Andrea Mercado

Andrea Mercado

Project Manager, Technologist, Trainer, & Communication Specialist

Greater Boston Area

Current
  • Social Technologist and Information Scientist for hire at Professional Sabbatical
Past
  • Co-Manager at PLA (Public Library Association) Blog
  • Reference & Techie Librarian at Reading Public Library
  • Assistant Project Manager at Our Lady of the Presentation School Library, Brighton, MA

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Education
  • Simmons College
  • Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science
  • Wesleyan University
Recommended
Andrea has 5 recommendations 5 people have recommended Andrea
Connections
114 connections
Industry
Information Technology and Services
Websites

Andrea Mercado’s Summary

I initially shifted to library science because I'm an information junky. As a natural networker and technologist, it only makes sense that I'd fall in love with social networking, media, and technology, so I've decided to switch gears away from the library world and return to the technology field.

Almost in spite of my undergraduate degree in English, I worked in technology for 6 years before returning to school to obtain a Masters in Library Science. I've coded HTML for clients such as Sprint, Ethan Allen, American Express, and the Wild Lily Tea Room. I have, on many occasions, taken on liaison and process-improvement roles. I'm constantly playing with new technologies, a persistent tinkerer, and avid problem-solver.

For more information about me, my insights in librarianship and technology, please visit my (now archived) blog at http://www.LibraryTechtonics.info.

Andrea Mercado’s Specialties:

social networking, social software, social media, tinkering, working beta, HTML, XHTML, Javascript, some PHP, some XML, some XSL, some MySQL, graphics production, reference, instruction, technology planning & implementation, web development, quality assurance, technical writing, project management, process refinement, technical support, information architecture, systems analysis, usability, American Sign Language, elementary Japanese

Andrea Mercado’s Experience

  • Social Technologist and Information Scientist for hire

    Professional Sabbatical

    (Information Technology and Services industry)

    September 2008 — Present (1 year 3 months)

    - Currently on a self-proclaimed "professional sabbatical," exploring future employment options outside of librarianship, and enjoying personal development time.
    - Volunteering knowledge, resources, and time to organizations such as WBUR, as well as actively participating in the Boston social media scene.
    - Experienced in using, discussing, problem solving, and presenting on social technologies such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, SlideShare, YouTube, podcasting, vidcasting, blogging, wikis, and more.
    - Studying written and spoken Japanese.

  • Co-Manager

    PLA (Public Library Association) Blog

    (Libraries industry)

    April 2004 — March 2009 (5 years )

    - Post content about the Public Library Association (PLA), as well as industry news of interest to public libraries and librarians.
    - Manage technology aspects of the blog (blogging software, additional content pages, searches, added technology features, enhancing indexibility of site).
    - Recruit and wrangle volunteer bloggers to document PLA- and American Library Association (ALA)-sponsored conferences and events.

  • Reference & Techie Librarian

    Reading Public Library

    (Libraries industry)

    April 2005 — September 2008 (3 years 6 months)

    - Created the "Geek Out, Don't Freak Out" series of hands-on gadget classes.
    - Created and managed the Netguides program, training volunteers to provide customized, one-on-one technology training for patrons. Trained and supervised 12-15 volunteers.
    - Coordinated between Reading Public Library and the MIT Media Lab to present the NBC/MIT Journalism Competition for high school students.
    - Planned computer and other technology implementation for staff and public use, providing ongoing consultation and support.
    - Provided information services to public library patrons via in-person, telephone, email, chat, and Twitter.
    - Taught classes on technology (Office, web, gadget, basic computer use) and online library resources.
    - Reinvented library web site using WordPress as a content management system through the sandbox stage; tweaked style sheets; created custom templates; engineered usable information architecture and navigation; evaluated, selected, installed and configured plug-ins.

  • Assistant Project Manager

    Our Lady of the Presentation School Library, Brighton, MA

    (Educational Institution; 11-50 employees; Libraries industry)

    May 2004 — October 2004 (6 months)

    - Developing a plan for and performing the overhaul of library, servicing pre-kindergarten through grade 5 students.
    - Researching item acquisition options and costs; acquired $4,000 in reference item donations through networking with other libraries.
    - Assisting development of collection development policy.
    - Volunteer position.

  • Instructor

    Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown, MA

    (Non-Profit; 201-500 employees; Libraries industry)

    May 2004 — August 2004 (4 months)

    - Taught young adult workshops on fundamentals of blogs, blogging, and web design and development.
    - Coordinated future workshops for both adults and young adults.

  • President

    Library and Information Science Student Assocation (LISSA) of Simmons GSLIS, Boston, MA

    (Educational Institution; 1-10 employees; Libraries industry)

    May 2003 — May 2004 (1 year 1 month)

    - Planned and coordinated professional development and networking events for students, faculty and alumni.
    - Collaborated with faculty, administration, alumni organizations, and LISSA Board to develop and market events.
    - Advised the Dean and Assistant Dean on student concerns and recommend solutions.
    - Moderated the organization's listserv and lead biweekly meetings.
    - Created and administered a WebCT digital community to educate the community on the technology, and as a medium for discussions, file sharing and surveys.
    - Coordinated programs such as Peer Course Advising, career seminars, Graduation, and guest speaker activities.

