Melinda Benzie
Librarian
Glenmore Park,NSW
Summary
I am a dynamic Librarian with a proven track record in public libraries, adept in community support and customer service. Excelled in mentoring and staff training, significantly enhancing team motivation and daily workflow. Skilled in decision-making and people management, I've driven innovative programs that foster lifelong learning and creativity among diverse groups.
I have a proven ability to guide teams towards achieving objectives and enhancing productivity. Reliable and adaptable, fosters collaborative environment. Known for strategic planning and conflict resolution.
Knowledgeable and led teams with focus on achieving goals and improving processes. Demonstrated leadership in project management and team collaboration. Utilized problem-solving and communication skills to drive success.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Casual Teacher Library and Information Services
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
07.2010 - 12.2010
- Teaching adult students in the Certificate III Library and Information Services the following subjects: Process and Maintain Information Resources, Assist Customers to Access Information and Search Databases.
- Developed strong relationships with adult students by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behaviour effectively by establishing clear expectations, modelling appropriate conduct.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance,
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning and student progression.
Casual Librarian
Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Set up a new school library while recruitment of a Teacher Librarian is undertaken.
- Catalogued and organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collection.
- Trained and supervised volunteers who assisted in the set up of the Library.
- Assisted special needs students in locating and using library resources and assisted teachers with materials needed to enrich classroom instruction.
- Located requested books on shelves and in library database and fetched items for students and staff.
- Maintained library databases to support accuracy and availability in circulation systems.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapy staff to develop library resources to meet the needs of their students.
Part Time Librarian Grade 1
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
02.2008 - 12.2010
- Assisted students in locating and using library resources and assisted teachers with materials and equipment needed to enrich classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.
- Catalogued and organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collections.
- Located requested books on shelves and in library database and facilitated Inter Library Loans for students and teachers.
Librarian - Saturdays
Strathfield Council
10.2007 - 01.2011
- Manage the Saturday Team operations in the absence of Senior Management.
- Customer Service Responsibilities including managing a two floor Library.
- Circulation and Reference Desk Duties.
- Staff Management including conflict management and performance management.
- Organized library materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving patron concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Located requested books on shelves and in library database and fetched items for patrons.
- Maintained library databases to support accuracy and availability in circulation systems.
Team Leader Children's and Youth (Library)
Campbelltown City Council
01.2011 - Current
- This role is responsible in leading, engaging and collaborating with key stakeholders to plan and deliver innovative programs and initiatives for children and young people to develop their literacy, creativity and life long learning.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowering team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Acting Library Co-ordinator
Lithgow City Council
06.2008 - 09.2008
- Manage the Lithgow Library Service Staff and Volunteers for three months.
- Facilitated regular professional development opportunities for staff members, encouraging continuous learning and growth in their roles.
- Instituted policies on lending periods, late fees, or replacement charges which ensured fair treatment among all patrons while encouraging responsible borrowing habits.
- Established partnerships with local schools, community organizations and surrounding Local Government Areas in, expanding outreach efforts and increasing library membership.
- Streamlined library processes by implementing an efficient cataloging system, improving overall accessibility for patrons.
- Implemented innovative programming such as author visits and workshops, enriching the cultural experiences available to library users.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments to identify gaps in the collection, maintaining relevance in subject matter and content offerings.
Part Time Librarian Grade 1
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
10.2007 - 11.2007
- Assisted students in locating and using library resources and assisted teachers with materials and equipment needed to enrich classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.
- Catalogued and organised books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collections.
- Located requested books on shelves and in library database and facilitated Inter Library Loans for students and teachers.
Pennant Hills Library Co-ordinatro
Hornsby Shire Council
08.2006 - 07.2007
- Managed the Pennant Hills Library Service including the maintenance of collections, facilities and services.
- Managed a team of library staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Managed budget allocations to maximise resource availability while adhering to financial constraints of the budget.
- Continued partnerships with local schools and community organisations, expanding outreach efforts and increasing library membership.
- Created marketing materials for library events and programs, boosting awareness within the community about available services.
- Developed targeted training sessions for staff on customer service best practices and striving to enhance patron satisfaction levels.
Access Librarian
Warringah Council
02.2000 - 08.2006
- Providing an equitable Library Service to all.
- Develop Children's Programs including programs for preschoolers, School Aged Children, Youth, People with Special Needs and Seniors.
