CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

In the last 7 years of service to the Albany Public Library I have been credited with:

A reported 109 percent increase in over all circulation at the Howe Branch.
A reorganization of the branch that exceeded the expectation of the Library’s Administration.
A popular story hour that has had 50 or more children in attendance.
Successfully lobbing the library administration for a threefold increase in the material budget.
Rebuilding both the Children’s and Adult collections that had not been maintained by a Librarian for 5 years.
Establishing a DVD, Graphic Novel and CD collection.
Establishing Spirituality, English as a Second Language, Urban Fiction, Graphic Novel and popular music collection.
Coordinating an annual 2 week camp that instructs students how to build their own website for the last 7 years, which in 2006 was expanded to other Albany locations.
Training new clerks, volunteers and other professional staff in the daily operation of the library.

In October of 2005 I was assigned the responsibility of opening a brand new facility in a community that had no previous library service. The North Albany Branch was the first new library for the system in 20 years. I was responsible for developing the collection, establishing a community presence, implementing new programs and preparing the branch to open by a particular deadline. In the same year I was also given some of my supervisor’s responsibilities in her temporary absence, this included presenting the branch report at the supervisors meeting and organizing and chairing the monthly branch meetings.

I have Extensive public speaking experience, which includes various levels of news and media outlets. I have also participated in several panels and committees. This includes being a member of “Kids Walk For Literacy” organizing committee, an event sponsored by Verizon and Times Union. I Presented at the 2006 NYLA Conference, YALSA Table Talks. I was a member of the “From Panels to Panel” workshop on graphic novels. I was also a member of the Libraries Web development Committee that over saw the creation of a brand new website for the library. Have been invited to Speak at several SUNY Albany MLS classes, including such topics as public library service, adult reference services, children’s services and managing a branch library.

My career focus for the last decade has been working with Teens and Young Adults. This began in college with the program “Educational Main Street.” Educational Main Street gave me an opportunity to work with Middle and High School students from the urban center of Hartford. This experience has carried over to my work in Libraries, especially in the South End of Albany.

I pride myself as an active and effective spokesman who has been able to establish a presence for the library within the greater community and in cooperation with outside agencies, collaborating with both the public and private sector to create successful youth programs, such as Computer Camp. My School Media background has given me insight on how to support the students, teachers and community programs that use the library. I have also worked with community groups and the public to expand adult services within my library, including resume and senior computer classes.