Cheryl E. Kerpez
New Paltz,NY
Summary
Knowledge-based library media professional supporting student learning, collection management, and daily media center operations. Brings hands-on experience in research instruction, cataloging, interlibrary loan, budgeting, and library technology, along with a strong focus on literacy activities, inclusive service, and collaboration with classroom teachers.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Library Media Specialist
Washington Township Schools
Long Valley , NJ
09.2005 - 06.2025
- Supported students with research skills and safe internet practices.
- Recorded books and digital resources in school library systems.
- Worked with teachers to assist classroom reading and media lessons.
- Kept library materials organized through shelving and inventory tasks.
- Cataloged books and digital resources using school library systems.
- Instructed students in research skills and safe internet use.
- Collaborated with teachers to support classroom reading and media lessons.
- Maintained collection organization, shelving, and inventory for library materials.
- Promoted literacy programs and reading activities.
- Monitored library space, student behavior, and daily media center operations.
- Attended conferences and subscribed to trade publications to maintain current knowledge of field.
- Taught group and individual instruction sessions to impart knowledge of library and research practices.
- Coordinated interlibrary loan programs with other schools or libraries.
- Prepared annual budget reports outlining expenditures related to library operations.
- Created online research guides and tutorials to help students access digital resources.
- Assessed students' individual learning needs and developed instructional strategies to meet those needs.
- Evaluated existing library services and identified areas for improvement or expansion.
- Organized and maintained library collections, including books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources.
- Collaborated with teachers to determine appropriate library resources for curricular units.
- Answered patrons' questions at circulation desk.
- Cleaned and repaired damaged books and library resource materials.
- Developed and enforced circulation policies and procedures.
- Performed digital research using databases and online data repositories.
- Administered library programming, including reading groups, author talks, and educational workshops.
- Compiled and analyzed library usage statistics, adjusting services and collections to meet changing needs.
- Fostered a welcoming and inclusive library environment, encouraging community participation and lifelong learning.
- Designed and maintained the library's website and social media platforms, enhancing online engagement.
- Negotiated with vendors for the acquisition of library materials, securing cost-effective deals.
- Implemented an automated library system, streamlining check-out processes and inventory management.
- Identified and removed worn or outdated books and media.
- Prepared, printed and attached classification labels.
LMS Internship
Old Farmers Road School (elementary)
Long Valley, NJ
09.2004 - 12.2004
- Facilitated literature appreciation, storytelling, and technology skills while providing readers advisory for pre-school to fourth grade students.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Fund Raising Assistant
Midland School Foundation
North Branch, NJ
01.1991 - 01.1994
- Coordinated donor records for school foundation fundraising and stewardship activities.
- Updated fundraising database with donor contact details and gift information.
- Prepared acknowledgement letters for Midland School Foundation gifts and donations.
- Supported developmentally disabled students in achieving educational goals at recognized school.
Office Manager/Program Coordinator
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Rogers Environmental Education Center
Sherburne, NY
01.1981 - 01.1989
- Managed daily office operations for environmental education center programs and staff.
- Coordinated schedules, meetings, and visitor services for state conservation activities.
- Coordinated school and group visitations for a team of 5-6 environmental educators, managed summer youth camp, oversaw fiscal responsibilities, and hired and supervised summer assistants to enhance program delivery.
- Processed correspondence, phone calls, and public inquiries with clear professionalism.
Education
M.A. - Library and Information Science
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05-2005
B.A. - Social Work
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05-1991
Skills
- Google suite of apps: docs, sheets, slides, forms, sites, etc
- Library cataloging
- Integrated library systems
- Microsoft applications: Word, PowerPoint and Excel Macromedia's Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks software for website design Planning, organization and development of websites, including knowledge of Unix, remote file management, and working with web servers Experience operating both Follett and Winnebago software programs
- Digital resource management
- Information literacy
Interests
Reading, nature studies, including bird watching, hiking, biking, Ironman triathlete and marathon runner.
Personal Initiatives and Volunteer Work during Home Management Period
- Old Farmers Road School (K to 4 elementary) and Long Valley Middle School (5-6 grades), Volunteer Parent Library Aide, Long Valley, NJ, 2001, Present, Providing assistance to children and librarian as well as circulation duties, cataloging, retrieving, scanning, processing, shelving books, and collection maintenance.
- Old Farmers Road School, PTA Chair Person, School Book Fair, Long Valley, NJ, 2000, 2004, Implementation and management of all aspects of a three-day book fair for students and parents, such as book vendor arrangements, organizing and instructing 50-plus parent volunteers, coordinating Teacher Wish List, Birthday Book Club, special childrens story times and live book theater performance.
- Washington Township Public Library, Volunteer, Long Valley, NJ, 1998, Present, Developed and presented different themed story times and programs (ex. goat stories followed by local live guest goat, moving pictures in cinema box craft project). Formed a Mother-Daughter Book Club, with book discussion meetings held once a month at the library. Assisted with summer read-a-thon program and Teen Drama Club script writing and helping kids with props and costumes.
- Acts Of Kindness (A-OK) Childrens Community Theater, Founded, Long Valley, NJ, 1998, Present, Playwright, producer and director of this non-profit, fund-raising theater showcasing the talents of average young children ages 3 to 12. Annual performance for a community cause such as the Michael Steinberg Foundation, the childrens cancer ward at Morristown Memorial Hospital, and the local teen center and food pantry.
- Jumpstart Preschool Homeschool, Founded, Long Valley, NJ, 1996, 1998, Researched and developed lesson plans and conducted a formal weekly educational preschool program for 5 to 6 children ages 3 to 5.
- Interfaith Hospitality Network, Volunteer, Califon, NJ, 1992, Present, Overnight host and aide for homeless guests and families with children staying in temporary housing at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church community house.
- Pottersville Moms and Tots, Founded, Pottersville, NJ, 1992, 1994, Organized a community interactive play group for moms and preschoolers at the Pottersville Reformed Church community house.
Community Service
A sound familiarity with childrens picture books and literature as a result of near weekly visits to local libraries and daily reading with my two children., 1993, Present, A sound familiarity with childrens picture books and literature as a result of near weekly visits to local libraries and daily reading with my two children.
Affiliations
- Member of the New Jersey Educational Media Association
- Member of the American Library Association (ALA)
- Member of the ALAs Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Professional Development
- Baker and Taylor, Childrens book Publishers Conference, Bridgewater, NJ, Feb., 2005
- Educational Media Association Conference, East Brunswick, NJ, Dec., 2004
- Upcoming: Registration to Judy Freemans 100 Best Books for Children, Grades K-6 workshop to be held in May, 2005
Timeline
Library Media Specialist
Washington Township Schools
09.2005 - 06.2025
LMS Internship
Old Farmers Road School (elementary)
09.2004 - 12.2004
Fund Raising Assistant
Midland School Foundation
01.1991 - 01.1994
Office Manager/Program Coordinator
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Rogers Environmental Education Center
01.1981 - 01.1989
M.A. - Library and Information Science
Rutgers University
B.A. - Social Work
Rutgers University