Rachel Morton - Cataloger

My skills, qualifications or attributes typically covered by job interview questions:

Education:

I have a high school diploma or equivalent. I was homeschooled from third grade through twelfth and earned my GED in 2004.
I have a Bachelor's degree. I received my Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science from Saint Michael's College in 2008.
I have a Master of Library and Information Science degree issued by an ALA-accredited school of Library and Information Science. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on May 15, 2016 with a Master's of Library Science degree.

Experience:

While I do not have experience with a full time paid job, I believe I am a natural in this field. From sorting my toys according to various criteria as a child, to sorting pieces of candy by flavor before portioning them out and naming my files in such a way that related files are grouped together in my folders, I'm always sorting things and putting them in categories. In addition, I have created my own controlled vocabularies. I will often use relational databases like mySQL to store and organize data and will often create a controlled vocabulary for columns that hold categories.
In the fall semester of 2015, I completed a 100-hour Practicum in the technical services department of a local academic library with a focus on cataloging.
I have volunteering experience. From 2010 to the present, I have volunteered at various public libraries in various roles. After graduating, I focused on positions at two different public libraries where I worked exclusively on cataloging projects. I have done so well in one of them that they ran out of projects for me to work on. In all of those years, I was very conscientious. Except for a few times when something slowed traffic down, I was always either on time or early. When I did have to cancel, I would let my volunteering supervisor know rather than just not come in that day. I almost never missed a deadline while pursuing either my Bachelor's or my Master's degrees. I am always honest, and always do my best to show respect. I believe that these behaviors will carry over once I have a paying job. I come in on time and I work steadily on my assigned tasks. If I ever either am going to be late or cannot come in that day, I always let the library know.

Hard Skills:

