PROFILE
- Extensive experience in higher education and small business web design and development.
- Designer of user-centered, accessible, and standards-compliant websites with a strong graphic sense.
- Expert knowledge of web standards (XHTML, CSS, DOM scripting) and tableless layout.
- Master's degree in library and information science with coursework in web design, interface evaluation, usability testing, and information architecture.
- Diverse technical skills based on 5+ years in IT support.
- Broad user technology training experience, both in classroom and workplace settings.
- Strong communicator with excellent writing and interpersonal skills.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Website Designer and Developer, January 2007-Present
Network Services and Information Technology, University of Chicago
- Plan, design, and hand-code visually compelling and standards-compliant websites and web applications as part of the University's central web group.
- Collaborate closely with clients on web strategy and application development.
- Project-manage and lead complex web applications, including the Uncommon Application, the online admissions and financial aid application for the College that fields over 14,000 submissions annually.
- Write and execute usability and functionality test plans.
- Graphic and interface design for the new University homepage and central site, scheduled to launch early 2008.
- Create and support sites using Web Express, the University's CMS-light/page update tool, and work with clients on more complex content management needs.
Web Application Designer, June 2006-January 2007
Instructional Technology Development/Information Services, DePaul University
- Design, develop, and maintain websites for University Libraries, Information Services, and other campus units.
- Create and redesign interfaces for complex web applications.
- Plan and carry out the redesign of the University Libraries website.
- Serve on committee selecting content management system for university-wide deployment.
- Create information architecture and conduct usability testing for websites and web applications.
Visiting Assistant Librarian for Digital Resources, July 2005-June 2006
Central Reference Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Designed, developed, and maintained library websites (see portfolio for examples of work).
- Served on committee tasked with reorganizing and redesigning the top-level University Library website, developing a strategy for moving the library site to a content management system, conducting usability tests, and creating a staff intranet.
- Coordinated and promoted the library's online reference offerings, including chat, instant messaging, and email services, as member of the Virtual Reference team.
- Developed and maintained databases, including a ready reference knowledge base (MySQL/PHP) and a reference desk statistics-tracking application (Microsoft Access).
- Conducted information literacy and database usage workshops for library staff and users, and developed online instructional materials.
- Investigated implementation of blogs, wikis, and other innovative, user-centered technologies.
Graduate Reference Assistant and Web Designer, January 2004-August 2005
Education and Social Science Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Redesigned library website to improve organization, appearance, and accessibility of pages, and took part in team conducting usability and focus group testing of new site.
- Developed MySQL/PHP-based content management system for subject research guides.
- Designed and wrote content for instructional web pages, and performed updates of existing pages.
- Provided reference service to students, faculty, staff, and the public at a busy academic library.
- Supervised undergraduate student employees.
Graduate Assistant and Web Designer, September 2004-May 2005
European Union Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Led and completed redesign of the EU Center website, creating a standards-compliant, better organized, and more attractive site.
- Developed instructional site on library resources covering the European Union and international statistics.
Scholarly Communications Website Practicum, January 2005-May 2005
University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Worked with head University Librarian in developing website and blog to facilitate outreach to university faculty on scholarly communication issues.
Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant, September 2003-August 2004
Prairienet, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Served as teaching assistant for a graduate-level course in computer hardware and networking for librarians.
- Created websites for non-profit organizations affiliated with Prairienet.
- Set up and maintained community computer labs in low-income areas throughout the state using donated equipment, and administered network for Prairienet office.
Systems Administrator, March 2001-April 2003
Technical Support Specialist, March 2000 - March 2001
American Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL
- Managed network and served as primary technology support contact for non-profit organization with 60 employees.
- Trained employees, individually and in groups, in use of operating systems, applications, and hardware.
- Conducted product evaluation research, and purchased and deployed all new hardware and software for the organization.
- Administered Microsoft SQL server, which ran the database application underlying critical organization operations.
- Designed web pages, and created and updated pages using content management system.
- Protected network and data through security updates, antivirus deployments, firewall upgrades, and backup procedures.
- Wrote extensive user documentation and systems procedures for employee manual.
Technical Support Specialist, September 1996-August 1999
Memorial Library Infolab, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Diagnosed and solved the problems that students and faculty experienced in their use of a varied group of applications on Windows and Mac machines.
- Assisted patrons in searching online databases and using other electronic library resources.
EDUCATION
M.L.I.S., Graduate School of Library and Information Science
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 2005.
B.A., English, and B.A., Psychology, College of Letters and Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison, December 1999.
SKILLS
WEB DESIGN: Expert knowledge of HTML, XHTML, cascading style sheets, web standards. Experienced with Dreamweaver and hand-coding (Homesite, Notepad, TextMate, etc.). Proficient in PHP, RSS, DOM scripting (modern JavaScript), Flash, WordPress, Movable Type. Knowledgeable in principles and practices of information architecture, usability, accessibility, content management systems, interface prototyping and evaluation.
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Fireworks, Paint Shop Pro.
DATABASES: Proficient in Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL, and MySQL. Knowledgeable in principles of relational database design.
PRODUCTIVITY APPLICATIONS: Microsoft Office suite, Visio, OmniGraffle, Adobe Acrobat, Basecamp.
OPERATING SYSTEMS: Advanced experience with Windows (all server and desktop-level versions since 95) and OS X. Basic knowledge Linux.
NETWORK, SERVERS, AND HARDWARE: Windows Server (2000 and NT 4), Microsoft Exchange and SQL Servers, TCP/IP, LAN setup and troubleshooting, Cisco switches and firewalls, virtual private networking. Proficient in all aspects of hardware upgrades, repair, and troubleshooting.