NESRI OLHAYE
New York
Summary
Creative and mission-driven library and archives professional dedicated to preserving stories, supporting research, and building systems that make knowledge accessible. I thrive in both collaborative and independent environments, whether leading library transformations or diving deep into archival collections. I bring a balance of technical fluency, thoughtful communication, and a deep respect for cultural memory, community engagement, and inclusive access to information.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Law Librarian - Reference and Access Services
St. Johns University School of Law
09.2025 - Current
- Collaborate with faculty to integrate library resources into course materials, supporting educational objectives
- Leading training sessions for staff on emerging technologies and library systems
- Conducting comprehensive reference services, assisting students in navigating legal research databases effectively
- Lead and manage targeted initiatives to improve accessibility and use of the physical collection while actively developing leadership competencies in decision making and team coordination
- Create documentation and workflow of archival processes, access and development
Archives Intern
NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF)
02.2025 - 07.2025
- Assisted in surveying, arranging, and describing physical and digital records and media applying DACS and internal metadata standards utilizing systems such as Archive-It, Microsoft Dynamics, Preservica and Umbraco CMS
- Managed internal and external research requests using databases and tools such as Westlaw, Lexis Plus and Pacer
- Assisted on multiple archival projects, including an Oral History initiative, blog publication series, digitization workflows, and preservation planning
- Collaborated cross-departmentally to review SEO content guidelines and enhance visibility and engagement of content through optimized metadata
Library Director
NYADI The College of Transportation Technology
03.2023 - 11.2024
- Led a comprehensive transformation of the library, turning it into a fully functional space with digital access through systems like SpringShare, LibGuides, OCLC, Industry Partners, cloud-based ILS, instructional workshops & training, tutoring services, and a well-organized collection, boosting usage and student engagement
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and cost-effective operations
- Provided services such as circulation, ILLs, and information literacy courses, research & reference, digitization, online resources, technology support
- Developed policies, and procedures for selecting, weeding, managing and marketing library collections and content through events, newsletters (MailChimp), guides and campus community outreach
- Collaborated with academic departments to align resources with curricular needs and stayed current with library trends
Library Coordinator
Relay Graduate School of Education
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Managed purchasing, ordering, and facilitation of materials using systems like KOHA, OCLC WorldCat, ILL, while maintaining data across databases and SpringShare applications
- Designed and marketed library services and programs through social media campaigns, newsletters, and informational guides using tools like MailChimp
- Oversaw internal and external research requests and incoming support tickets via tools such as Zendesk ensuring prompt and accurate responses
- Conducted bi-weekly research instruction for faculty and graduate students, supported special projects and oversaw daily branch operations, including circulation, outreach, and programming
Urban Education Fellow
AmeriCorps
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Designed and implemented instructional materials and rigorous lessons tailored to diverse student needs, fostering academic and character development through collaboration with teachers and families
- Leveraged the socio-ecological model to enhance student outcomes, plan curriculum, and create a positive learning environment
Education
Masters in Library and Information Sciences - Rare Books and Archives
Long Island University
Post05-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Religious Studies and Psychology
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, NC05-2019
Skills
- Microsoft Suite
- Metadata and Taxonomy Management
- Community Engagement
- Archival Research and Processing
- Information Architecture
- Collection Development
- Academic Research
- Policy Development
- Digital Preservation
- Records Management
- Legal Research and Reference
Affiliations
- LLAGNY
- AALL
Languages
Amharic
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Law Librarian - Reference and Access Services
St. Johns University School of Law
09.2025 - Current
Archives Intern
NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF)
02.2025 - 07.2025
Library Director
NYADI The College of Transportation Technology
03.2023 - 11.2024
Library Coordinator
Relay Graduate School of Education
08.2021 - 05.2023
Urban Education Fellow
AmeriCorps
07.2019 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Religious Studies and Psychology
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Masters in Library and Information Sciences - Rare Books and Archives
Long Island University