  • Technology Lab Assistant

    Simmons College Graduate School for Library and Information Science, Boston, MA

    (Educational Institution; 11-50 employees; Libraries industry)

    January 2003 — May 2004 (1 year 5 months)

    - Provided technical support, technology reference and instruction in the 46-workstation lab serving students, faculty and staff, through in-person, telephone, and e-mail interaction, as well as to multimedia classrooms.
    - Educated individuals on software, hardware, online database use and HTML coding.
    - Developed instructional handouts on software and hardware use, including resources for specific courses.
    - Installed new and updated existing hardware and software in labs, classrooms, and offices.
    - Developed a collection development policy for technology reference collection; weeded and recommended acquisitions.

  • Web Assistant

    Simmons College GSLIS Library, Boston, MA

    (Educational Institution; 1-10 employees; Libraries industry)

    June 2003 — June 2003 (1 month)

    - Updated the Full Text Electronic index, researched current holdings through Serial Solutions and web searching, and edited HTML code.

  • E-Reserves Copyright Assistant

    Harvard College Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

    (Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Libraries industry)

    August 2002 — October 2002 (3 months)

    - Redesigned Microsoft Access database used to track copyright permission requests.
    - Obtained bibliographic information using Aleph cataloging system to populate the database.
    - Obtained permissions, cataloged responses, edited records, and activated links in OPAC to electronic items.
    - Located and contacted publishers to secure copyright permissions.
    - Managed database and records related to copyright requests and invoices.

  • Project Manager & Customer Support Contractor

    Virtual Education Space (VES) (now Massachusetts Online Network for Education (MassONE))

    (E-Learning industry)

    January 2002 — June 2002 (6 months)

    - Managed the integration of third-party learning programs into an online educational portal environment.
    - Provided customer support and program information by phone and email to parents, teachers and students.
    - Communicated regularly with Massachusetts Department of
    - Education and school administrators, third-party companies.
    - Performed web site updates to enhance usability.
    - Authored instructional and reference materials for print and web.

  • Senior Office Assistant

    Wesleyan Student Assembly

    (Educational Institution; 501-1000 employees; Higher Education industry)

    May 2001 — September 2001 (5 months)

    - Produced, designed and developed web site.
    - Revamped layout, design and content of the 67 page Student Group Resource Manual.
    - Verified information with university offices, student leaders, local businesses and municipal offices.
    - Managed Microsoft Access database of student group contacts.

  • Research Intern

    American Museum of Natural History

    (Non-Profit; 1001-5000 employees; Museums and Institutions industry)

    March 2000 — May 2001 (1 year 3 months)

    - Researched origins of individual pieces in Pearls exhibit, using online, library, university and museum resources.
    - Created digital organization system to catalog photos and piece information, as well as exhibit case location and captions.
    - Provided on-site technical and administrative support for exhibit organizer.

  • Senior Site Developer

    Appnet, Inc. (now Commerce One)

    (Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; CMRC; Computer Software industry)

    March 1999 — August 2000 (1 year 6 months)

    - Used HTML, CSS and JavaScript and performed graphics production to create client web sites.
    - Managed and performed site quality assurance and acquired and utilized knowledge of web usability concepts.
    - Streamlined and refined workflow process.
    - Trained and managed junior developers, advised producers in web development processes and concepts.
    - Client accounts included SprintPCS, Ethan Allen, and United Way.

  • Web Developer

    T3 Media

    (Internet industry)

    May 1998 — March 1999 (11 months)

    - Coded HTML, produced graphics.
    - Built collaboration between site development and programming teams, as well as development and quality assurance.
    - Helped coordinate quality assurance process within projects.
    - Created and refined site development process documentation.
    - Advised project management on technical issues related to implementing web site strategy.

  • Assistant Editor, Online

    Computer Shopper Magazine

    (Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Publishing industry)

    March 1997 — April 1998 (1 year 2 months)

    - Wrote and edited online and print columns and other content.
    - Coordinated and implemented cross-link opportunities between online site and print magazine, ZDNet affiliate sites.
    - Arranged and moderated online bulletin board discussions and live chats that included industry guests.
    - Represented Computer Shopper magazine at trade shows and other networking functions.
    - Edited HTML for 400-page publication site.

Andrea Mercado’s Education

  • Simmons College

    MLS , Library and Information Science , 2003 — 2004

  • Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science

    MS , Library and Information Science , January 2003 — May 2004

  • Wesleyan University

    BA , English , September 1992 — May 1996

    Activities and Societies:
    Alpha Delta Phi Literary Society, Middletown Chapter

Additional Information

Andrea Mercado’s Websites:

Andrea Mercado’s Interests:

things I've never done before, new technology, technology training, writing, geocaching, comics, blogging, manga, anime, indie rock, Second Life, rock climbing, social networking, web development, tagging, folksonomy, usability, hiking, camping, nature, VoIP, documentaries, homeopathy, naturopathy, crafting, diy

Andrea Mercado’s Groups:

American Library Association, Public Library Association, Alpha Delta Phi Literary Society, Social Media Breakfast, PodCamp Boston 2, Information Today, WebJunction

  •    PodCamp
  •    Twitter
  •    Women Who Tech
  •    Girl Geek Dinners

Andrea Mercado’s Honors:

Kenneth R. Shaffer Outstanding Student Award (Simmons GSLIS)

Andrea Mercado’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

  • consulting offers
  • new ventures
  • expertise requests
  • reference requests
  • getting back in touch

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