Librarian Administrator

Posted on: 2007-01-23

Mary Ellen H. Lawrence 723 North 14th Street, DeKalb, IL 60115 Telephone: 630-578-6737 Email: [email protected] Employment History Librarian, Art Institute of Colorado. February, 2003 – July, 2004. Managed and maintained library with 10 student workers. Hired and trained student staff and new librarians. Worked with faculty to create library that functioned for them and their students by creating a reserve system, slide library, materials ordering system. Initiated a library skills course that included research techniques for students from diverse backgrounds. Created a working environment in which library users and staff thrived. Chaired Library Committee. Left to start own business - Italy&More. Librarian Administrator, Syracuse University in Florence, Italy. July, 2000 - July, 2002. Administered library that served a research faculty, graduate programs and undergraduate students. Hired and trained 10 student workers and full-time staff of 1.5. Worked with faculty and administration on library reorganization that introduced electronic database use, created graduate study area, new circulation desk and staff procedures. Reference work meant working closely with students and faculty on research projects using local and electronic resources. Used customer surveys effectively. Highlighted the University presence in the community by organizing an interlibrary loan program and resource sharing group among local libraries. Left at end of contract to return to USA due to series of personal circumstances. Assistant Librarian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, , July, 1999 - July, 2000. One year temporary position in Rotch Library. Responsible for the library art budget and collection development. Scheduled reference desk. Participated in intra-library committees, including search committees. Organized and facilitated an intra-libraries workshop; “Year 2000 Census”. Worked with students and faculty on research projects and reference questions. Completed contract and left for job opportunity in Italy. Assistant to the Dean, Studio Art Centers International, Florence, Italy. Performed various administrative tasks associated with an academic institution including, student services that were consistent with needs of students in an international setting. Education: Syracuse University, School of Information Studies, Syracuse, New York. (MLS) June, 1999. An ALA approved library school. Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York and Florence, Italy. (MA) December, 1996. Awarded full fellowship. Thesis: “The Villa La Pietra; New Findings”. Studies included archival research in the State Archives, the National Library, and private family archives in Florence, Italy. Thesis material cited in several publications. University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado. (BA) June, 1990. Skills & Training: Language: Italian. Familiar with computers and the technology that drives them. • MSOffice programs, photographic and slide scanning software, Adobe products. • Used several website development programs, FrontPage, Dreamweaver. • Cataloging systems, Caspr, Readerware, SageBrush-Athena. • Many databases from various vendors • Familiar with PC/Macintosh operating systems. • OCLC, DDS, LOC, AACR • Paleographic skills and knowledge of the complex referencing and cross-referencing systems utilized in Italy in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries and in the present day repositories. Relevant Experience Independent Research - Vicchio,(FI) Italy. January, 2006 to August, 2006. Oral history project – visited a retirement center and interviewed residents about the years 1944-45 in Italy. Results available. Library Consultant - Stanford University, Florence, Italy, 2002 and the C.G Jung Institute of Colorado, 2005. Reorganized book collections into a circulating library. Included creating a catalog system and database, space planning, collection development and staff manuals. Lectures - Syracuse University, Florence, Italy. Field Lecturer. Full-day site lectures to many Italian cities. University of Colorado; “Business of Art” and “Christo’s Umbrella Project”. Art Institute of Colorado, “Privacy and U.S. Patriot Act”. Groups Organized - Library Forum Group, Florence, Italy. Created and maintained an association for librarians in Florence, Italy. Among the participants were University of Florence, Stanford University, New York University and the British Institute. Dante, Denver Colorado. Italy&More, LLC, July, 2004-present. Self employment. Responsible for all aspects of organization and administration of educational tour company. Created website, http://www.italyandmore.com Denver Public Schools, school year 2004/2005. Substitute Teacher/Librarian. Regularly recalled – offered position at new International High School in Denver. Christo Umbrellas Project. Art installation in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Selected for international art event with diplomatic overtones. Lived with local families during event. Flight Attendant, Continental Airlines. 15 years – international and domestic routes. Professional Associations: American Library Association (ALA), Art Librarian Society (ARLIS), ARLIS Midstates Chapter. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Architecture Foundation. Hobbies & Interests: All things Italian, Art, volunteering, travel, reading, walking.