About Me: My Professional History

Laura Faatz

Phone: (801) 540-4729 (cell)

Email: laurafaatz@hotmail.com 
LinkedIn: Laura Faatz
Twitter: @laurafaatz

EDUCATION

M.L.I.S. Library and Information Science, University of Arizona, December 2008

M.A. Medieval History, University of Utah, August 2004

B.A. English Literature and European History, Southern Utah University, Summa Cum Laud, May 1999

A.A.  English Literature, Snow College, Cum Laud, June 1995

LIBRARY AND BOOKSTORE EXPERIENCE

Reference Librarian, Brown Mackie College
                    
 Although I'm billed as the "Reference Librarian" I am the only librarian on Brown Mackie College's Tucson campus. As the librarian I am responsible for providing reference, research and information literacy instruction to the campus community and for teaching the use of library materials in all formats. I assist faculty, students and staff in the development of research skills as well as teach patrons how to use the Library's integrated catalog. In addition, I update and input cataloging records, handle ILL requests and contribute content to the library website, update the school's Facebook and Twitter statuses and publish the monthly library newsletter, "@ the library." I develop the collection for the campus library and participate in campus community outreach activities, ensuring that library collections meet user needs. A major part of this is to acquire new materials in all formats consistent with overall institutional strategic goals, the library's collection development policy, and annual budget allocations. I arrange for the repair and maintenance of library AV equipment as well as the repair of library materials. I am also responsible for contributing to the campus' strategic planning and for preparing the annual library budget in concert with the Dean of Academic Affairs. I supervise student workers in shelving and inventory of library materials and schedule their work hours to assist in coverage of the circulation desk. I attend meetings and workshops, and seek additional opportunities for professional development, innovation and improvement.

Campus Librarian, Broadview University

                  Oversaw and participated in all aspects of campus library operations for a small private academic library, including (but not limited to) collection development for all programs, including Humanities, Communications, Social Science, Paralegal Studies, Information Technology, Health Sciences, Medical Assisting, Medical Coding and Billing, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Technology; conducted library instruction, resolved reference queries through phone, instant messaging, e-mail and text message; oversaw circulation, inter-library loan processes, and statistics collection; troubleshot minor technology-related issues and instructed students in the basics of Microsoft Office Suite to promote computer literacy; continuously attended training sessions, workshops and seminars to better serve student body and faculty;  oversaw textbook coordination for faculty members and developed relationships with publishing representatives. Took a leadership role among Broadview University Libraries in marketing campaigns, conference presentations and updating services. In February of 2010 a recreational reading collection based on student demand was implemented.  Continued to develop a strong work ethic, brilliant communication skills, independent thought and to meet personal and organizational goals.  April 2009-September 2011.

Associate, University of Utah Bookstore

                  Assisted customers with finding the merchandise they wanted and needed, cashiered; prepared merchandise for floor, restocked consumables of various kinds, cleaned store, prepared for opening and/or closing as applicable. October 2003-June 2004.

 

Associate Bookseller, Ken Sanders Rare Books

Provided extensive customer service and prepared valuable volumes for shipment to prospective clients; sent books and other rare materials to various book fairs across the country; cleaned and cared for antiquarian books, as well as the shop itself; tended to various needs of customers and clients in regard to book sales, suggestions and information regarding titles as asked for; helped to promote events hosted by the shop.  July 1999-October 2001.

Library Assistant, Sherratt Library

Served ibrary patrons in circulation and multi-media departments; aided patrons in research; cleaned library and library books; shelved and put in order various materials; performed inventory.  January 1997-May 1999. 

Library Assistant, Philips Library

Aided library patrons in circulation and inter-library loan departments; aided patrons in research; cleaned library and library books; shelved and put in order various materials; took inventory. September 1993-June 1995.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Volunteer, S.T.A.R. Reading Program, Fairview Elementary School

I am a volunteer with North Sanpete School District's Student Achievement in Reading (S.T.A.R.) program. I tutor fourth and fifth graders through evidence based reading instruction, and help learners improve their skills in each of the four components of reading--alphabetics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension--by explaining new concepts and modeling strategies and by providing feedback when learners practice.  Through this practice, students strengthen their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.  January 2012-Present.

Instructor, Introduction to Humanities, Broadview University-Layton Campus

Taught Introduction to Humanities to a class of 25 students through a social and historical framework; studied literature, philosophy, religion, music, sculpture, architecture and painting in a way that exposed students to concepts that influenced historical periods and promoted intelligence and critical thinking; issued weekly assignments, formed  and graded exams, held consultations with students.  Used an online learning system, Blackboard, to create tests and give online access to PowerPoint slides, discussions and supplemental materials.  Spring Quarter 2011.

