Since my first position as a YA Library Associate, I’ve been privileged to develop diverse collections, ensuring that our patrons see themselves represented in our materials and feel welcome and safe in our spaces. I researched African-American authors for our teens and advocated for increasing Spanish-language materials for our Spanish-speaking community. I reorganized our Spanish-language section, creating an Española corner. I weeded and updated YA collections at 3 branches. Currently. I'm working on a long term project using BCA reports to identify not-moving, incorrect, and lost items; then weeding, correcting, and purging as necessary to clean up both the collection and the catalog database. I'm also making a pest of myself requesting Arabic-language materials and novels featuring lesbians to address collection deficiencies.When Covid 19 struck and the library closed down, I found myself isolated from the public which I'd served in one form or another since I was 18 years old. Consequently, I explored new avenues of service, training for online library chat. To sharpen those skills I completed the Certified Internet Research Specialist (CIRS™) program through the Association of Information Research Specialists. Currently I'm preparing for the certification exam.I offer:Sophisticated knowledge of collection management, online research, virtual & in-person reference service, and reader's advisoryExpertise with library materials & publishing trendsSkill at assessing community needs & developing plans to meet them Advocacy for ensuring that diverse materials representative of the whole community are accessibleProficiency in evaluating and weeding collections and initiating projects to correct collection deficiencies Mastery of the principles and practices of reference servicesAbility to provide answers to complicated reference questions using a variety of sources in various formatsKnow-how to conduct well-developed searches in multiple databases and online resources Facility for mastering new software and using technology in creative ways to solve problems and facilitate workflowTalent for managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with a keen attention to detailCommitment to continuous learning
Listed skills include Collection Development, Customer Service, Department Management, Database Searching, and 58 others.
