McKenzie Lemhouse is a dedicated librarian at the University of South Carolina Lancaster with an unexpected, yet fulfilling, path to library science. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Winthrop University and a Master of Library and Information Science from USC and found her calling in the world of libraries. 

“A theme of my career is setting out to do one thing and then doing something else,” Lemhouse says. 

Her journey began with a desire to enter publishing, but an internship at an archive gave her unexpected insight into librarianship. As she took on more responsibilities in her intern role, Lemhouse ultimately received a full-time job offer while pursuing her master’s at USC.   

“I also really wanted to have the opportunity to connect more with the library users, researchers and students,” Lemhouse explains. 

While she originally worked in archives, handling historical documents and cataloging items, she realized she wanted more conversation with others. This led Lemhouse to USC’s Lancaster campus, where she now focuses on library instruction, with roles in student engagement, research and facilitating Safe Zone workshops.   

At Lancaster, Lemhouse works in a smaller yet active library for a campus of approximately 2,400 students. There are three librarians: a director for User Services, an interlibrary loan librarian, and Lemhouse, who handles research. This environment gives her the chance to be more involved  with students and faculty as she assists their pursuit of information. 

Lemhouse’s role has multiple levels, including everything from helping with research projects to building initiatives that make the library an inviting place. A new development is the “Blind Date with a Book” display, in which books are wrapped up and include descriptions to give an indication of the plot.   

“My main goal is just to get people into the library, have them engage with the collection, and then also kind of humanize the library staff,” she says.   

Lemhouse understands that some students may hesitate to ask for help, as she once did in college and through these outreach programs, she hopes to break down barriers and make the library approachable to all.     

Outside of the library, Lemhouse is passionate about advocacy and inclusion on campus. She is an involved facilitator for USC Safe Zone workshops, an LGBTQ+ education session for members of the community and allies. These workshops are available for those who are interested in learning LGBTQ+ vocabulary and literacy. 

My main goal is just to get people into the library, have them engage with the collection, and then also humanize the library staff.

-- McKenzie Lemhouse

​“I attended one of the workshops when I was working on the Columbia campus, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is great. I want to get involved,’” she says. 

Now as a trained facilitator, she contributes to building a supportive environment for students and faculty of all backgrounds.   

“I don’t interact with a lot of our students the same way that instructors do, but I want people to feel safe coming into the library and just existing as a human being,” Lemhouse explains. 

In advocating for library science as a degree choice, Lemhouse emphasizes the variety of options available in her field. From libraries in law firms to archives and public libraries, the career offers a multitude of paths for those who are passionate about information and library science.   

“Libraries are so much more than what most people expect them to be,” she says.