Sarah Voels, a 2009 Wartburg College graduate, is returning to her alma mater to serve as director of Vogel Library and college librarian.

After graduating from Wartburg with a degree in English Literature, Voels went on to earn a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She is currently a doctoral student in information science at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois.

Voels has worked in the Cedar Rapids Public Library since 2016, most recently as the community engagement librarian.

“Now is the right time for a new challenge, and I am excited for this opportunity at Wartburg,” Voels said. “I remember the Wartburg library as a safe and secure space where I could engage in creative thought. I’m excited to help provide that same space for the next generation of students.”

In addition to her work at the library, Voels also is a presenter and consultant with a focus on representation in the library collection. Most recently she has presented on “Auditing Diversity in Library Collections,” “Creating a Diverse, Patron-Driven Collection” and “Unmaking a Collection: Circulation Growth through Collection Loss.”

“I know some of the faculty and staff at Wartburg are already taking steps in this area, and I am excited to look at the work that is being done and see what I can do to add to that and support them in that way,” she said. “Together we can ensure that we find new and innovative ways to integrate library services into daily life.”