Resume
Tom McMahon
Chicago, IL 60660
tom@tomthelibrarian.com
Click below to download a PDF version of my resume:
Resume
Education
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Master of Arts, Liberal Studies, June 2013 (expected)
Dominican University, River Forest, IL
Master of Library and Information Science, May 2010
Graduated with Honors
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Bachelor of Arts, Classics, December 2006
Skills
- Extensive experience in public services and user assessment
- Knowledge of Voyager, ILLiad, Odyssey, Connexion, and AACR2
- Experience with databases and online resources in research and reference settings
- Design and delivery of library instruction sessions
- Intermediate web design
- Collection management
- Reading ability in Latin, ancient Greek, Swedish, German, and Spanish
Work Experience
Northwestern University - Main Library
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208
May 2009 - Present
In May of 2011, I was offered the opportunity to move into a new position managing the day to day operations of the library's Document Delivery service in the Interlibrary Loan Department. This includes training and supervision of student workers, and developing strategies to improve quality and turnaround time of on-demand digitization services. Other responsibilities include staffing the Interlibrary Loan and Circulation Desks as necessary.
Between September 2010 and May 2011, my daily duties as Circulation Assistant included supervising student workers at the Main Library’s Circulation Desk and filling book requests placed by patrons in person, online, and via telephone. I also provided basic reference service and assisted patrons having trouble locating books in the stacks. Other responsibilities included mediating the replacement process in cases where patrons had lost library materials as well as staffing service points at the Main Library Entrance, Library Privileges Office, and Information Commons as necessary. I periodically conducted studies that analyzed patron use of various book request services offered by the library.
Prior to being promoted in September 2010, I spent over a year as a Library Clerk. Usual responsibilities included staffing the Main Library's Entrance/Exit Desk and acting as the library’s initial point of contact with the public. As a member of the Circulation Department, I staffed the Main Circulation Desk as necessary. In Fall of 2009 and Spring of 2010, I proposed and carried out studies to assess usage of the Entrance/Exit Desk, which had previously not maintained usage statistics. For the levels of service provided at my desk, I was recognized as one of the library's Outstanding Employees at my 2010 performance review.
Loyola University Chicago - Cudahy Library
6525 North Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626
January 2010 - April 2010
As a Practicum intern I worked with the Reference Services Department to evaluate screencasting software for use in online subject guides and remote instruction. I also performed weekly shifts at the main Reference Desk at the Klarchek Information Commons. Other projects included participation in library instruction sessions, faculty liaison meetings, and analysis of Classical Studies reference materials.
The UPS Store
47 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60610
May 2007 - November 2009
As an Associate at Chicago's busiest UPS Store, I was responsible for packing valuable items for shipment and printing document orders for a demanding and diverse clientèle. Areas of specialty included managing mail forwarding accounts and arbitrating insurance claims for customers. In 2008, I was store sales leader with over $124,000 in sales, or 22% of store revenue.
Committees Served
Northwestern University Library Staff Association
May 2011 - Present
As President of the Library Staff Association, I work with other committee members to coordinate staff appreciation and enrichment events as well as serve as an advocate for staff regarding workplace issues.
Volunteer Experience
Albany Park Community Center
5121 North Kimball Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
November 2009 - April 2010
As an ESL Tutor, I conducted weekly one-on-one instruction sessions with a non-English speaker, aiming to build basic literacy skills in preparation for more advanced ESL classes.
Awards and Recognitions
Recipient, Dominican University GSLIS Scholarship, Spring 2010
Presenter, Dominican University GSLIS Student Symposium, April 2010
Recepient, Honor Cord, Dominican University GSLIS Graduation, May 2010
Member, Beta Phi Mu International Honor Society, July 2010
Dean's List, 7 Semesters, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2002-2006