Sarah Dahlen

Sarah Dahlen serves as a Librarian and Lecturer at California State University, Monterey Bay, holding faculty status within the university's academic structure. Her professional identity bridges library science and instructional roles, positioning her at the intersection of information services and pedagogy.

Her educational foundation includes:

• M.A. in Information Resources and Library Science from the University of Arizona (2010)
• M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Arizona (2001)
• B.S. in Anthropology from the University of Oregon (1998)

Dahlen's research program centers on information literacy as both a cognitive process and instructional challenge. She investigates student information-seeking behaviors through naturalistic observation and reflective methodologies, with particular attention to equity gaps and transfer student experiences. Her scholarship of teaching and learning examines synthesis development, source attribution practices, and citation norms across disciplinary contexts, revealing how students navigate academic integrity in written and oral communication. This work consistently addresses practical implementation in library instruction and cross-curricular collaborations.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) methodological innovations in assessing information literacy, (2) disciplinary variations in citation practices across STEM and humanities, and (3) structural barriers affecting transfer students' information competency development. Her research demonstrates increasing focus on equity considerations within information literacy frameworks.

Her recognition includes:

• 2020-21 California State University Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award (2023)
• 2012 Best Shoes Award from the American Library Association
• 2012 Continuing Professional Development Award from the International Federation of Library Associations

Dahlen actively collaborates with faculty on assessment initiatives and curriculum development, though specific advising relationships and grant funding details remain undocumented in available sources. Her work demonstrates sustained engagement with institutional learning outcomes and program assessment cycles.

As a core member of CSUMB's Library, she contributes to information literacy programming, discovery system optimization, and faculty development initiatives, operating within the university's academic support infrastructure while maintaining strong cross-departmental connections.