My Profile



Whilst I had previously done desk research to support project management, and was an active member of the Victorian National Parks Association's Education Committee in Melbourne, my library career didn't really begin until I moved to the University of Oxford in 2005. Here I provided one-to-one reference support, client awareness packs and current awareness services to post graduate business students, executive education participants and academic staff at Templeton College and later at GTC, Oxford. During this time, I also acted as Editorial Assistant on one of the peer-reviewed journals published by Templeton College.

After moving to the smaller institution at GTC, I was appointed as University Harassment Advisor, and as GTC staff representative and HR Committee member where I became interested in expanding my management role, so applied for the position of Deputy Librarian at Bournemouth & Poole College. Here I built on my skills training role by working with the team librarians to develop and deliver information skills sessions, as well as taking the lead in staff development and training days. I currently head up the LRC’s Blended Learning Team and sit on the College’s Blended Pioneers Team, where we research, analyse and discuss how to best implement new ideas in blended learning. In 2013 I was awarded my PTLLS foundation level teaching (now the Level 4 Award in Education and Training), and I believe this helped focus my preparation and delivery, as well as my recognition of elements of inclusivity.

Last year I had the opportunity to act up as LRC manager, which gave me valuable experience into strategic business planning, budgeting and working with senior members of the College. As Deputy, I assist the manager with all aspects of recruitment and staff appraisals and take the lead in staff development. I am responsible for the operations side of the LRC including overseeing the management of library systems and online resources, and I am also Health and Safety Ambassador and the LRC representative on the College's Business Management Team. I have also recently been appointed as FE and HE Representative on the Heritage (LMS) Users' Group.

In 2010 I completed my post graduate training in Library and Information Management, which I studied via distance education at Charles Sturt University in Australia. I graduated with distinction and was awarded the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) Student of the Year Award. I am currently an associate member of ALIA, and for this year’s challenge, I am looking to gain my ALIA professional certification.

Not bad for an old dog!