Education
| Sept. 1999 - | University of Sheffield | MSc Information Management (award pending) |
| Sept. 2000 | ||
| 1994-1997 | University of Leicester | BA [Hons] Geography, 2.1 |
| 1992-1994 | Hewett Sixth Form, Norwich | 3 A levels - Geography (A), English (C), Psychology (C) GCSE Keyboarding Applications (C), Pitmans Elementary Typing Qualification |
| 1987-1992 | Framingham Earl High School, Framingham Earl, Norwich. | GCSE Geography (A), French (A), German (A), English (B), English Literature (B), Maths (B), Combined Science (BB), Art (C) |
01/09/98 - 31/08/99: Learning Resources Assistant (Graduate Trainee) at Chester College of Higher Education, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
Based in: acquisitions, cataloguing, subject support, reader services, and media services, using the Innopac library system. Working in all these sections throughout the day demonstrates my ability to be flexible and efficient in a busy academic environment. Responsibility gained while working alone in acquisitions and media services, answering queries and sorting out user's and supplier's problems.
19/09/97 - 31/07/98: Part-time Library Assistant and Library Auxiliary at Leicester University Library, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH
Experience was gained in all aspects of acquisitions work in book and serials ordering, receiving and processing. This involved answering queries from users about incoming stock. Circulation experience was also gained in Lending Services. I spent two months as the Systems Librarian's Assistant which involved basic systems administration (for Libertas).
01/09/97 - 18/09/97: Unpaid work placement at Leicester University Library
Working with the Assistant Systems Librarian and gaining an overview of the library as a whole
Gained a good knowledge of word processing applications, spreadsheets, the Internet and e-mail as part of my undergraduate degree. I increased these skills via a series of staff development sessions in Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Windows 98 and Frontpage while at Chester College.
During my Masters course I have gained experience in: � Database design (using Microsoft Access and SQL) � Information systems modelling (using SSADM) � Access to information resources, including online searching using bibliographical databases on CD-ROM and via the Internet � HTML and Hotmetal � I have learnt a range of skills related to information retrieval from electronic sources from modules in electronic publishing, human-computer interaction and information retrieval research
My Masters dissertation considers Dublin Core Metadata and Extensible Markup Language (XML) and how these can be applied to Internet resources by non-expert users. This is of fundamental importance to the library and information sector in terms of increasing access to resources on the Worldwide Web.
Groupwork in my Masters course has shown that I can work effectively as part of a small group to achieve high grades. I prepare, communicate and work systematically in teams, taking some responsibility for organising the work of others. Excellent teamwork and organisational skills were developed while working as a library assistant delivering a high standard of work in a very pressured environment. These skills were developed on a daily basis working as part of a team delivering a high quality, efficient service.
My work experience involved constant contact with a variety of users, answering a variety of queries on a daily basis and has taught me that there are different ways to communicate with people and that listening to people is the most important part of effective communication. The varied library and information training that I have experienced has meant that I have developed effective interpersonal, communication and time management skills.
At University, I was a member of various societies, which organised many social activities. I was a member of the Women's Group for a year, which organised self-defence and assertiveness training for women. My interests include swimming and badminton; art and photography; writing and reading. For some years, I was registered as a volunteer with the Norwich and District Volunteer Service and I looked after children, from time to time, in the school holidays.