Susanne Ridenour
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Seasoned librarian with a strong background in academic and special libraries. Delivered OCLC Worldshare Interlibrary Loan, reference, and access services while managing overdue items and supervising student assistants. Developed clear documentation and conducted user needs surveys to enhance patron satisfaction. Engaged in professional development through webinars, contributing actively in departmental meetings and fostering positive relationships with patrons and colleagues.
Overview
2
2
Languages
49
49
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Services Librarian
St. Mary's Seminary and University
Baltimore, MD
07.2007 - 12.2025
- Provided information and reference services to patrons (students, seminary staff and public users)
- Managed circulation operations, including access, check-in/out, overdue monitoring, and patron correspondence to ensure seamless library service.
- Processed interlibrary loan requests on OCLC Worldshare.
- Documented workflows and procedures for circulation, interlibrary loan, reserves, and student training to enhance operational clarity and consistency.
- Trained and supervised student assistants.
- Created and presented programs for students on effective online searching.
- Analyzed database and journal usage statistics to inform collection development and resource allocation.
Staff Librarian
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
10.1994 - 10.2006
- Solo librarian directed staff library operations, overseeingi all functional aspects and ensuring alignment with user needs.
- Conducted user needs surveys, reference, OCLC interlibrary loan, cataloging and bibliographic instruction services.
- Collaborated with partner marine libraries in the sharing of resources and provision of articles.
- Trained and supervised interns and three library volunteers.
- Provided statistics and reports to supervisor, Head of Education Department.
Program Analyst
USDA APHIS Biotech., Biologics & Envir. Protection
Hyattsville, Maryland
01.1992 - 10.1994
- Conducted OCLC interlibrary loan, cataloging and reference functions in the Information Center.
- Facilitated and promoted library services, through market analysis and development of user brochure and user needs survey.
- Hired, trained and supervised summer interns.
Collection Development Coordinator/Supervisor
Milton S.Eisenhower Library
Baltimore, MD
11.1976 - 01.1992
- Analyzed sale and publisher catalog selections against library catalog holdings to identify gaps.
- Assisted subject bibliographers in selecting and ordering books to enhance collection relevance.
- Trained and supervised four bibliographic assistants and four student assistants in bibliographic searching of library holdings.
- Designed workflow patterns for efficient and precise processing of bibliographic search requests.
- Handled complex citations, including items in foreign languages.
Education
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
Univ. of MD College of Library & Info. Science
College Park MD06-1992
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05-1984
Skills
Organizing information
Analytical and critical reasoning
Persistence in thorough research and problem solving
Excellent writing and communication
Outstanding Customer Service/interpersonal relations
Teaching and supervising
Adaptability, with drive to learn new skills
Languages
German
Professional
French
Limited
Accomplishments
- USDA Certificate of Merit and $1,000 cash award for public relations and outreach efforts done in BBEP.
Timeline
Public Services Librarian
St. Mary's Seminary and University
07.2007 - 12.2025
Staff Librarian
National Aquarium in Baltimore
10.1994 - 10.2006
Program Analyst
USDA APHIS Biotech., Biologics & Envir. Protection
01.1992 - 10.1994
Collection Development Coordinator/Supervisor
Milton S.Eisenhower Library
11.1976 - 01.1992
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
Univ. of MD College of Library & Info. Science
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Johns Hopkins University