Kieren Bailey became a librarian as a result of answering God’s calling. This summer as a result of answering another calling from God she joined Union College as the new Public Services Librarian after working at several other Adventist colleges—including Oakwood University and Canadian University College (now Burman University).  One of her primary jobs will be to assist students and faculty in the several majors, so if you are studying business, computer science, fine arts, human development, communications, or English, she’s your librarian.

Union: What exactly will you be responsible for at the library?

Bailey: I am the Public Services Librarian here at Union, so if someone needs help with specific research, they can come to me in the library. Each of us on staff at the library are assigned to work with different academic areas on campus. I work primarily with the Division of Business and Computer Sciences, Division of Human Development, Division of Fine Arts, communications, composition and rhetoric, Career Center,  Teaching Learning Center, and La Sierra graduate education courses taught on our campus.

Union: Why did you become a librarian?

Bailey: I decided to become a librarian because of my love for technology and books. Interestingly enough, I worked in the library at Walla Walla College (now University) as a student and proclaimed I would never become a librarian. But, God had other plans.

Union: Tell me about your educational background?

Bailey: I graduated from Walla Walla in 2002 with an undergraduate degree in graphic design. My master’s degree is in library and information science from the University of Western Ontario. I am currently working on my Ed.D. in education research with an emphasis in technology from the University of Calgary. I hope to finish by July 2017.

Union: Where did you work before coming to Union?

Bailey: I worked as a graphic designer and office manager at Andrews University and two years at REACH International before changing careers and becoming a librarian. From August 2009 to July 2012, I worked the Canadian University College as their Technical Services/Systems Librarian. God called me to Oakwood University and I started working as their Reference and Instruction Librarian from 2012 to the beginning of May when I arrived at Union.

Union: What do you like best about Union?

Bailey: I love the family feel of Union College.

Union: Even though you haven’t been here long, do you have any memorable events that have happened at Union?

Bailey: Since I have only been on campus for a few months, I have yet to experience a memorable moment. But I can share a memorable moment that involves Union individuals. On my second Sabbath in Lincoln I decided to attend Northside Adventist church. I ended up finding my way to the young adult Sabbath School class where I was introduced to Kian and Kenny Mapp. I found out that Kian worked in Teaching Learning Center, which is in the same building as the library. Kian and Kenny have made sure to introduce me to the other faculty members of Union College that attend Northside church and I have since then found my church home and already have a great group of friends.

Union: Can you tell me a little about your family?

Bailey: My family lives in Berrien Springs, Michigan. My dad, Rudi, works at Andrews University and my mother, Arlene, is an elementary school teacher at Ruth Murdoch Elementary school. My brother, Karl is also a professor at Andrews University. He is married and he and his wife, Rosemary, have two children, Lily, age 6, and Anna, age 2.  I love being an auntie.

Union: What is something you would want all students at Union to know?

Bailey: I have a passion to help others learn how to use their library resources in order service their academic needs. Be sure to schedule a RAP, Research Assistance Program, session with me. Start by filling out the RAP form and then emailing that and request a time to meet to kieren.bailey@ucollege.edu

By Elizabeth Bearden