I have never used AACR2 to create records. However, in the fall of 2015, I participated in a practicum in the cataloging department of Saint Michael's College. There, I became familiar with AACR2 and converted records from AACR2 to RDA.
I have knowledge of BIBFRAME. In the spring of 2016, I did a presentation on a combination of Linked Data and BIBFRAME. In the process of researching for my presentation, I learned that the Library of Congress created it to be an ILS that uses Linked Data, but I found no indication that they have come up with a usable option yet. I also heard that when Library of Congress was looking for programmers to come up with BIBFRAME that they took the first person to express interest in helping them, and that it took a while for someone to express interest. This leads me to believe that the programmers they hired are either lower quality than most or not truly interested in the project. With my Computer Science background, I could probably learn to use anything they came up with easily, but I worry about how easy it would be for patrons to use. I know from experience that programmers and non-programmers think in different ways, and I have not heard or read anything that indicates that the programmers hired to create BIBFRAME know or care about how easy their programs are for non-programmers to use.
I have knowledge of the Dewey decimal classification system. I took two cataloging classes, one in spring 2015 and one in spring 2016 where I created records using MARC. I assigned a classification number using the Dewey Decimal System for each of the records I created for these two classes. The records I created for these two classes are available on my web site under "Records".
I have experience using the Art and Architecture Thesaurus. During the fall of 2015, I used the art and architecture thesaurus to assign form and genre terms to records I created using XML based languages, such as CDWA and PREMIS.
I have experience with the Dublin core structure standard. During the fall of 2015, I worked with several xml based schemas, including Dublin core. I created a record in Dublin core in the beginning of the class.
I have experience with xml. While pursuing my bachelor's degree, I enjoyed and excelled in working with xml. In the class where I learned how to write code in xml, I learned how to create schemas like those common used by catalogers and metadata professionals. I believe that my previous experience writing xml will help me quickly learn the xml based cataloging schemas I do not know yet.
I have familiarity with the Koha integrated library management system. After graduating, I acquired volunteer positions at two local public libraries where I utilized Koha to make much-needed updates to the libraries' systems. For one of the first projects I worked on, I edited records to reflect changes the library staff made to the organization of the library's collection of children's books. After I finished this project, I worked on reorganization projects in their local history collection, DVD collection, and fiction collection, as well as making needed changes to call numbers. In the other of my volunteering positions, I started out making similar edits to records and am currently assisting with merging duplicate records. While doing my work I have inevitably come across records with errors in them. If I know how to fix the errors I do so, but if I do not I give the item with the problematic error to my supervisor so she can fix it.
I have knowledge of the library of congress classification system. I took two cataloging classes, one in spring 2015 and one in spring 2016 where I created records using MARC. I assigned a classification number using the library of congress classification System for each of the records I created for these two classes. The records I created for these two classes are available on my web site under "Records". I also participated in a 100-hour Practicum in the fall of 2015 at a local academic library. One of my duties involved creating and correcting classification numbers using the library of congress classification System.
I have knowledge of library of congress subject headings. I took two cataloging classes, one in spring 2015 and one in spring 2016 where I created records using MARC. I assigned terms from the library of congress subject headings standard for each of the records I created for these two classes. The records I created for these two classes are available on my web site under "Records". I also participated in a 100-hour Practicum in the fall of 2015 at a local academic library. There, I assigned terms from the library of congress subject headings standard for original records I created. I also downloaded updated subject heading records from the Library of Congress web site and uploaded them into the library's system.
I have familiarity with, and aptitude for, the emerging applications of linked data and semantic web concepts, and I have the initiative to learn more. Through my academic studies while pursuing my master's degree, I read several articles on linked data and attended lectures on the topic in the fall of 2015 and the spring of 2016, as well as during my practicum in the fall of 2015. Also in spring of 2016, I participated in a class where I was required to give a presentation on two different trending topics in library science. I chose linked data as one of my topics, and I conducted extensive research to prepare for this presentation. At the time, all the knowledge I was able to find was theoretical. I did attempt to find an example of a library system that uses linked data, but I could not find anything. The programmer in me was intrigued despite the fact that I always prefer learning new things that I can apply rather than things that are strictly theory. I would be very interested in learning about the different tools that exist so people can apply linked data. Having aptitude for technical subjects and practical applications, I believe I would learn this quickly.
I have experience utilizing the marc21 standard. I have participated in two classes where I used marc to create original catalog records for a variety of types of resources. One class was in the spring of 2015 and the other in the spring of 2016. The records I created for these two classes are available on my web site under "Records". I also worked with marc records during a 100-hour practicum at an academic library in the fall of 2015. During the practicum, I did original and copy cataloging as well as editing records using marc.
I have experience batch loading editing the metadata of electronic materials using MARCEdit. During a 100-hour practicum at an academic library in the fall of 2015, I used MARCEdit several times to edit marc records for web-streamed movies that the library made available to students.
I have experience with the oxygen xml editor. In the fall of 2015, I participated in a class where I used oxygen multiple times to create records in xml based metadata schemas. I also used Oxygen when I would edit records created by other students when I was working on a group project.
I have experience using OCLC Connexion. While pursuing my master's degree, I participated in a 100-hour practicum in the cataloging department of a local academic library. One of the things I learned how to do was copy cataloging. I downloaded the records from OCLC Connexion.
I have both knowledge of and experience using the RDA content standard to create catalog records. I have participated in two classes where I utilized RDA to do original cataloging for resources in a variety of formats, one in the spring of 2015 and one in the spring of 2016. The records I created for the two classes are available on my web site under "Records". I also used it during a 100-hour practicum at an academic library in the fall of 2015. During my practicum, I spent some time converting records from aacr2 to RDA.
I have a working knowledge of the voyager integrated library system. I worked with the library's voyager system during my practicum in the fall of 2015. I did original cataloging and copy cataloging, edited records, used the system to problem solve issues with an inventory project I was working on, and updated authority records.
I have experience using the Library of Congress Authority Control schema. I have participated in two classes where I utilized this standard, one in the spring of 2015 and one in the spring of 2016. The records I created for the two classes are available on my web site under "Records". In the fall of 2015, I participated in a practicum at a local academic library. During the practicum, I learned how to access the records on the Library of Congress Authority Control web site, download them, and upload them into the library's voyager system. In addition, in my spring 2016 class we were required to present on two different topics. One of my subjects was the combined topics of controlled vocabularies and authority control.
I have both knowledge and experience using controlled vocabularies. I have used the Library of Congress Controlled Vocabulary for names in the marc records I have made for my classes. In a class I took in spring 2016, the professor showed introduced us to LibraryThing to show us what can happen when there is no controlled vocabulary. In the same class, we were required to present on two different topics. One of my subjects was the combined topics of controlled vocabularies and authority control.
I have experience with database structure. In 2008, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. One of the areas I especially enjoyed working in and excelled at was relational databases. I learned about managing, querying, and reporting using databases. I learned how to prevent duplicate records in my databases by using primary keys and show connections between tables using foreign keys. I continue to use my skills in database management in personal projects.