- Organised books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving patron concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collection particularly for children.
- Trained and supervised library staff on best practices.
- Working with students after school in locating and using library resources.
- Located requested books on shelves and in library database.
- Maintained library databases to support accuracy and availability in circulation systems.
- Delivered personalised readers advisory services based on individual preferences, fostering a love of reading among patrons.
- Collaborated with local organisations to develop library resources for all.
General Services/Branch Librarian
Penrith City Council
01.1993 - 02.2000
- Branch Library Management, organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Assisted patrons in locating and using library resources and assisted teachers with materials needed to enrich classroom instruction.
- Located requested books on shelves and in library database and fetched items for patrons.
- Maintained library databases to support accuracy and availability in circulation systems.
- Collaborated with other Library Staff to develop library resources.
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving patron concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collection and maintaining the Inter Library Loans Service for the Library.
- Trained and supervised library staff, including ensuring Library rosters were covered.
Part Time Teacher
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
04.1994 - 08.1995
- Teach in the trial of National Literacy Enhancement Program in the subjects of Technology and Library Resource Skills.
- Developed strong relationships with students and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment through this trial program.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
Casual Senior Library Assistant
Penrith City Council
04.1992 - 01.1993
- Provided exceptional customer service to patrons while resolving issues or concerns in a professional manner.
- Collaborated with staff to create engaging displays promoting library resources and events.
- Supported new library staff, ensuring a high level of expertise and competence in their roles.
- Storytime Presentation at St Marys Library.
Assistant Librarian on Call
Western Sydney Area Health Service
07.1992 - 12.1992
- Ensured smooth operations during staff absences, covering essential tasks such as opening or closing procedures and answering reference inquiries.
- Aided librarians in collection development activities, using knowledge of patron needs to recommend relevant additions.
- Fostered positive relationships with medical staff from diverse backgrounds ensuring equal access to all information resources.
- Evaluated and adapted library practices to support the institution''s mission and adapt to evolving patron needs.
- Contributed to overall library efficiency by assisting in circulation desk duties such as checking out materials and managing holds.
Sales Assistant and Authorised Cashier
Grace Bros Pty. Ltd.
12.1988 - 04.1992
- Handled customer inquiries, complaints, and returns professionally, ensuring a positive experience for all clients.
- Processed transactions accurately while maintaining a high level of customer service.
- Increased sales by building strong customer relationships and providing excellent service.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Library And Information Science
Charles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga, NSW04-1999
Skills
- Community support
- Customer Service
- Daily workflow improvement
- Decision Making
- Documentation and reporting
- Mentoring
- Staff training
- People Management
- Safety
- Staff education and training
- Team motivation
Accomplishments
- 30 year member of Australian Library and Information Association.
- Presentation of the Evolving Storytime Program at GLAMAWARRA 3.0.
- Collaborated with the Stakeholders in the development of the Evolving Storytime Project which resulted in a change in presentation of Early Literacy Programs for the Library.
- Service Improvements of several established Library Programs.
Affiliations
- Australian Library and Information Association
Timeline
Team Leader Children's and Youth (Library)
Campbelltown City Council
01.2011 - Current
Casual Teacher Library and Information Services
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
07.2010 - 12.2010
Casual Librarian
Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children
01.2010 - 01.2011
Acting Library Co-ordinator
Lithgow City Council
06.2008 - 09.2008
Part Time Librarian Grade 1
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
02.2008 - 12.2010
Librarian - Saturdays
Strathfield Council
10.2007 - 01.2011
Part Time Librarian Grade 1
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
10.2007 - 11.2007
Pennant Hills Library Co-ordinatro
Hornsby Shire Council
08.2006 - 07.2007
Access Librarian
Warringah Council
02.2000 - 08.2006
Part Time Teacher
Western Sydney Institute of TAFE
04.1994 - 08.1995
General Services/Branch Librarian
Penrith City Council
01.1993 - 02.2000
Assistant Librarian on Call
Western Sydney Area Health Service
07.1992 - 12.1992
Casual Senior Library Assistant
Penrith City Council
04.1992 - 01.1993
Sales Assistant and Authorised Cashier
Grace Bros Pty. Ltd.
12.1988 - 04.1992
Bachelor of Arts - Library And Information Science
Charles Sturt University
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