Karen Dolman

I've worked in Libraries since the very early nineties, when I needed a part time job after the birth of my son. I began as a Domiciliary Library Assistant in a Black Country Local Authority and continued in this role, moving to another authority a few years later. I moved around in libraries while I did my Higher Education studies, eventually working on the Mobile and Home Library Service.

I achieved my Honours English degree 2:1, part time at University of Wolverhampton, while working and raising my son. I probably have the only undergraduate dissertation project on Conan the Barbarian and Elric of Melnibone...

I did my PGCE in Further Education, also at the University of Wolverhampton. After teaching for a while I decided my ultimate career path was Librarianship, so I relocated the family to Sheffield to study my MA there in 2006.

Since I qualified, in 2007, I have had many different roles in Libraries. I have been both a School and a College Librarian and I have worked for two different authorities up here in the North as Local Studies/Heritage Librarian. Currently I am a Learning & Teaching Librarian at a large HE institution in Yorkshire, where I support the Allied Health Professions in the School of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences.

I am definitely not considering doing a Doctorate but never say never!

I live in the High Peak and hybrid work in the wake of the pandemic.

I am a keen cyclist and can be found - when my busy life allows - on the highways and byways of the Peak District. I mostly mountain bike but do some road cycling too, attempting to become the next Olympic cycling champion or Tour de France (Femme) winner!

As well as cycling my hobbies include Yoga, rock climbing and rock music, running, my Lupo, reading, and pootling around the local hills. I've recently become a Grannie for the first time too!