Curriculum Vitae

Before I exhibt my CV, let me just preface that there is no formula to creating a CV. The basics are simple: education, career goals, experience and involvement. Whatever you think a potential employer would be interested in knowing make sure that the CV you send to them highlights the areas that correspond with the job requirements.

After you have created your CV, get your mentor/boss/advisor/co-worker to critique it. And then re-critique it. And one more time for good measure.

But here is mine as of now:

Jessica B., B.A., MLIS
Phone: (Okay, I am not about to put my phone number out on the web)

Education
Master of Library and Information Studies, May 2010, University of Alabama
Bachelors of Arts in History, December 2008, Samford University

Library Experience:
Library Intern, Samford University, Harwell Davis Library (2010-Present)
 Acquisitions – weeded books, processed invoices, compiled budget data
 Cataloging – created catalog records, processed books/magazines, edited catalog records, assisted with electronic resources cataloging
 Computer Systems – trained in Excel, Photoshop, Millennium, Encore, installed printer programs
 Reference – set-up Twitter account for the reference desk, assisted in reference interviews, gained experience in electronic resource materials, gained experience in bibliographic instruction
 Microfilm – processed materials for microfilm, took microphotographs
 Interlibrary Loan – Processed Illiad requests, requested materials via Illiad/Odyssey, worked with requested electronic resources from Ariel, faxes and emails, compiled stacks pull slips for students, mailed requested monographs
 Government Documents – Processed microfiche, shelved materials, created a display table for Women’s History Month using government document material.
 Administrative – Assessment/Budgeting/Development/Supervisory training
Librarian Assistant II/III, Birmingham Public Library – Southern History Department
(2007-2008/2009-Present)
 Assisted the public with historical and genealogical research
 Organized the collection (maps, books, journals, newspapers)
 Cataloged gifts and donations
 Transcribed deeds/wills/other records for online database and print
 Checked out materials, updated patrons’ cards, and other circulation duties
 Assisted in document and material preservation
Library Graduate Assistantship, University of Alabama, Amelia Gorgas Library
(Jan. 2009 – May 2009)
 Assisted students with general research and reference questions
 Conducted an inventory of reference material
 Purchased books for the history collection and processed donated books
 Created a collection development policy for the history department liaison
 Conducted research on why students choose the field of Information and Library science, created a poster for the Alabama Library Association conference in April 2009, and co-wrote an article (recently accepted for publication.)
 Represented the Amelia Gorgas Library at BamaBound Day (orientation for new students)
Archives Intern, Samford University (August-December 2009)
 Processed the Buck Family Collection and the Leslie S. Wright Collection in Samford University Special Collections
 Prepared documents, photographs and audio-visual material for preservation
 Assisted the public with archival research
Leadership and Instructional Positions:
Samford University, Theater Education Instructor (Spring 2006)
 Prepared lesson plans and theater games for class at an inner-city school
 Co-taught the class on a weekly basis using the lesson plans
 Participated in the final class project – a production for the entire school
TeenPact Leadership Schools, Weeklong Staff/Instructor (Spring 2004, 2003)
 Assisted in the set-up and preparation for the weeklong government-education class in Montgomery, Alabama.
 Taught classes on the legislative process at a state level, graded papers/tests/ homework, supervised a committee of students, participated in a tour of the Capitol Building,
 Was the mock legislative session’s secretary for the One-Day Class, assisted in teaching the legislative process to 8-12 year olds.
TeenPact Leadership Schools, Preparation Class Instructor (2003-2004)
 Assisted student with their homework assignments prior to the week-long government class
 Answered questions, gave presentations and offered general advice
 Checked homework to see if the proper process was being implemented
TeenPact Leadership Schools, Jefferson County Recruitment Coordinator (2002-2004)
 Contacted and was contacted by home-school group leaders throughout the Jefferson County area about TeenPact Leadership Schools.
 Was invited to speak at home-school group meetings (50-100 people in attendance) about TeenPact Leadership Schools
 Mailed brochures/applications to all interested families

Awards and Nominations:
Southeastern Journalist Competition, Samford University Nominee for Best Opinion Writer (Fall 2008)
Colonial Dames American Revolution Paper Competition, Award Recipient,
(Spring 2008)

