Laura Dowler

Current

• Interim Fine Arts Librarian at Denison University

Past

• Librarian at Chesapeake Public Library
• Librarian at Lakewood Public Library

Education

• Kent State University
• Ohio University

Recommended

1 person has recommended Laura

Connections

22 connections

Industry

Libraries

Websites

• My Blog
• My del.icio.us

Laura Dowler’s Summary

I am an experienced Reference Librarian fluent in current and emerging technology. I have been recognized for strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively and produce results. I have a thorough understanding of Library 2.0 and an interest in scholarly achievement and professional development.

Laura Dowler’s Specialties:

gaming, reference, strategic planning, library 2.0, and social software

Laura Dowler’s Experience

• Interim Fine Arts Librarian

  Denison University

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

  September 2008 — Present (1 year 3 months)

• Librarian

  Chesapeake Public Library

  (Libraries industry)

  September 2007 — August 2008 (1 year )

  o Provide information and instructional services
  o Utilize reference interview process to connect patrons with appropriate print and electronic
  resources
  o Evaluate and develop the collection according to the needs of the community
  o Perform reader’s advisory services
  o Train staff in current and emerging technology
  o Promote library programs and activities
  o Represent the library at system wide Reference User Group Meetings
  o Integrate social software as a member of Teen Tech Committee
  o Develop future library plans as member of Strategic Planning Committee

• Librarian

  Lakewood Public Library

  (Libraries industry)

  July 2005 — August 2007 (2 years 2 months)

  o Answered reference questions by phone, in person, and by e-mail
  o Tended circulation and reference desks using a SirsiDynix system
  o Assisted patrons with use of microfilm viewing equipment
  o Processed acquisition request forms using Baker & Taylor’s Title Source 3
  o Organized displays in ways that promote increased circulation
  o Performed collection evaluation and de-selection in an assigned area
  o Used online resources to update ready reference materials
  o Compiled folder of grant and foundation information for ready reference collection
  o Worked collaboratively with reference department to update departmental Wiki

Laura Dowler’s Education

• Kent State University

  M.L.I.S. , Library Science , 2005 — 2006

• Ohio University

  B.A. , English , 1999 — 2003

  minor in film

Additional Information

Laura Dowler’s Websites:

• My Blog
• My del.icio.us

Laura Dowler’s Interests:

web 2.0, technology, books, reading, video games, comics, graphic novels, social networking

Laura Dowler’s Groups:

American Library Association (ALA)
Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)
Library and Information Technology Association (LITA)
International Relations Roundtable (IRRT)
Tidewater Area Reference Librarians (TARL)

Laura Dowler’s Honors:

Presentations:
“Wikipedia and the Reference Librarian”
2007 National PCA/ACA Conference

“Del.icio.us In Our Library”
November 2007 Chesapeake Public Library System Director’s Meeting

“The 21st Century Library: A Review of the Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County”
March 2008 Chesapeake Public Library System Director’s Meeting

“Gaming In The Library: An Introduction”
May 2008 Chesapeake Public Library System Staff Day

Laura Dowler’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• job inquiries
• reference requests
• getting back in touch