Her research interests include the history of children as readers, women’s contributions to librarianship, children’s libraries and print culture, and storytelling. Kate teaches in the area of library services to youth, including youth services librarianship, fantasy literature and media for youth, children’s literature and resources, young adult literature and resources, and storytelling. Dr. McDowell is currently teaching the experimental new course 490YS, Youth Services Community Engagement, which is under development to further meet the youth-advocacy-related goals of the Mix IT Up! grant