Austin McKenzie

Student at the University of Missouri

Contact information

email: amtnm (at) missouri.edu
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/austin-mckenzie-67673124
303 University Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

About Me

I am currently studying to become a librarian online at the University of Missouri with the goal of graduating with a Master’s of Library and Information Science (MLIS). I earned a M.A. in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College in 2023 and a B.S. in Economics from the United States Air Force Academy.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest but has spent majority of my adult life in the Front Range of the Rockies serving in the U.S. Air Force. I have served for 15 years in a variety of roles ranging from technical to supervisory.

Recently, I decided to cross-train into library science as I transition out of the military in 2031. My family is spread out between Cascadia, the Midwest, and Florida, so we (my wife, 2 daughters, and I) are still deciding where we might end up and begin my library career. I am eager to help people learn and discover in a public or state library setting!

Academic Interests

Having learned a great deal of computer science out of curiosity and to support my work, I find myself inclined toward topics of cataloging and discovery systems, especially where they can be adjusted to serve more users more easily.

I also believe strongly in protecting intellectual freedom and naturally engage with topics regarding censorship and patron privacy. I am excited to craft a future where librarians are anchored as ethical professionals who protect access to information for all people.