Soft Skills:

I have strong oral communication skills. I am a good listener, but unless I write things down and/or not try to split my attention between the speaker and something else, I tend to forget what the other person said. I will also often check in with others to see if I am interpreting what they are saying the way they intend. I may not always immediately understand another person's emotions or point of view, I always do my best to ask questions until I do understand, and I do my best to show respect for everyone. I am able to receive feedback, though in order to help me to improve the most the person giving me feedback has to be willing to give details. If the feedback is about something I did wrong, the person needs also to give me detailed information on how to do it right so that next time I can do it right or better. I express myself very clearly, directly, and loud enough for people to hear me. I am especially careful about being clear when it comes to what I need in order to do well. One of my biggest goals when it comes to communicating is being clear and making sure the other person understands me. I will explain something multiple times to try to help the person I am talking to understand. I share my thoughts and ideas freely, though sometimes I do not think of things until much later. When this happens, if my thought or idea is still relevant, I share it; for example, I send it in an email. I have good eye contact. When I was fifteen, an acquaintance told me that my vocabulary levels matched those of someone in their thirties. While I am quiet when I am in a new place, I warm up as my coworkers approach me and I get to know them.
I have strong written communication skills. I always do my best to answer all of the questions someone asks, whether in an email or a paper. I always do my best to be clear and concise when writing. I tend to proofread things I have written several times, which helps my written communication skills stay strong. I have good grammar, and I always check the grammar on any message or paper before I submit it. My aunt, after reading some of the papers I have shared on my web site, told me that I write well. She also told me that I do not use big words as some academics do in an effort to impress their readers.
I can collaborate effectively with others. While pursuing both my undergraduate and graduate degrees I often worked successfully in pairs and in small groups on a variety of assignments for my classes. I always let my group mates know what my plans were regarding a project and when those plans changed what the new plans were. Most of my experiences of working as part of a team have been positive, because my teammates were hard workers who were willing to work with me. My groups always completed our projects successfully and on time. In my first class, while pursuing my master's degree, the teacher assigned me to work on a project with four others. At one point, I missed an email from the other members of the group saying they were going to meet and work on the project. I had been working on a piece of the project by myself before the email went out, so when I found out about the meeting I sent them my piece, which was, fortunately, ready to be added into the project. Other than that wrinkle, everything went smoothly. During my practicum, I met with each member of the library's staff to find out what each person's duties were. I learned from this that in a library, everybody works together. Because of this, I am committed to working with both my fellow employees and anybody else who needs the library�s services or cooperation. Also during my practicum, I had a chance to observe teamwork in a work situation when I sat in on a committee meeting during my practicum. Over the course of my volunteer work at my local public library, I had several duties that took me out of the library and into the community to interact with members of various businesses and organizations. For example, one of the librarians I volunteered for was the outreach librarian for a few years and I would deliver books and messages from her to patrons who lived at assisted living facilities. These patrons often had books to give me to take back as well and requests for books that I would then pass on to the outreach librarian. Through my volunteering at a local public library, I have collaborated both with the librarians that work at the library and with people who work at businesses and organizations that work with the library, such as assisted living facilities where the outreach librarian delivers books. If I was ever in a situation where I could not help a patron but I knew who could, I would direct the patron to the librarian who could help. I was more than happy for the library staff to send patrons on to me when they knew I knew how to help the patron. I often collaborated with the librarians who worked there in my role as computer center monitor. The desk I sat at and the reference desk were close enough to each other that sometimes patrons went to the wrong desk. When the patron accidentally came to my desk, I would direct the patron to the reference desk. When the reference librarian directed someone to me, I would wave to the patron to let the patron know to come to me. Other times patrons had problems that required both the librarian on duty and I to work together to solve the problem, which we always did successfully. While I am not interested in managing my teammates, I am not afraid to share my thoughts and ideas, claim parts of projects that I want to work on, or offer suggestions for things my team can do. I also believe very strongly in the collaborative work environment found in libraries, and intend to do everything in my power to support it.