Teaching Assistant, University of Utah History Department

Spring 2003: World History: Conducted weekly discussion sections that often required an informal “lecture” on material not covered earlier in the week; gave detailed explanations of various historical concepts; helped professor in grading exams and held intensive review sessions regarding specific exam material that fostered pragmatic, rational thinking; also held office hours in order to consult with students about class, exams, grades and so forth. Dr. Peter Von Sivers, Professor.

Fall 2002: American Civilization:  Graded exams (midterm and final) for over one hundred and fifty students; held office hours for student consultation.  Dr. Robert Goldberg, Professor.

Spring 2002: Western Civilization: Gave formal lecture once in the semester on material in my area of expertise; conducted weekly discussion sections, which included organization of panels on specific historical topics both in and outside my area of expertise; offered detailed information about, and analysis of, historical concepts and their practical application; graded midterm and final exams; held intensive review sessions regarding specific exam material; held office hours for student consultation.  Dr. Ronald Smelser, Professor.

Fall 2001: American Civilization: Conducted weekly discussion sections on various topics in American history; graded midterm and final exams as well as weekly assignments allotted to the students by myself, including challenging extra credit opportunities; provided detailed information about, and analysis of, various historical events; held intensive review sessions regarding exam material; held office hours for student consultation. Dr. Raul Ramos, Professor.  August 2001-May 2003.

CLERICAL AND CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE

Claims Clerk, Cannon Cochran Management Services Incorporated

Assisted clients, providers and claimants with questions and other information; processed and logged indemnity checks for CCMSI's southwest region; completed tasks assigned by adjusters and medical case managers with accuracy, consistency, and efficiency; answered phones; processed reports and check registers; entered vital claim information, and performed other data entry tasks; ordered and distributed supplies; processed mail; set up and processed files; troubleshot technical difficulties with computer and phone systems.  November 2004-April 2009.

Sales Associate, Coldwater Creek

Assisted customers in choosing attire and with general customer service; cashier; clean shop; answer various inquiries relating to the shop and its items for sale.  June 2004-September 2004.

Production Coordination Assistant, LBA Healthcare Management

Aided in the inventory of medical journals and the copying and binding of booklets and brochures; conducted phone interviews with past clients and shelved closed files.  June 1996-September 1996.

Sales Associate, Casual Corner

Assisted customers in choosing suitable business attire and with general customer service; cleaned shop; prepared clothing for the floor and answered various inquiries relating to the shop. July 1995-June 1996.

PUBLISHED WORKS

The Legend of Good, Holy and Learned Women: Two Texts of the Library of Dartford Priory, Kent   Master of Arts Thesis, 2004.

Eva versus Ave: Medieval Views of Women Presented in Milton’s  Paradise Lost  Ymbsetendre, 1999.

Richard III: Reviled and Redeemed  Senior History Thesis, third place department standing, 1998; an earlier version also published in Snow College’s annual Honor Student Anthology, 1995.

Science and Technology: Friends to the Humanities  Nota Bene. Phi Theta Kappa’s anthology, 1995.

Various articles for The SnowDrift, Snow College’s student newspaper, 1995.

HONORS AND ASSOCIATIONS

2009-2011  Member, American Library Association.

                               

                                Member, Utah Library Association.

2010  Campus Library of the Year, Broadview University.

Spring Quarter, 2010  Staff Member of the Quarter Award, Broadview University Layton Campus.

2003-2004  Member, Medieval Association of the Pacific.

2001-2004  Member, History Graduate Student Association; Co-President 2002-2003.

               

1999-2001  Member, Phi Alpha Theta,  the association for History majors.

1998-1999  Member and Secretary, Sigma Tau Delta, the honor association for English majors.

1994-1995  Snow College Academic Award, Outstanding Service in the English      Department.

                               

                Member, Phi Theta Kappa, the association for honor students; Recording                                                      Secretary 1994-1995; Acting President, Spring 1995.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING

·         Use Your MLIS as an Alternate Librarian. March 15, 2012.

·         10 Keys to Social Media Success: Social Media for Results. March 13, 2012.

·         Minitex ELM Spotlight WorldCat Interface Training.  August 24, 2011.

·         OCLC Web-Scale Management Training. Completed July 28, 2011.

·         MBS Online Bookstore Training. June 21, 2011.

·         Western Express Regional In-Service: Engaging Students.  July 12, 2011.

·         Library Journal’s Play, Learn, Innovate Online Symposium.  June 7, 2011.

·         OCLC Web-Scale Management Services: Building the Future. June 2, 2011.

·         Utah Library Association Conference: At the Core of Our Communities.  May 11, 2011-May 13, 2011.

·         Library Journal’s Video In the Library: Trends and Best Practices. May 4, 2011.

