Curriculum Vitae

SUZANNE BERNSTEN
954 Delridge Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
bernss@lcc.edu

EDUCATION
Master of Science, Library Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (May 2004)

Master of Arts, Teaching English as a Second Language, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (May 2002)
Thesis: Using Conversation Analysis to Evaluate ESL Textbook Dialogues

Bachelor of Arts, English, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota (May 1996)

LIBRARY EXPERIENCE

Web Services Librarian (April 2008-present) Lansing Community College Library, Lansing, MI

  • Led web improvement team (WIT) members in redesign of library website based on input from library patrons. Streamlined website from over 250 to around 100 pages and integrated elements such as video and images.
  • Created style guide for library website and trained WIT members in writing for the web to make content more easily accessible.
  • Led staff in transfer of paper research guides to online content management system, LibGuides: http://libguides.lcc.edu/. Set up standards and template for guides and trained staff to use LibGuides. Oversee continuous improvement of guides through feedback from students and faculty.
  • Worked with other librarians to set up library quiz, library learning object repository, and library nugget for ANGEL course management system.
  • Set up chat reference system, libraryh3lp, and trained staff to use the system.
  • Created online learning object to teach students about search techniques: http://researchtips.org/projects/quiz.html
  • Worked with library communications manager to create and maintain a library blog to promote library services.
  • Act as library liaison to eLearning, Center for Transitional Learning, and English departments.
  • Collect and analyze web usage statistics through Google Analytics and Crazy Egg.
  • Teach information literacy and provide reference services.
  • Select and weed materials for ESL, developmental reading, and English.

Reference & Instruction Librarian (August 2006-April 2008) Lansing Community College Library, Lansing, MI

  • Provided reference assistance to students and employees in-person, by email, IM and phone; provided chat reference services as part of a virtual reference cooperative.
  • Taught information literacy skills to students in a wide range of classes.
  • Set up wiki for internal communication; trained staff in use of Mediawiki software.
  • Transformed paper handouts into an online citation guide for MLA and APA style.
  • Selected and weeded materials for education, ESL, and developmental reading.

Evening Reference Librarian (July 2005-May 2006) Hagerty Library, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

  • Provided reference assistance for undergraduate and graduate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds in-person, by phone and by email.

Reference Librarian (August 2004-July 2005) Camden Free Public Library, Camden, NJ

  • Provided reference assistance to patrons from diverse backgrounds.
  • Trained and worked with a library assistant to create a website for the library.
  • Set up interlibrary loan through JerseyCat, statewide catalog and interlibrary loan system.
  • Taught weekly classes in basic computer skills, internet searching and word processing.
  • Selected and weeded materials for reference and circulating collection.
  • Created handouts to help patrons with tasks such as resume writing.
  • Developed materials to promote statewide programs: Jersey Clicks & Homework Help.

Graduate Assistant (2003-2004) Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, UIUC Library

  • Assisted in the design and coordination of professional development programs for international librarians.
  • Worked with librarians to create professional webpages and library promotional materials.
  • Taught librarians computer skills including how to use email, Powerpoint, and the internet.
  • Updated Center website and promotional materials; maintained Center database.
  • Redesigned Center website to improve site navigation.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Attended elementary and secondary schools in Indonesia, Australia and Zimbabwe
  • Taught English at Bung Hatta University in Padang, Indonesia with Volunteers in Asia (1997-1999)

COMPUTER AND LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Web design by hand-coding and use of Expression Web
  • Experience with writing for the web, usability, and interface design
  • Proficient with MS Word, PowerPoint, XHTML, CSS; familiar with Microsoft Publisher, Access
  • Online searching experience with databases, including Lexis Nexis, Factiva, Dow Jones Interactive and Dialog Classic, as well as advanced Internet searching experience
  • Advanced language ability in Portuguese and intermediate language ability in Indonesian

SERVICE

  • eLearning Advisory Team, Lansing Community College (April 2011 to present)
  • Web Improvement Team Leader, Lansing Community College Library (2008-present)
  • Center for Teaching Excellence Leadership Team, Lansing Community College (2008-2010)
  • Instruction Services Team Member, Lansing Community College Library (2006-present)
  • Reference Services Team Member, Lansing Community College Library (2006-present)
  • Department Improvement Team Member, Lansing Community College Library (2008-present)
  • Camden Vicinage Minority Concerns Committee, Camden Library Representative, Camden, New Jersey (2004-2005)

CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS PRESENTED
Integrating Library Resources into an ANGEL course, Professional Activity Days & Workshop for Reading Faculty, Lansing Community College, January 2009 & January 2010

Learning about Language and Culture, Global Perspectives Conference, Co-presented with Mary LaVigne, Faculty – English Language and Culture Center, Lansing Community College, April 2008

Integrating Library Resources in a Course Management System, Michigan Library Association Annual Conference, Lansing, November 2009

Conversation Analysis & ESL Textbooks. Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Annual Conference, San Antonio, April 2005

Using Conversation Analysis to Evaluate ESL Textbook Dialogues. American Association of Applied Linguistics Annual Conference, Arlington, March 2003

PUBLICATIONS
Bernsten, Suzanne & La Vigne, Mary. (2009). “Chewing Over Cultures: Learning about New Languages and Cultures.” The Library Instruction Cookbook. Ed. Ryan Sittler & Douglas Cook. Chicago: Association of College and Research Libraries, 2009. 150-151. Print.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES, AWARDS & HONORS

  • American Library Association
  • Association of College and Research Libraries
  • Library & Information Technology Association
  • Michigan Library Association
  • Beta Phi Mu Honor Society, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, UIUC
  • Emerging Leaders Professional Development Program, NJ Library Association, 2004

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
English Language & Culture Center (Fall 2008) Lansing Community College, Lansing, MI

  • Taught advanced writing and grammar classes to international students.

Writing Consultant (2001-2002) Writer’s Workshop, UIUC

  • Tutored undergraduate and graduate students for 30-60 minute sessions to develop writing skills. Planned and presented workshops for small groups on writing resumes and cover letters.

Listening/Speaking Instructor (Summer & Fall 2000) Intensive English Institute, UIUC

  • Taught academic English listening/speaking course to prepare international students to enter university and trained beginning and advanced students in oral presentation skills and note taking techniques.

Academic Writing Instructor (1999-2000) Service Courses, UIUC

  • Taught academic writing to international graduate students from a variety of disciplines. Developed materials on writing critical reviews, literature reviews, and abstracts.


Volunteers in Asia English Instructor (1997-1999) Bung Hatta University, Padang, Indonesia

  • Taught English writing, literature, poetry, American studies and conversation to undergraduates. Taught English to elementary and high school students through songs, games, and role play.

SUPERVISORY AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Japan Exchange Program Coordinator (August 2001 & 2002) Intensive English Institute, UIUC

  • Planned and taught ESL classes with a business focus for 25 students from Dokkyo University. Supervised ESL instructors and facilitated staff meetings. Designed and set up academic and social activities for the one month exchange program.

America Reads Graduate Coordinator (2000-2002) Financial Aid Office, UIUC

  • Supervised undergraduate tutors at Robeson Elementary School and Urbana Adult Education Center. Arranged orientation, set up tutor schedules, and monitored tutor performance.

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