Presentations
Alabama Library Association Conference, “Why Library Science” – Poster Presentation, (Spring 2009)
Samford University, “‘Why are those blacks on my campus?’: Desegregation, Samford University and Alabama Baptists.” – Senior Thesis Defense (December 2008)
Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference, “The Complex Life of Margaret Sizemore,” (Spring 2008)
Colonial Dames Awards Banquet, “Benjamin Rush: Revolutionary Doctor, Revolutionary Man,” (Spring 2008)

Associations
Phi Alpha Theta, History Honor Fraternity (2008-Present)
Alpha Psi Omega, Theater Honor Fraternity (2007 – Present)
National Society of High School Scholars (2004)



Publications
Reference & User Services Quarterly, “A Follow Up Study of the Factors Shaping the Career Choices of Library School Students at the University of Alabama.” (Article accepted for publication, Winter 2010)
Samford Crimson, “Diversity or conformity? (Fall 2008)
Samford Crimson, “Don't panic!” (Fall 2008)
Samford Crimson, “Things could be worse,” (Fall 2008)
Samford Crimson, “Christians bickering: a tale as old as time,” (Fall 2008)

Event and Project Manager Experience:

Samford University Theater, Stage Manager, Noises’ Off! (Spring 2007)
 Organized rehearsal calendar and schedule
 Mailed information and scripts to actors/actress
 Coordinated with designers, actors and directors about production of sets, costumes, props and acting.
 Supervised the lighting board operator, sound board operator, assistant stage managers, and crew members during rehearsals and performances
 Organized construction and destruction of set

Samford University Theater, Assistant Stage Manager, The Secret Garden (Spring 2006)
 Supervised stage crew
 Took orders and direction from stage manager
 Organized the movement and entrances/exits of set pieces
 Supervised the entrances and exits of performers
Samford University Theater, Assistant Costume Designer, The Secret Garden (Spring
2006)
 Assisted the Costume Designer with purchasing and sewing costumes
 Took measurements, organized performers’ costumes for performance night, and collaborated with Costume Designer about performances and costume usage.
Samford University Theater, Property Master, Inventing Van Gogh, (Spring 2006), The Mikado (Fall 2005), The House of Mango Street (Fall 2005)
 Organized a prop list needed for the play and coordinated with other designers/directors about the best choices for props
 Purchased and created props
 Created and organized lists of movement, exits/entrances for the props for property run crew.

Hope Christian School JEWEL Student Fair, Organization Committee/Hostess (Spring 2002, 2001, 2000)
 Registered students and their projects
 Assisted in the Performing Arts Recital & Awards Ceremony
 Tallied scores and awarded certificates
 Aided the Director with other clerical duties

Alabama JEWEL Student Fair, Organization Committee/Hostess (Summer 2002, 2001, 2000)
 Recruited financial partners
 Assisted with publicity and publication of materials
 Organized the set-up of the facility
 Helped attendees become acclimated to the facility
 Assisted with food prep and serving
 Aided in academic bees
 Assisted in tallying scores, awarding certificates and other duties assigned by the Director

Community Service
Shades Mtn. Christian School, Library Volunteer (Spring 2009)
Jefferson County Juvenile Delinquent Center, Volunteer (Fall 2005)
Shades Mountain Independent Church, Youth Group Volunteer (Spring 2005)
Shades Mountain Independent Church, 3rd & 4th grade girls mentor (Fall 2003)
Jack Williams for Tax-Collector, Campaign Volunteer (Fall 2002)
TeenPact Leadership Schools, National Office Volunteer (Spring 2002)
Hope Christian School – Senior Beta, Wald Park Construction Volunteer (Spring 2002)
Shades Mountain Independent Church, AWANA Assistant (Fall 2001)
Shades Mountain Independent Church, Youth Drama Assistant (Fall 2001)
Hope Christian School – Senior Beta, Blood Drive Volunteer (Fall 2001)
Springville Road Public Library, Page Volunteer (Summers 1998 – 1999, 2001)
Springville Road Public Library, Fall Festival Volunteer (September 2001)
Boys & Girls Club, Teen Leader (2000-2001)

Hope this helps! Here are some really helpful online resources that can help:

http://www.quintcareers.com/curriculum_vitae.html

http://www.free-resume-tips.com/resumetips/curriclm.html

http://www.resumesandcoverletters.com/sample_resumes.html

Seven Weeks.

