Get to Know Shane Olsen, Archives Assistant

Meet Shane Olsen, the Archives Assistant at UWSP. Shane is dedicated to connecting the community and campus with historical resources. From managing collections to writing newsletters, he strives to make the archives accessible and welcoming. 

Here are some fun facts from our interview with Shane. 

Background and Current Position: I’m the Archives Assistant at the UWSP Archives, where I engage with faculty, staff, students, and community members to answer reference questions, both in-person and via email. My role also includes managing Area Research Center transfers, setting up instruction sessions, and processing archival collections. Recently, I’ve taken on the task of writing The Primary Source newsletter and contributing to the UWSP Libraries’ blog focusing on posts related to the history of UWSP.

I became interested in archives during my time as a student employee and intern at UWSP when I was a student here. After graduating, I pursued a MLIS program with an archives focus at UW-Milwaukee, and was hired in my current position here in January 2023.

Hometown: I hail from Waupaca, Wisconsin.

Contribution to Library’s Mission: One of my favorite things about working at a public institution like a university is that we get to help faculty, staff, students, and the community with their research. Ensuring equal access to information is a core part of our mission, and I try to embody that in my reference work. I understand that archives can seem daunting due to security and access protocols, so I try to create a welcoming environment and provide thorough assistance to all researchers.

Surprising Hobby: Most of my hobbies are usually associated with retired folks. I enjoy birdwatching, gardening, and watching nature programs on PBS Wisconsin. Currently, I’m learning how to sew. 🧵🌼

Stay tuned for more staff insights!

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