I have been involved in the library and learning and development fields for many years. I have a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. Additionally, I hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts [English and History] from McMaster University. I am also a trainer, instructor, curriculum developer and consultant.
I have been a part of the Library and Information Technician and Records and Information Management programs for almost 30 years. I was a part of the team that moved the program from physical classroom to online in the mid-1990s and I was a part of the development team that conceived and undertook the development of the Libraries and Digital Technologies Ontario College Graduate Certificate. Mohawk is an innovative, student-focused institution that I have been blessed to be a part of, all these years.
In addition to the work that I do with Mohawk College, I have a full-time job that I love! I am a part of the Human Resources team at Hamilton Public Library where I am the Coordinator, Staff Development and Training. Previously, I have worked as a Librarian and Manager at Hamilton Public Library, as a Librarian Consultant in the former Federal Libraries Liaison Office at the National Library, in various roles at Owen Sound and Wentworth public libraries, in the Archives of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario, at Mohawk College Library and in several roles at McMaster University Libraries. I have also worked as an entrepreneur conducting research on a fee-for-service basis for a variety of clients in the areas of genealogy, business, records management and education. Occasionally, I have been a speaker at library association conferences. So, you can see I've had quite a varied career and have had the privilege of serving many different types of customers in libraries and elsewhere.
I am a member of the Ontario Library Association. Additionally, I am a member of the Canadian Institute for Performance and Learning and the American Association for Talent Development.
On a personal note, I have been blessed with the support and love of my husband for more than 35 years now and we are the proud parents of one child, an adult son. I was born within metres of the Niagara Escarpment in Owen Sound and I now live very close to the Escarpment edge on Hamilton mountain. Hamilton is city with a remarkable variety of greenspaces within its boundaries. I spend my leisure hours enjoying those natural environments as I am an avid birder. When I do leave Hamilton, most often, it is to spend time at our cottage near Howdenvale on the Bruce Peninsula.
The stereotypes of libraries that are broadly accepted, drive me crazy sometimes. As libraries' roles continue to evolve in this digital age, strategic roles such as provider of information, champion of intellectual freedom and being a welcoming place that does not discriminate, continue the grand tradition of libraries through the ages. I am grateful for that and I feel fortunate to work with students excited about libraries and interested in our future roles as library professionals in this ever evolving digital age.
I look forward to meeting you online.