I had one normal semester of getting my foot in the door, then the pandemic hit. But with a strong library team we were able to keep in communication really well, and keep providing all of our services. I’ve really enjoyed it because the students are super nice and friendly, the faculty is very supportive, so there’s a lot of great people to work with.
Photo Courtesy of Springfield College