This month, we welcomed Sarah Parramore as the new associate dean for the William H. Hannon Library. In this role, Sarah participates in all aspects of library-wide planning, personnel management, plans for new services, assessment and evaluation, and oversight of daily library operations. Sarah comes to us from Occidental College, where she led both the teaching and learning department and special collections and archives. In order to get to know Sarah a little more, we asked her a few questions about this new position and her past experience.
Tell us a little bit about your background in libraries.
I started in libraries in 2008 as an elementary school librarian (honestly, one of the most fun jobs you can have). From there I moved to Dubai and spent six years as an academic librarian. That’s where my focus on teaching and learning really took root. My education background made instruction a natural fit for me, and it’s been the thread running through most of my career.
My first leadership opportunity came at Cal State Fullerton, where I led the library instruction department. That role taught me a lot about sustainability. Our librarians had heavy teaching loads. I realized I needed to think not just about what we were doing, but how we were doing it and whether it was sustainable for the people doing the work. So I focused on building systems and structures that could support the program without burning everyone out.
From there I went to Occidental College, where I took on both the teaching and learning department and special collections and archives. That’s where we saw participation in research instruction more than double. But what I’m most proud of isn’t just the numbers, it’s that we built something that genuinely served students better while also being sustainable for staff. Taking on special collections and archives was a stretch in the best way. It pushed me to understand different corners of library work and think more holistically about how all these pieces connect.
I think what I’m best at is creating environments where people can do their best work. I’ve mentored a number of early-career librarians, and watching them grow, publish, present nationally, step into leadership: that’s the work that energizes me. I also get really into the design side of teaching. How do you make learning stick for adults? Whether I’m teaching, mentoring, or leading a team, I’m happiest when I’m helping people become the professionals they want to be.
Tell us about your research interests.
Most of my research comes from questions I’m working through in my day-to-day work: things around adult learning, mentorship, or how we design instruction that actually makes a difference. One project I’m particularly proud of came out of a mentorship program I created with a colleague for tenure-track librarians. We started noticing patterns: how structured support helped people develop not just skills, but confidence and a sense of belonging. That research changed how we think about onboarding and development and provided a framework for newly hired librarians.
I’ve also worked on inclusive teaching practices and assessment that’s meaningful rather than just performative. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about AI literacy and how libraries can help our communities engage with these tools thoughtfully rather than reactively. Right now, I’m starting a project investigating why library workshops are successful or unsuccessful. This was born from a semester’s worth of low workshop attendance while I was at Oxy. So my research comes directly from practice: I see something that’s not working as well as it could, I try something different, and then I reflect on what I learned.
What about this new role at Loyola Marymount University interests you?
LMU’s commitment to educating the whole person really resonates with me. It’s exactly how I think about what libraries should be doing. What draws me to the associate dean role is the combination of strategic work and people leadership. I want to be in a position where I can think about the big picture, how the library serves the institution’s mission, while also creating the conditions for staff to thrive. Those things aren’t separate to me: they’re deeply connected.
In terms of impact, internally I hope to build a culture where people feel genuinely supported and heard, where there’s trust, and where people understand how their work contributes to something larger. Externally, I hope to continue the library’s strong visibility as a real partner, to faculty trying new collaborations, to students navigating their academic journeys, to the university pursuing its strategic goals. I’m particularly interested in exploring the connection between libraries and student success.
Finally, what are some of your interests, passions, and hobbies?
I have two kids, young adults now, but they still keep me plenty busy. My son plays water polo and swims competitively, so you’ll often find me poolside cheering him on or doing yet another load of towels at home.
When I was working in Dubai, a colleague taught me how to knit, and I’ve been hooked (no pun intended, that’s crochet!) for over a decade now. I’m always working on something, and I’ve actually placed a few times at the county fair, which was a fun surprise. It’s definitely an expensive hobby, and with California weather I don’t get many chances to actually wear what I make, but I love it anyway. There’s something really meditative about it.
Living abroad also gave me a real love of travel. I’m always looking ahead to the next trip. Japan is high on my list right now, so fingers crossed I’ll make it there soon.
Thank you, Sarah, for taking the time to answer a few questions for our readers. The associate dean occupies a significant position within the leadership structure of the library and is one of the primary driving forces behind our strategic initiatives. It’s a high-impact role and we are delighted to have Sarah onboard.