Meet Juliana Espinosa

Juliana Espinosa joined the University Libraries in June 2019 as the Librarian in Residence for Engagement and Inclusion. Juliana earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and M.L.I.S. from San Jose State University and joined us with ten years of higher education experience from the University of California, Santa Barbara, University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Utah.

Learn more about Juliana’s role and first year at WMU

What is your role at WMU Libraries?

I am the User Engagement Librarian at the WMU Libraries. In my role, I focus on WMU and Greater Kalamazoo community engagement. This ranges from organizing library events to outreach to student support agencies. 

What’s been the highlight of your first year at WMU?

Exploring Lake Michigan beaches and surviving my first winter in the Midwest. Being from Los Angeles, I’m used to ocean beaches and never had to drive regularly in snow, so moving to Kalamazoo has certainly been an adventure. 

What are the most critical challenges facing libraries right now?

Oftentimes, students see the library only as a place to study, but it’s so much more than that. One challenge libraries face is how to promote their services and resources in a way that connects with students and increases student success through the usage of those services/resources. 

Have you found a favorite spot on campus? If so, where? 

The art galleries inside the Richmond Center for Visual Arts are a wonderful place to wander through during a lunch break or between classes. 

What do you do for fun?

Read, watch films, travel, visit new bookstores/libraries, and attend book/film festivals and comic cons.