Karen Downing's Homepage

Welcome to my homepage! I am a librarian at the University of Michigan's University Library. This homepage is a combination of information the Peer Information Counseling students and I have put together, and interesting links to other homepages. It is continually under construction, so expect some changes periodically!

It's Not a Job, It's a Calling!

I am a Senior Associate Librarian at the University of Michigan University Library. My title is Foundation and Grants Librarian. I coordinate the Library’s Foundation Center Cooperating Collection.

I earned my Master of Information and Library Studies at Michigan's School of Information in 1989. I also got my undergraduate degree here at U. of M. I majored in History Of Art.  I am currently a doctoral student in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education.  Here is my curriculum vitae .

My Interracial Family

This is the history of my interracial family. After going through my family's photographs in an attempt to preserve and organize them (hey, I'm a librarian, remember?), I decided they were too cool to shut away in a photo album! I feel it is important to share this story with others who might only know interracial families from watching or reading sensationalized stories in the news and entertainment media.  In the U.S. alone, there are hundreds of thousands of interracial families who have managed to survive and thrive despite the multitude of media stereotypes and racially polarized communities and society.  

Interesting Links to Other Homepages