Rachel Adams
Nashville,TN
Summary
Dynamic Library Specialist with extensive experience at Vanderbilt University, excelling in interlibrary loan processing and customer service. Proven ability to enhance patron support through effective communication and collaboration. Skilled in managing complex requests and training staff, ensuring seamless operations and high satisfaction rates among library users.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Library Specialist
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
09.1999 - 06.2025
- Processed interlibrary loan requests by verifying patron eligibility and obtaining requested material from other libraries.
- Worked closely with other library departments in order to ensure smooth operation of interlibrary loan services.
- Sorted and processed interlibrary loan requests from other libraries.
- Facilitated interlibrary loan requests between affiliated libraries.
- Processed interlibrary loan requests by retrieving requested material from other libraries.
- Performed interlibrary loan duties such as ordering books from other libraries or providing copies of documents upon request.
- Assisted with training new staff members on Interlibrary Loan policies and procedures.
- Managed interlibrary loan requests between multiple libraries within the consortium network.
- Answered email inquiries from patrons regarding their interlibrary loan requests.
- Advised patrons on alternative sources if requested item is not available via Interlibrary Loan.
- Performed interlibrary loan requests for books and articles not available in the university's collection.
- Assisted library patrons with locating and obtaining materials through Interlibrary Loan services.
- Initiated, processed, tracked, and closed out interlibrary loan requests for patrons.
- Collaborated with colleagues across departments on projects involving interlibrary loan activities.
- Participated in meetings discussing ways to improve interlibrary loan services offered at our institution.
- Reviewed copyright guidelines when obtaining material through interlibrary loan requests.
- Provided information to patrons on library resources and services, including online databases, catalogs, and Interlibrary Loan systems.
- Responded to patron inquiries regarding interlibrary loan services, policies, fees, and procedures.
- Processed holds and interlibrary loan requests for patrons within established timelines.
- Assisted customers with inquiries related to their loans or accounts.
- Followed up regularly with customers throughout the entire loan process until completion.
- Processed faculty delivery requests.
- Processed document delivery requests.
- I emailed with international libraries to facilitate borrowing items from them for library patrons.
Library Assistant III
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
08.1992 - 09.1999
- Processed new patron registrations and updated existing patron accounts.
- Enforced Library policies related to usage of computers, printers and photocopiers.
- Monitored library entrance area for unauthorized entry or suspicious activity.
- Assisted patrons with checking out materials, including books, audio-visual items and other library resources.
- Managed book reservations for patrons who requested specific titles.
- Assisted in training new employees on circulation desk operations.
- Collected fines for overdue materials from patrons.
- Shelved returned materials according to established procedures.
- Processed interlibrary loan requests and tracked incoming and outgoing loans.
- Maintained accurate records of circulation transactions using computerized systems.
- Performed daily opening, closing duties such as setting up, removing displays and restocking shelves with library materials.
- Answered patron inquiries in person, by phone or via email.
- Helped maintain a neat and orderly work environment at the Circulation Desk area.
- Answered customer questions about library policies and procedures.
- Instructed patrons on using reference sources, card catalogs and automated information systems.
- Located books and periodicals for patrons.
- Oversaw photocopiers, scanners and computers and instructed patrons in proper use.
- Answered routine inquiries and referred patrons to librarians.
- Entered and updated patrons' records on computers.
- Managed reserve materials by placing items on reserve for library patrons, checking items in and out of library and removing out-of-date items.
- Processed periodicals in preparation for sending to commercial bindery.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN05-1990
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Interlibrary loan processing
- Document delivery
- Team collaboration
- Patron support
- Skilled researcher
- Research assistance
- Circulation processes
- Telephone etiquette
- Written and oral communication
- Shelving materials
- Circulation desk
- Reference services
Affiliations
- Volunteer at Debra Johnson Rehabilitation Center
- Enjoy watching NFL
- Singing in church choir and dinner theatre productions
Accomplishments
The Friends of Vanderbilt Libraries Staff Excellence Award - 2022
Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center Mentor Award - 2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Library Specialist
Vanderbilt University
09.1999 - 06.2025
Library Assistant III
Vanderbilt University
08.1992 - 09.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Trevecca Nazarene University
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