Karen Troost ’95
This is part 14 in our weekly summer blog series in which we highlight some of the amazing Furman alumni who have gone on to work in library and information professions. Click here to view all posts in this series.
Karen Troost is in the spotlight this week. She graduated from Furman University in 1995 with a bachelor’s in music. She then went on to earn not one but two master’s degrees: a master’s in library science from Southern Connecticut State University, and master’s in music from the University of Hartford. Troost currently works as a school librarian at Knightsville Elementary in Summerville, SC.
Tell us a little bit about how you chose to work as a library and information professional?
“I was really good at using technology and finding information, and always had a passion for reading and books. It was something that just fit me.”
What has been your professional path to your current position?
“After graduating from Furman, I moved to Connecticut for a job as a nanny and to be near New York City. I worked for several years as a nanny and began working on my MLS degree to become a school library media specialist. I worked as a paraprofessional in a middle school for a year while working on my degree, and the next year was able to start teaching on a DSAP license as I worked on finishing my degree. I started my career in high schools, took a couple of years off to get my second masters in opera, and then went back to teaching in high schools. I took a year off and then got a position at a middle school in Myrtle Beach so we moved to SC. We were there for 3 years, but then moved here to the Summerville area for more culture and music. I am now an elementary librarian and absolutely love it! The young ones are so cute. My days are filled with smiles and hugs.”
What is the most interesting library in which you’ve worked?
“I think my current library is most interesting due to all the leveling and different collections for our beginning readers.”
What is something you have been surprised by during your career?
“I’m surprised by how much I love the elementary Library. I spent most of my career in high schools, so this is a big shock to be in this situation after half my career was with older students.”
Is there a particularly fond memory from your time at Furman that you would be willing to share?
“I have many wonderful memories of friends and living in campus. Most of my favorite memories have to do with Furman Singers and The Furman Choir with Bing Vick and William Thomas, respectively.”