Michelle Farnam
Manteno,IL
Summary
Experienced library professional with strong focus on information organization, digital cataloging, and community engagement. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within teams and adapt to changing needs while achieving targeted outcomes. Expertise in managing collections, conducting research, and providing exceptional user services. Reliable, flexible, and ready to make significant impact.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Librarian Chrome Book Guru
Manteno Cusd 5
Manteno, IL
08.2021 - Current
- Trained student volunteers in library operations, promoting teamwork and leadership skills.
- Curated digital content and maintained online library platforms for remote access to resources.
- Conducted workshops on information retrieval techniques, improving user research capabilities.
- Evaluated library services through feedback mechanisms, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Trained and supervised library staff, volunteers and other personnel.
- Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.
- Promoted library services and resources through public relations initiatives and community outreach.
- Conducted comprehensive collection analysis to identify gaps or redundancies, optimizing resource allocation and budget management.
- Assisted with the development of strategic plans for library growth and improvement, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and objectives.
- Facilitated community engagement by planning and executing various educational programs, workshops, and events.
- Streamlined library operations by implementing efficient circulation procedures and automated systems.
- Provided expert instruction on using print and electronic resources during one-on-one consultations or group workshops.
- Supported digital library collections containing e-books, audiobooks and digital media.
- Developed strong relationships with local schools through outreach programs, enhancing community involvement in the library.
- Drove expansion of library collections and programs in response to student and faculty needs and special requests.
- Assisted library patrons with resolving computer problems.
- Managed reserve desk collection of reference materials.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
- Spearheaded digital literacy initiative, equipping patrons with essential skills for digital age.
- Implemented feedback system to gather patron opinions, guiding future library enhancements.
- Streamlined inventory management system to keep track of materials more efficiently.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure cost-effective deals for new acquisitions, optimizing budget utilization.
- Improved resource accessibility with introduction of digital archives.
- Conducted extensive research to curate diverse collection of materials, catering to community needs.
- Organized community engagement events to promote literacy, resulting in increased library membership.
- Streamlined book lending processes, significantly reducing wait times for popular titles.
- Developed volunteer program that expanded service hours and improved community outreach.
- Conducted data analysis on patron usage patterns to inform strategic planning for library services.
- Enhanced library's online presence, creating engaging content that increased website traffic.
- Curated special exhibits that increased cultural awareness and attracted diverse patronage.
- Designed comprehensive training program for new librarians, improving service quality and efficiency.
- Enhanced library user satisfaction by developing and implementing user-friendly cataloging systems.
- Increased digital literacy among library users through creation and execution of computer workshops.
- Coordinated with local schools to support educational programs, enriching student learning experiences.
- Managed inter-library loans, ensuring patrons had access to wide range of materials.
- Resolved patrons' complaints tactfully and professionally.
- Kept up-to-date records of materials, maintained inventory and corrected cataloging errors.
- Kept catalog orderly and updated with latest material additions and removals.
- Oversaw media, catalog and instructional areas.
- Organized library catalog, supplies, equipment and records.
- Educated library patrons about policies for checking out materials and using resources.
- Managed collections of print and electronic data for public and private access via reference and borrowing.
- Joined forces with teachers and administrators to support curriculum content, learning outcomes and student information needs.
- Collected and analyzed statistics on program data and usage using Excel.
- Captured and distributed video of company events and workshops for publication on company website and social media pages.
- Notified supervisors when major equipment repairs were needed.
- Directed total budgeting, purchasing and scheduling operations and wrote successful grants to fund innovative library and media projects.
- Improved library operations by hiring staff, leading training and motivating strong performance.
- Taught children about library practices via individual and group instruction.
- Restored order in face of conflicts between patrons and staff regarding policies, services and resource use.
- Collaborated with team members to provide timely resolution of AV issues or obstacles and achieve smooth presentations.
- Led campus in use of instructional technology to engage students in interesting and retentive learning.
- Incorporated library services into lessons while also driving curiosity, engaging students and supporting lifelong learning.
- Executed setup and breakdown of speakers, cables and computers.
- Introduced and implemented advanced media systems, collections and tools into traditional library system.
- Assisted with breakdown and reimplementation of AV equipment at new office locations.
- Maintained continuous knowledge of current and newly developed industry technology, making proactive suggestions to improve AV offerings and strategies.
- Catalogued and organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Assisted students in locating and using library resources and assisted teachers with materials needed to enrich classroom instruction.
- Maintained library databases to support accuracy and availability in circulation systems.
- Delivered personalized reader''s advisory services based on individual preferences, fostering a love of reading among patrons.
- Managed acquisition process for new materials, ensuring the library''s collection remained current and relevant.
- Researched, planned, and set up attractive and informative library exhibits.
- Created programs and activities to promote library usage and literacy.
- Instructed students on research techniques and use of online resources.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop tailored research guides for course-specific assignments, resulting in improved student outcomes.
Teacher
Manteno Cusd 5
Manteno, IL
08.1986 - 06.2021
- Guided students through college application process, increasing number of students accepted into their first-choice institutions.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Led professional development workshops for peers on effective classroom management techniques.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Revamped school's library system, making it more accessible and user-friendly for students and staff.
- Spearheaded mentorship program for at-risk students, contributing to improved academic and behavioral outcomes.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Pioneered sustainability project that educated students on environmental issues and solutions.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
- Improved students' analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program technologies.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL05-1985
Skills
- Effective organizational skills
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Collaborative teamwork
- Analytical problem-solving
Timeline
Librarian Chrome Book Guru
Manteno Cusd 5
08.2021 - Current
Teacher
Manteno Cusd 5
08.1986 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Olivet Nazarene University