I can manage responsibilities independently. While pursuing both my undergraduate and graduate degrees I often worked alone on the majority of assignments for my classes. I completed all projects successfully and on time. I volunteered for a local public library for about five years before I pursued my Master's degree. During that time, I worked with a librarian who was one of the selectors there. One of the things she had me do was I would put in orders for books into BibZ that she had picked out. Once I knew what I was supposed to do and had a copy of the written information that was available, I was able to work independently on this project with minimal direction. I work independently in both of my volunteer cataloging positions. At one library I volunteer at, I was editing call numbers in the catalog for the library's Vermont collection. As I worked, I would come across records that someone else had not changed when the resource had moved from the new shelves to the Vermont collection. I always fixed these records when I found them so that patrons would be able to find what they were looking for. During my practicum, my supervisor assigned me to work on a long-term inventory project. The goal was to get the whole collection finished by the end of the practicum. Every day I went in for my practicum, I worked steadily on this project for two hours, and then near the end of the practicum I would work for an hour and a half, take a break and do something else for an hour, and then work for another hour and a half. It was a big project, but I managed to finish it by the end of the practicum. I work best under minimal supervision, as too much close supervision makes me flustered and therefore more likely to make mistakes.
I can build and maintain collegial relationships. When I first started volunteering at local libraries, I was friendly with one of the librarians who had me do work for her. She always glowed with praise for how hardworking I was and how much the shut in patrons I visited liked me. She was one of the librarians I knew who mentored me and set me on the path of becoming a librarian myself. Sadly, she had to deal with a medical emergency before I received my Master's, and we lost touch. Recently we happened to run into each other again at a conference and it was clear she was happy to see me. Another mentor I have acquired is my site supervisor from my practicum. Even after the practicum was over, we kept in touch. We would go for walks together or just sit in her office while we caught up in each other's lives and brainstorm together about my job search. Lastly, there are librarians who I have interacted with in my two volunteer cataloging positions. Some were slow to warm up, but are now friendly.
I am involved with professional organizations. I am a member of the ALA, and NELA, and I have attended conferences and participated in official mentoring programs as a mentee.
I recognize diverse populations and multiple cultures. While I did not grow up in a very diverse area, I value diversity and social justice. I have done a lot of reading about issues faced by different minority groups. I obviously do not know everything there is to know, but I am eager to learn as much as I can and am very sympathetic to minority groups. I am quick to apologize when someone call me out for my mistakes. I have done research into different cultures and discovered in the process that I enjoy learning about other cultures.
I have a commitment to lifelong learning. Ever since earning my master's I have come to realize that one of my biggest areas of strength is my brain. I enjoy learning how to do new things and gathering information on topics, whether that information comes from a professor teaching a class, a book, or a reputable web site. I know what I need in order to learn a new process and I make those needs known.
I am creative. I enjoy doing crafts in my spare time and often make my own patterns and designs for my projects. I also see things in different ways from most people. One time when I was pursuing my Bachelor's I came up with a form for a program that was completely different from the form the rest of my classmates used. Another time my dad was trying to get something to fit into his car. He was using the shove-it-until-it-fits method, and after a while, he could not get it to go any further. I was the one who suggested putting dad's passenger seat forward to give us a little more room. Dad tried my suggestion and it worked.
I prioritize patron needs. In my volunteer positions, I have done everything from fixing incorrect information in records to returning a book that someone had put on the wrong shelf to the circulation desk to make sure patrons can find what they are looking for. I can tell when a proposed change would be helpful for patrons. I have often paused in my own duties to give directions to lost patrons or to let a patron go first when I come to talk to the librarian I work with.
I understand the impact of quality vs. poor metadata on user access to resources. Many times, while volunteering I have come across records in the catalog that either had the bare minimum of metadata or metadata that does not match the resource. I always do what I can to correct these mistakes and report to the librarians I work for when there is a mistake that needs fixing that I cannot fix. I also am extra careful when creating my own records and when someone points out one of my own mistakes, I fix it right away.
I understand the use of metadata to support reference work. I took a reference class at the same time as my first cataloging class. As the classes went along, I could see connections between the two fields. One thing I realized was that no matter how good a reference librarian is at doing research, if the metadata in the catalog is either incomplete or wrong the reference librarian is not going to be able to provide patrons with the information they are looking for. In other words, a lousy catalog leads to failure for a library. Even though I would not be a good fit for working at the reference desk, I do plan to do my part in ensuring the library's success. I will do this by encouraging my coworkers who do work at the desk to come to me if they have trouble finding a resource so we can work together to fix the problem so it doesn't happen again.