Karen Olson
Karen Olson
Research and Instruction Librarian for Music and Fine Arts
Christiansen Hall of Music 147/Rolvaag Library 306
P(507) 786-3362
About Karen
Prior to her arrival at St. Olaf, Karen worked for Gaylord Music Library at Washington University in St. Louis. She earned a Bachelor of Music (Composition) from Valparaiso University and a Master of Music (Composition) from Western Michigan University. She completed a PhD in historical musicology at Washington University in St. Louis, where her dissertation focused on 20th century British environmental politics and the music of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. Her Master of Library and Information Science comes from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She plays the organ and other keyboard instruments.
Areas of interest and expertise
- Critical information literacy
- Pedagogy and assessment
- DEIA initiatives
- Ecocriticism in the arts
- 19th century American sheet music
Liaison to
- Dance
- Music
- Theater
Education
- MLIS, University of Missouri-Columbia (2021)
- PhD, Washington University in St. Louis (2017)
- MM, Western Michigan University (2005)
- BM, Valparaiso University (2003)