Summary Of Skills

• Experienced in providing in-depth research and reference services in special and academic library settings, answering business- and economic-related questions
• Promote and deliver high-quality library services in a special library including teaching and training, reference help, and departmental liaison
• Strong relationship-building skills; creating and maintaining long-term relationships with clients
• Participate actively in association and conference work, maintaining professional networks and engaging with the broader library community

Education

Masters of Information Studies

Sep 2008 – Jun 2010

University of Toronto

• Studying at the Faculty of Information with an area of focus in Library and Information Science; completed coursework April 2010
• Course specialization in reference services including: Government and Legal publications – Canadian, U.S. and International

Bachelor of Arts, Honours

Sep 2004 – Oct 2008

York University

• Majored in Women’s Studies & Social and Political Thought
• Completed a major research project which required in-depth study of a specific research topic, and which drew on gender studies methodologies and history
• Dean’s List 2006-07

Library & Related Experience

Information Specialist (Contract) 

Jul 2011 – Feb 2012

Ontario Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, Toronto

• Provide in-depth business and economic research and analysis to Ministry staff in a timely and cost effective manner to best support decision-makers
• Implemented e-newsletter research product in economic research and policy monitoring to bring up-to-date analysis news to decision-makers in a format that best suits clients’ needs
• Developed an external client resource package to enable Small- and Medium- sized Ontario Businesses access to market intelligence appropriately and within user licensing agreements and copyright guidelines

Business Librarian (Contract) 

Sep 2010 – May 2011

The Library, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa

• Provided both general and subject specific ready reference, as well as in-depth small group and individual reference services to students and faculty, assessing research needs and recommending appropriate resources
• Managed a large budget to develop the print and electronic collections through critical assessment of business information products, and use of online selection tools
• Designed and executed information literacy instruction, effectively implementing eLearning technologies to enhance student learning and improve teaching

Market Researcher

Jun 2010 – Aug 2010

LoyaltyOne, Contract

• Determined client needs and expectations on deliverables through a thorough interview
• Conducted market research in two project phases; first in social media monitoring, the second in academic research on the topic
• Reported on continuing research and follow-up recommendations

Business Reference Assistant

Sep 2009 – July 2010

Business Information Centre, Rotman School of Management

University of Toronto

• Serve the Rotman community via reference work and circulation of materials; directing clients to appropriate information resources in both print and electronic formats; quickly learned to locate and select appropriate material in a variety of areas, including business administration, management, economics, public administration, etc.
• Assist clients in the use of the eResources, CD-ROMs and other resources available through the University of Toronto Libraries

Student Library Assistant

Oct 2009 – August 2010

Robarts Library, University of Toronto

• Assist in large collection shift and re-integration of a large number of materials out of storage and back into circulation
• Shelve circulated materials in a timely and efficient manner so as to satisfy user demand

Practicum Student

Sep 2009 – Dec 2009

Martin Prosperity Institute, Rotman School of Management

University of Toronto

• Researched and learned appropriate video- and audio-editing software
• Utilized Adobe Premiere Pro and SoundBooth to edit conference footage into segments for participants to access post-conference
• Catalogued new materials for MPI researchers to be able to quickly and easily reference

Practicum Student

Jan 2009 – Apr 2009

Ontario Legislative Assembly, Toronto

• Developed Camtasia screencast-recording that required research, planning and execution of an online tutorial for records management purposes
• Approximately 2 minutes in length on the topic of email management, the screencast specifically addressed the saving of email as official records

Resource Centre Coordinator

Jun 2008 – Jan 2010

Adoption Council of Ontario, Toronto

• Charged to develop the library, which resulted in the initiation of the library’s catalogue and circulation service
• Implement the catalogue into an online accessible format to enable users from across Ontario the ability to access the catalogue
• Liaise with Canadian Library Association to execute the Canada Post Library Book Rate Program
• Maintain comprehensive adoption-related resource centre, developing networks to develop the collection and ensure positive donor relations

Conversation Partner

Jan 2008 – Nov 2009

Pacific Gateway International College, Toronto

• Facilitated small groups of culturally diverse students for two hours of directed, informational and educational conversation; providing practice and consultation to aid students in the development of their communication skills

Circulation Assistant

Sep 2006 – Apr 2008

Nellie Langford Rowell Library, York University

• Provided service in areas of research and information, such as books, periodicals and broadside materials
• Maintained various databases using In-Magic database software
• Focused interactions on empowering and instructing students while creating positive relationships through high quality customer service

Resource Centre Assistant

Sep 2004 – Apr 2006

York University English Language Institute

• Provided service to both students and teachers, while maintaining comprehensive E.S.L. library through designing and keeping accurate inventory records, including a small computer lab consisting; created, implemented and maintained library’s database system using Microsoft Access

Volunteer Experience

President

Apr 2009 – Apr 2010

Master of Information Student Council, Faculty of Information

• Work closely with faculty to redesign the Student Lounge into a hi-tech environment that promotes technological expertise, collaboration and board room savvy in a comfortable lounge environment
• Ensure student council committees are on track to effectively complete student council’s priority activities
• Organize and effectively chair monthly council meetings
• Liaise with faculty and students to enhance communication within the Faculty
• Manage student council website content using Drupal, an open source CMS

Convener

Feb 2010

Ontario Library Association, Super Conference 2010, Toronto

• Responsible for the effective organization and management of an OCULA (Ontario College and University Libraries Association) session; solicit biographies and liaise with four OCULA presenters on the topic of information literacy

Student Participant

Dec 2009 – Feb 2010

Student e-Communications Consultation Group, University of Toronto

• Reported to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) on the future directions for student e-communication services, reflecting the changing academic and co-curricular needs, enhanced student experience and fiscal priorities
• Assisted in the identification of concerns and obligations in matters such as the protection of privacy and information security

Vice President

Feb 2009 – Apr 2009

Master of Information Student Council, Faculty of Information

• Liaised with faculty and students to enhance communication within the faculty
• Instituted a number of Accessibility initiatives, such as a mandatory Accessibility Policy outlined on course syllabi and faculty training

Scholarly Achievements

CLA National Conference and Tradeshow

Jun 2010

Poster Presenter

• Accepted to present a student perceptions research project pursued throughout the 2009-10 academic year, which will seek to gain insight into students’ views on professional development opportunities at the Faculty of Information
• Draws on social science research methodologies to extract observations and conclusions about the “next generation” of information professionals

ARM 2008 Annual Conference

Oct 2008

Presenter

• Accepted by the Association for Research on Mothering’s Annual Conference to present as part of the Violence Against Women session
• Drew on social sciences research methodologies to extract observations and conclusions about the victims of war rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Awards

• 2010 FIAA Outstanding Student Contribution Award
  • Recognizes student contributions to student life, and participation within the Faculty Council, the University of Toronto, and the profession as a whole
• 2010 Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award Recipient
  • Recognizes students who have made outstanding extra-curricular contributions to their faculty and to the University of Toronto

• 2009 Mildred Adams Memorial Scholarship
  • Financial bursary awarded to a first-year student
• 2005 – 2008 Millennium Bursary & York University Bursary

Professional Associations

• American Library Association (Since 2009)
• Canadian Library Association (Since 2009)
  • Canadian Association of College and University Libraries
  • Canadian Association for Special Libraries and Information Services
• Ontario Library Association (Since 2007)
  • Ontario Library and Information Technology Association
  • Ontario College and University Library Association
• Special Library Association (Since 2008)
  • Toronto Chapter