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!
