Name of Your Library (if applicable):
Seminole State College of Florida
About Me:
My name is Talisha Harrison and I’m a 2023 MLIS graduate and knowledgeable professional library worker with more than 13 years of experience in the academic library setting. I'm applying for full-time librarian or information professional positions that are either on-site, remote, or hybrid. I'm confident that, with my analytic, organizational and interpersonal skills, I will be able to meet the responsibilities of whatever librarian or information professional position that I’m hired for.
In my 13 years as a Library Public Services Assistant for Seminole State College. I’ve developed a strong understanding of how to identify, select and provide access to a variety of materials for the library’s diverse audience. Throughout my time as an LPSA, I’ve assisted patrons in person, on the phone and also online through the library’s Ask A Librarian Chat Service. I’m also a part of the manga/graphic novel team where my duties include locating and selecting books for the manga/graphic novel collection at my campus library.
In December 2023, I graduated from San Jose University’s MLIS program, and my coursework in information technology, metadata, collection development, information literacy, library planning, library research, customer service, interlibrary loan, cataloging, and records management has prepared me for my career. Several internships have also given me experience with research, communication, public relations, collection development, reference, outreach, and knowledge of library technology systems.
In fall 2022, I was a special studies intern on a project-helmed by 2022 Fulbright Grantee Mary Ellen Sloane-that initiated the development of a science library at the Karisoke Research Center-Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Karisoke, Rwanda. I consolidated my communication and teamwork skills using Zoom, Slack, Monday.com, Gmail, and Google Drive, to discuss and coordinate tasks with my fellow team members. My internship duties focused primarily on library planning and research. I developed a profile for selecting books based on a range of parameters, i.e., GOBI approval Plan, Library of Congress Classification Web, Zotero. I also selected books for review by stakeholders using GOBI, assisted in research evaluation, and investigated other areas of need for the library, such as space utilization, technology, and services.
In spring 2023, I deepened my public facing skills as an intern for Columbia University Libraries Ask A Librarian chat service. In this role I offered research assistance to users via chat reference, referred users to appropriate Columbia University Libraries departments or staff members, and created a guide to help students, faculty, and staff members of Columbia University ensure that the videos and multimedia content they produce and upload to the web are compliant with the legal required digital accessibility guidelines. Finally, in summer 2023, I was a special studies intern for the UX/UR Black Perspective Student Study at San Jose State University. In my role, I continued researching the history of Black LIS education to assist in the recruitment of Black students into the field of librarianship. In my research, I investigated areas of need and submitted a paper detailing my findings. For communication and teamwork, Zoom, Google Spaces and Google Drive were also used.
With a background in research, collection development, organization and customer service, I'm confident that my workplace values align with your institution. I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to work on the development of new and innovative services that support information literacy, research, and engagement services, while also working collaboratively with my fellow information professionals, departments, staff, and patrons. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my application. I look forward to meeting you and discussing ways in which my education and experience match the needs of your library.