Here I sit.

Seven weeks until my graduation from the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama.

Seven weeks until I enter the world of professional librarianship. That summer day in 2008 feels very far away. During my time as library school student I have experienced many different things both professionally and personally but since this is a professional blog, I will focus only on the professional advancements that I have made:

Spring 2009
* Graduate Assistant
* Research Study/Co-wrote an article/Presented a poster session
* Attended Alabama Library Association
* Volunteered at Shades Mountain Christian School Library

Summer 2009
* Southern History Library Assistant at Birmingham Public Library

Fall 2009
* Internship at Samford University's Archives
* Southern History Library Assistant at Birmingham Public Library
* Article accepted for publication

Spring 2010
* Internship at Samford University's Library
* Southern History Library Assistant at Birmingham Public Library
* Joined Society of American Archivist
* Applied and interviewed for the position of Archivist-Librarian at the Birmingham Public Library Archives
* WAS OFFERED AND ACCEPTED THE POSITION OF ARCHIVIST-LIBRARIAN AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

That is correct, readers, with seven weeks to go until graduation, I am already employed as a professional librarian. Not only will I be utilizing my MLIS, I will also be working with archives which is something I have always wanted to do. Additionally, I will work at one of the most prestigious archives in the South (okay, maybe just Alabama but still) with a very well-known archivist, Jim Baggett.

Though this is only a part-time job, I am not picky and willing to start small. The pay is excellent, I can easily purchase an individual insurance plan and I can take another part-time job to make ends meet.

My experience in library school has taught me a lot but not in the typical fashion. In a way, I created my own education journey. By supplementing my classes with internships, volunteer work and a part-time library assistant job, I participated in the "real world" of librarianship.

At Samford University, I talked to almost every employee in the library. Veteran librarians gave me advice about how to create an outstanding CV/cover letter/etc. They also offered me insight into the daily duties and responsibilites of academic librarians. Staff gave me their advice, opinion and insight about the profession from a paraprofessional perspective.

The connections and mentors that I gained from interning and working has given me an edge. Of course, I will still be diligent in networking and maintaining these connections.

Right now, I am thrilled with my position and eagerly await starting my new job on April 12. I hope to update more on this blog and I do apologize for my lack of communication. It has been an intensely crazy year.

Government Documents: Display of the Month: Women's History Month

Government Documents: Display of the Month: Women's History Month

Thank you, U.S. News

U.S. News and World Report says that librarianship, albeit underrated, is one of the best careers 2009. Thank you for validating my career choice, U.S. News and World Report.

http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/12/11/best-careers-2009-librarian.html


After reading that, head over to the Annoyed Librarian's take on this article:

http://www.libraryjournal.com/blog/580000658/post/1940037994.html

I may not be an explorer, or an adventurer, or a treasure-seeker, or a gunfighter but I am proud of what I am...I am a librarian.

When I first heard Rachel Weisz drunkly proclaim her pride over being a librarian in the 1999 movie, The Mummy, I laughed...and didn't think anymore about it. As a seventh grader, my plans were to become a lawyer, get elected to the Senate and be one of the most powerful women in Washington D.C. The idea of choosing to be a librarian seemed hysterical. It wasn't like I hadn't been exposed to the libraries or reading. On the contrary, I had been going to libraries since I was a newborn. My grandmother owned a bookstore and was her church's librarian. My mom, a public school teacher turned homeschool instructor, dutifully and joyfully took my brother and I to the library at least once a week. For a family that lived at least twenty minutes from the nearest library, that was an enourmous feat but she did it. During the summers, I participated in summer reading programs. Since I started reading at a relatively young age, I never knew a life without books and as a natural extension of this, I never knew a life without libraries. I even volunteered at the public library during the fall and summers but I would be distracted by all the fun books that would come across my path while I shelved. Also, my eyes would get tired of staring at the tiny numbers and letters while I sorted the books in the appropriate spots. Being a young preteen, I assumed this was all librarians did and anytime my mother would suggest this career path I would stubbornly shake my head and refuse to even consider the idea.

