Library_skills
- 1. For 22 years I was a Teacher of English as second language in Portuguese secondary schools, working simultaneously for 8 years as Teacher Librarian. I underwent several training courses on Library management, cataloguing, motivation for reading and cultural activities in library school context and I have undergone a Master Degree in School Libraries, finishing the curricular year (post-graduation). As teacher librarian I organised and directed the upgrading process of two school libraries (KS3/KS4 Library, Early Years, KS1/KS2 Library), generating an income of 16000 € through fundraising and national upgrading contests; implemented the school library catalogue according to Dewey Decimal Classification; promoted school libraries approach to the local community, through books fairs and partnerships with other educational entities; defined SEN students’ involvement in the library dynamics and daily chores and reinforced students and teachers relations with the school library and information literacy. My experience in school libraries connected to libraries from Portuguese councils together with my technical knowledge and passion for libraries and its procedures allowed me to develop and improve key skills, such as: Organisation/ planning skills – planned the upgrading process of the school libraries; managed the budget for that process; organised the library team; included a volunteer with cerebral palsy in the library permanent staff; implemented thorough knowledge of book stock through systematic revision of stock on shelves and identification of strong and weaker library areas; established partnerships with local organisations; organised book fairs and meetings with authors. Technical skills –implemented the book stock catalogue and further digital treatment according to RPC (Portuguese Cataloguing System); created and maintained accurate database regarding library book stock; labelled, shelved and repaired books and other material; listed further library needs; implemented the library assessment system. Communication skills – applied effective listening to customers and implemented periodic surveys regarding their needs; promoted the vital role of school libraries relating with the syllabus, publishing the existing material specific to each school subject; developed partnerships with different subjects teachers to implement directly related activities (e.g. Ouri/ Mancala contest in partnership with Maths; Author of the month in partnership with Languages department), “Mystery person” related with History); worked closely with SEN team to engage students in daily library chores, as a way of promoting responsibility and autonomy. Customer service related skills – oriented customers according to their needs and the existing resources; scanned, printed and photocopied documents for customers; organised workshops on IT skills and technologies as well as in Library resources; organised the Users Instructions Guide with effective research and presentation information, use of dictionaries and grammar information, structure and steps to follow to accomplish assignments so to promote students’ autonomy; implemented the library assessment system through data treatment on library attendance and their customers purpose; defined dissemination of information procedures such as regular library news and establishment of personal contact with customers. I am proficient with MS Office and Mac OS; being a fast learner and eager to develop my knowledge and skills, I feel completely comfortable with new software and technologies. I was recognised by CAE Entre Douro e Aveiro (part of Department for Education) for the excellent work done in School Libraries.