Resume

March 6th, 2010

CHRISTINE BORNE, MLIS

Writer, Editor, Archivist

As a writer, editor, and archivist I specialize in connecting people with their cultural heritage. Right now I’m especially interested in increasing access to museum collections and archives through the use of social media and innovative, unorthodox programming (Museum 2.0). Here are some of my current projects:

  • As co-editor of the Cleveland Area History blog and administrator of our Facebook page, I have helped raise over 1,500 fans — more than any other local history organization in Cleveland.
  • I have just launched Rust Belt Reader, a systematic attempt to define a Literature of the American Rust Belt.

Some of my other professional interests include children’s books, mythology and folklore, digital libraries, and copywriting for nonprofits, bed and breakfasts, and the winemaking industry.

You can also take a look at my LinkedIn profile and my current list of professional services.

Professional Experience

Archives and History
Archives were my first love in library school. From 2001-2002, I worked as a graduate student assistant in the Department of Special Collections and Archives at the Kent State University Library. My responsibilities ranged from reference and donor relations, to conservation and preservation (I can probably still assemble a phase box with my eyes closed), to processing collections. For the most part I worked on performing arts collections and literature collections (such as the Cynthia Rylant papers). Most recently I worked at the Western Reserve Historical Society, where I processed the Howard M. Metzenbaum Congressional Papers, the Austin Company Records, and the George Gund Foundation Collection (and whipped undergraduate interns into shape).

I also possess considerable expertise in American cultural history. From 2005-2007 I worked in Electronic Publishing at Facts on File, Inc., where I abstracted historical documents; researched, wrote, and copy edited captions for digital images and video; and indexed articles for Facts on File’s award-winning databases including American History Online, American Women’s History Online, African-American History Online, and American Indian History Online.

Public Libraries
I am well-versed in all aspects of public librarianship, specializing in reference and youth services. I have managed collection and programming budgets, developed policies and procedures, and supervised paraprofessional staff. I have worked with a diverse and sometimes challenging clientele, skilfully handled materials challenges, and worked amid an awful lot of capital construction projects.

From 2002-2004, I worked as a Teen Librarian at the Shaker Heights (OH) Public Library. I ran the library’s teen center, developed a high-circ collection that emphasized graphic novels and nonfiction for reluctant readers, and organized engaging community programs, including:

  • Interactive teen hip hop workshops in conjunction with the Progressive Arts Alliance
  • Teen Summer Job Fair (150+ teen participants; 10 employer participants) and Tips for Teens employment-readiness seminars, in conjunction with Youth Opportunities Unlimited
  • Annual Teen Poetry Slam (65-100 attendees; 20 participants)

From 2004-2005 I was a Reference Librarian at the Ocean County (NJ) Library, where I

  • Specialized in grant resources, including Foundation Directory Online
  • Taught computer classes to senior citizens
  • Developed community health information resources, including an online pathfinder about childhood obesity
  • Collaborated on a presentation titled This Garbage Doesn’t Belong at the Library: A Media Specialist’s Guide to Graphic Novels for the Educational Media Specialists of New Jersey Annual Conference

Education

  • Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS), Kent State University, 2002.
  • Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in English, Cleveland State University, 2000.

Technology Skills

  • Experience with HTML, CSS, working familiarity with XML
  • Proficiency with: Dreamweaver, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Office, Photoshop
  • Social media and Web 2.0 technologies including Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Wordpress, Google Reader, Del.icio.us, wikis, and folksonomies
  • Integrated library systems including Dynix, SIRSI, Horizon, and ALEPH
  • Experience managing and moderating a professional library listserv (NexGen Librarian; 2003-2005) and personal website (christineborne.net, 2005-present)
  • Experience with both Windows and Macintosh platforms

Professional Memberships and Continuing Education

  • Member, Society of American Archivists (SAA)
  • Becoming an Archives Consultant…Practical Information & Tips (Society of American Archivists, December 2009)
  • Prospect Research Basics (Foundation Center Cleveland, May 2009)
  • Opinion Writing: How to Change the World with Catherine Orenstein, Director of The Op-Ed Project, (Woodhull Institute, New York, May 2007)

Publications

References available upon request

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