Because to me, though librarians were fun, nice, and helped cultivate my love of books, I just thought they sorted through books all day and that seemed very boring to me. Once my mother returned to work force as a librarian assistant at our local library, my determination to NOT become a librarian was reinforced. I didn't want to be librarian because everyone would just say I was one because my mom was. I kept this line of thought until I was well into college and majoring in history.

Now, I love history. Always have. When I was in 4th grade, I remember reading my history textbook as nighttime reading. As a teenager, I would read historical fictions by the truckload. My particular favorite period during my teenage years was the Russian Revolution and English history. When I reached college, I discovered a new branch of history that I had never valued before...Southern history.

Just for clarification and for those of you living outside of the U.S., the "South" are these states: Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, South and North Carolina, Arkansas and (sometimes) Texas (it depends upon which Texan you ask.) If you live in, grew up in or know anything about the South, you know how important history is to the average Southerner. Even if the history they have learned is flawed and prejudicial, they still hold onto it like a kid holds onto a popsicle. How did I, a Southerner born and raised, miss out on the intricate history that was surrounding me on a daily basis?

I claim that I was raised in a "New South" city where more emphasis was placed on progress, technology and forward-thinking. Consequently, I was unaware that some of the most historically-rich places in our country laid all around me. As a college student, I took my first research-intensive history class and my teacher urged us to utilize the local library's Southern History collection and archives. As a result, I picked a topic that concerned Southern history. I like to say that was the day my life changed but actually it was merely an ongoing process. You see, that decision to pick that topic resulted in me becoming close to my advisor who was a huge Southern history buff and helped me with my research. I also visited and became familiar with the public library's HUGE Southern History collection and archives. Ultimately, I learned how to do research and how to use all types of resources. It hit me one day while I was doing research, that I loved it. I loved digging through documents, flipping through books to find the most useful item, and uncovering information that was previously unknown. I guess that was when the stage was set for my entrance into the career of libraries. Because, as I said, it was a chain reaction. You see, a few days after that semester (and the research class) ended, my mother called and told me that a job had opened up in the same Southern History collection that I had been visiting all semester. I immediately applied, not even realizing that I was doing what I always swore I would never do: work in a library. My advisor personally recommended me and I was quickly hired.

As soon as I sat down at the desk for my first day at the job, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. However, I continued to fight all the signs that I should become an "official" librarian. My dreams of becoming a lawyer, actress and musician had fallen by the way-side but I was determined that I would NEVER become a librarian. Even though I certainly loved my job, I was convinced that there was something else I should do.

After a year of working at the library, I was getting close to graduation and still had no idea what I would do afterwards. I assumed that my next step would be to get my Masters in history and become a professor but something just did not seem right about that opition. As I sat and pondered my future at work, a little girl came in with her dad who was doing some research. Being a seven year old in a research only library is no fun, but I let her get on the computer and showed her how she could get to Disney.com and all the other kid websites. As she learned how to use a mouse and I taught her where to type the website address, something leaped up inside of me and it said "You love doing this. You love teaching people how to use the library. You love working here. This is what you are supposed to do." I quickly looked down at the brown-haired, little girl and another thought popped into my mind, "She looks just like you when you visited the library as a little girl." That voice was write, she did look like me. Within seconds, my memoires returned the numerous librarians, who had impacted me throughout my life and encouraged my love of reading and learning.

Ms. Patty, Ms. Rochelle, Ms. Susan, Ms. Amanda, Ms. Elizabeth...the names went on and on. These librarians did not simply sit behind a desk, sort books and videos, and check out your material...no, they had played an intricate role in my educational career and my development as a person. Within minutes of helping that little girl, I was back at my desk and printing off the application for library school. I had never felt more sure about anything in my life then this decision to become a librarian.

And that's my story. I am now a student at the University of Alabama, getting my Masters in Librarian and Information Studies, and, yes, I still work at that same library. With only a few months until my graduation and entrance into the "real world," I am keeping this blog to record my thoughts, opinions, and feelings about life as a librarian.