·         LibAnswers Training. May 3, 2011.

·         Serving Two Masters: Physical and Virtual Services in the Academic Library.  April 27, 2011.

·         Globe Education Network: Exceeding Expectations. March 29, 2011.

·         Harassment in the Workplace Course. Completed March 23, 2011.

·         Workplace Diversity Awareness Course. Completed March 23, 2011.

·         Gobi Advanced Training. March 15, 2011.

·         Employee Sexual Harassment Awareness Course. Completed February 23, 2011.

·         Consumer Health Information on the Internet: Where to Look and What to Look Out For. February 14, 2011.

·         Introduction to the New Proquest Platform. February 9, 2011.

·         Library Journal’s Libraries Are Essential: Providing Core Services for Readers. January 27, 2011.

·         Globe Education Network Library Budget Training.  January 25, 2011.

·         Library Journal’s Ethics of Innovation: Navigating Privacy, Policy and Service Issues. An Online, Innovation Symposium.  November 17, 2010.

·         EBSCONET Claiming Training. December 13, 2010.

·         Library Journal’s Context, Focus and Quality in the Library Discovery Experience. September 7, 2010.

·         The Reference Renaissance Conference: Inventing the Future. August 8, 2010-August 10, 2010.

·         IntraCampus Loan and Inter-Library Loan Utah Libraries Training.  June 8, 2010.

·         Globe Education Network Librarian Conference. June 3, 2010-June 4, 2010.

·         Utah State Court System’s Legal Reference for Public Librarians. May 24, 2010.

·         RefWorks Training. May 17, 2010.

·         Library Journal’s Reference: The Missing Link in Discovery. May 11, 2010.

·         Open URL Linker Training. April 19, 2010.

·         Velaro Instant Chat Reference Training. March 16, 2010.

·         Gobi Refresher Training. February 16, 2010.

·         Minnesota School of Business Technology Training: Podcasting Basics. February 10, 2010.

·         Globe Education Network Library Budget and Statistics Training. January 25, 2010.

·         Critical Thinking Training. November 19, 2009.

·         Legal Research Training. November 17, 2009.

·         Outstanding PowerPoints Training. September 9, 2009.

·         Inter-Library Loan Refresher Training. August 26, 2009.

·         Copyright Training for Librarians. June 9, 2009.

·         Elluminate Training. June 9, 2009.

·         Insights Discovery Personal Profile Completion. May 18, 2009.

·         Globe Education Network New Librarian Training. April 27, 2009-April 29, 2009.

SKILLS/REFERENCE KNOWLEDGE

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, LibAnswers, Meebo Instant Messaging, Velaro Reference Chat, SharePoint, Toolbar, YBP’s GOBI, Blackboard, D2L, Windows 7, Outlook 2010, WebCT, CampusVue, Elluminate, Jing, numerous social networking sites, WMS, Aleph, Dynix,  Electronic Document Retrieval, iTunes, Adobe Reader and Photoshop, WinRAR, PuTTY, WinSCP3, Nvu, Creative Commons, Weblogs, Thesaurus creation, and Pathfinder creation.

School Library Media Quarterly, Publisher’s Weekly, Choice, Library Journal, Everyday Mathematics, The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, The Chicago Manual of Style, Elements of Style, The Literary Research Guide, Medieval Studies, A Comprehensive Assessment of Public Information Dissemination, The Publication Manual for the American Psychological Association.

Proquest, Proquest: My Research, Academic Search Premier, OCLC FirstSearch, Annual Reviews, College Source, JSTOR, Points of View Reference Center, Opposing Viewpoints in Context, MedlinePlus 2010, Biography in Context Database, LexisNexis Academic, CQ Researcher, SIRs Knowledge Source, Directory of Open Access Journals, EBSCOhost, Gale, Electronic Journals Service, MasterFile Premier, CSA PAIS International and PAIS Archive Database, Sociological Abstracts Database, Web of Science Database, PubMed Online, Humanities International Complete Database, America: History and Life Database, MLA International Bibliography, The Music Index , The RILM Abstracts of Music Literature, ABI/Inform, ABI/Inform Archive Complete, PSYCINFO Database, Dialog, ABC-Clio eBook Collection, ArchiveGrid, Books 24/7, CAMIO, The Chronicle of Higher Education Database, Credo Reference, Daily Life Premium, Journal Search, MultiSearch, 360 Search, EBL, Ebrary, Encyclopædia Britannica Database, Britannica Online Academic Edition,  Faulkner, First Research, Health Reference Center, Hoovers, Interactive Functional Anatomy, Net Library, Refworks, Sage Reference, Value Line, Westlaw, World Geography and Culture Online, Literature Resource Center, Gale Virtual Reference Library and others.