Introduction
Some of my experiences fall largely into the realm of technological skill, such as authoring web content and even building this website. However, nearly every experience I’ve listed in other areas, such as reference or outreach, has a technological component to it. Rather than offer a lengthy narrative describing the context in which I’ve used each program or technology, I’ll simply highlight important ones on this page. If you would like to know more about my experience with any of these programs, or if your library relies on a program not listed here, please ask me about it! I’m sure I can help meet your library’s technology needs.
Teen Facebook Page Lead Administrator, Milwaukee Public Library
April 2011 – present
Competencies demonstrated:
- Uses Web tools and social networking communities to engage with and provide services to users
- Formulates and implements an ongoing technology planning process
- Demonstrates an aptitude for leadership
- Anticipates and adapts to change and challenges effectively
I head up a team of YA-focused librarians and staff who manage the newly-launched Teen Facebook Page, Teens of MPL. Currently this group creates and posts most of the content, but my goal is to increase teen participation and interaction. I introduced audio and video clips, and want to make content more two-way through techniques like a weekly poll question, rapid-fire readers’ advisory, and posting teen-generated book and media reviews. In addition to managing and improving content, I’ve also worked on developing and implementing our social media policy for this page. How can we meet the policies set by the state, city, library administration, and professional codes of ethics and behavior at all times, while still having enough flexibility to post and respond to content in a timely way?
My future goal is to increase our fan base by fostering more interaction with other pages of interest to local teens. This can be difficult to do given the existing policies, and we still have plenty of work to do on engaging the teens who have already connected with us! So this one is on the back burner until the page has proven itself an important part of MPL’s 24/7 beyond-the-walls service.
Building a Business Wiki, Milwaukee Public Library
November 2010 – March 2011
Competencies demonstrated:
- Designs a database to meet specified needs and identifies the data relationships
- Understands the open-source options for software in libraries
- Implements procedures to improve performance
- Implements methods for sharing database information
I helped to build a staff wiki out of our old card and Microsoft Word fugitive files. It aggregates difficult-to-find information and answers to common questions into a single source which all librarians, regardless of branch location or department, can update. A coworker selected the platform, PBWiki, and began inputting data for her department (Humanities). I built the section for my department, Business, Science, and Technology. Approximately 300 pages of data were entered, revised for consistency, checked for accuracy, updated, and organized in a useful way. When I completed the information architecture and data entry, the library began rolling the wiki out to the rest of the librarians. The best part about this tool is that it will improve with their use as information is added and the best mapping is established. This wiki makes an incredibly large volume of important information easily and quickly accessible for all librarians, improving the service we can provide to the public.
Bilingual Virtual Reference, Milwaukee Public Library
September 2010 – May 2011
I’d like to highlight my virtual reference skills here, as I’ve had a significant role in launching a Wisconsin-wide Spanish language chat service and in providing English language virtual reference. However, since I think that providing high-quality reference is the true core of this technologically-enabled service, I’ve chosen to go into detail in the Reference section.
Authoring Web Content, Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology,
March 2009 – December 2009
Competencies demonstrated:
- Designs a Web site for the library to provide virtual, 24/7 access to a portion of library services
- Provides information instruction and assistance to build information literacy skills of library users
To train our faculty and graduate affiliates
in bibliographic searching and information literacy, I developed new content for the CSDE website (in addition to offering formal training and virtual reference.) Entitled “Finding Information,” this set of pages included information on seeking, evaluating, and managing information. Click the screenshot to link to the website. (Note: I authored the original content, but am not responsible for subsequent updates or the graphic interface / layout.)
Technological Proficiencies:
- Integrated library systems such as Sirsi/Dynix’s Horizon and Unicorn and TLC’s CARL
- Collection development interfaces such as Baker & Taylor and BWI TitleTales
- Web 2.0 tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blogging software, Flickr, GoodReads, and wikis
- Using and maintaining a variety of OPACs, WebPACs, and library catalogs
- Library and academic databases, used to answer reference questions
- Readers Advisory programs such as Novelist and FictionConnection
- Basic HTML, JavaScript, and web design
- Adobe Photoshop and graphic tools
- Microsoft Office products
