The fall semester introduced a fresh face to the Park campus’s library staff. Katelyn Handler joined the Park family as a new reference-instruction librarian.

Handler came to Park from her previous position at Coe College in Iowa where she worked at Coe College for three years.

Last week was Handler’s second working in Park University’s library.

“I have been really impressed with the students and faculty,” said Handler.

“Everyone has been really welcoming and the library staff itself is great. They have been really patient as I learn the ropes.”

Handler will work with students on campus, aiding them with research and instructing them on information literacy.

Handler said she loves working with students and had considered working as a high school English teacher before pursuing her career in library science.

“I am looking forward to getting back in the classroom and working with students more,” Handler said.

One of Park University’s features that surprised Handler the most during her first visit to campus was the library.

“I just think the library itself is so unique being underground entirely,” Handler said.

She added that the rock walls she had seen in pictures of the library online made more sense once she discovered the library’s subterranean locale.

Park’s student diversity has really impressed Handler as well.

“Coe didn’t have anywhere near the international student body,” said Handler.

“The fact that you can have all this diversity on campus is really cool. (It) didn’t sink in until I saw all of those flags in the cafeteria.”

Handler said she loves to travel and is happy that she will be able to meet more people from different countries while working at Park.

Although Park is still very new to Handler she is getting used to the school and looking forward to moving through the academic year on campus.

As for right now, Handler’s favorite feature is the campus itself.

“I think my favorite part is when you are first driving into campus,” said Handler. “You have this pretty campus sitting on a bluff overlooking the river.”

While Handler said that she loved and enjoyed working at Coe College, she is still very enthusiastic to delve into this year at Park.

“It’s been really great so far and I love Parkville,” said Handler.