Shhhh. Blackhawk Technical College has a new Librarian.

Macaela Willadsen recently started in the role and comes to Blackhawk from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

“I’ve learned that I like being surrounded by information and helping people get the information that they need,” Willadsen said.

Getting information has changed over the years. A library today may not be full of books, the Waukesha native explained.

“What I’ve seen change the most is how to access the information. Instead of having shelves of books sitting and waiting to be used, many of the resources for students are available online and, therefore, not limited to a single location to access it,” Willadsen said. “Things change all the time; it’s best to work with the changes and to not be stagnant in your ways.”

As an undergrad at UWW, Willadsen worked in the library there. After graduation, she attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for her master’s degree in library science. Her job search led her back to UWW and, subsequently, to Blackhawk.

“I like the small campus because you get to know more people than at a larger school, and I feel like you can make more of a difference,” she said.

Willadsen encourages students to find their passion and run with it. 

At home, she has a dog. However, her dream is to have many dogs, she said. Willadsen also has a community garden spot.

“The garden choices aren’t always successful, but I try new things every year,” she said.

Find out more about Blackhawk’s Library and Library Hours on Blackhawk’s website