Librarian, Education Liaison, Library Research, Social Sciences and Clark Library, University Library

Karen E. Downing is a distinguished academic librarian whose 30-year career at U-M is marked by transformative service, scholarship and leadership. Renowned for her expertise in education and qualitative research, she has fostered collaborations across campus and with scholars nationwide. Downing has held pivotal roles, including coordinating the Peer Information Counseling program, providing executive research services, leading the library’s social sciences team, and serving as education librarian and liaison to the Marsal Family School of Education. Her outreach has led to national presentations, highly cited publications, and grant-funded initiatives, including the DEIA Data Toolkit and Library as Research Lab, each amplifying the library’s capacity for research support and inclusion. Many of her mentees have become librarians themselves, following Downing’s sterling example and adding links to a virtuous chain. A leader in professional organizations such as the American Library Association and the International Federation of Library Associations, Downing has long championed social justice and intellectual freedom, helping shape the profession’s values and future. She is equally admired as a mentor, guiding undergraduate and graduate students, new librarians, and colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds.

The 2025 awardee information provided above is from the October 27th, 2025, University Record article, Thirty-five to receive faculty awards at annual celebration.