Michael Steeleworthy, MLIS

Maps

steeleworthy — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:24:02 +0000

Blog

steeleworthy — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:49:17 +0000

I blog about library and information science at thezeds.com. Some months have more posts than other months, and some posts are more insightful than others, but it’s generally a good read. Check it out to read some of my opinions; they range from Wild to Mundane.

Portfolio

steeleworthy — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:31:53 +0000

Here are a few examples of my professional work. I now work mostly with TechSmith Camtasia and Audacity, but I also have extensive experience with Adobe Captivate, and I’m comfortable working with either interface.

1. Document Delivery for Distance Education Students

This video shows students how to find materials through different document delivery methods. I’ve created a strong narrative by relying on PowerPoint slides and Camtasia callouts throughout the piece. My voice is intentionally informal and personable to soften the blow that Document Delivery and ILL can be for library users.

2. Getting Your Research Started with the Dal Libraries Website

In October 2010, Dalhousie University relaunched their web presence. The Libraries received a brand new site in the middle of the term, so its users had to re-learn where their trusted tools and resources were located. This 3-minute long instructional tutorial that was produced to introduce the new site to our users. We featured it on our blog, linked to it in e-mails, and promoted it to faculty and students in classrooms and in meetings.

3. How to Find Databases with the Dalhousie Libraries Single Search Bar

In the days following the launch of the new website, our analytics showed that the above instructional tutorial worked well in the classroom but not “in the wild.” Feedback at the reference desk and usage stats showed us that users preferred an informal “how to” tutorial that explained in as little time possible how to find our resources. I produced this video, which features Picture-in-Picture video, within a day to quickly and effectively show our users how to find scholarly databases and integrate them in their work again.

4. This is your DalCard

Most university and college library users suffer from having too many logins associated with their accounts. This short clip, intended for distance users but applicable to all students, demystifies the two numbers listed on a Dalhousie University identification card.

5. Searching with EBSCO Databases

Dalhousie Libraries has been building online tutorials since the mid-2000s. In 2011, I refreshed an existing EBSCO tutorial to meet current web standards and the vendor’s own interface. This tutorial features extensive screen captions from both PowerPoint and the web browser to combine teaching and examples into one video.

6. Leveraging YouTube: Informing and Educating with Screencasts

Leveraging YouTube: informing and educating with screencasts

This is my slide deck from my Halifax PodCamp 2011 presentation on screencasting. Although some may think that screencasting is “old hat” since it’s been around for 5 or 6 years, most organizations have not had the resources or capital invest in it. This presentation outlined the costs and benefits associated with screencasting.

7. Web Publishing:

Fashionable People, Questionable Things

FPQT is a blog about fashion, style, and pop culture, from Halifax. The site runs on a self-hosted install of WordPress and receives over 15,000 pageviews a month. I manage the site for FPQT and generally handle server-related issues, feeds, and analytics. I understand CSS and PHP, so I’ve made minor modifications to site design and coding, too.

Edwards Magazine and Edwards Bookclub

Edwards Magazine is an Atlantic Canadian women’s lifestyle magazine, published in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. In the winter of 2009, I shifted its content from a static framework onto WordPress. Before going live, the Edwards’ CSS had to be tweaked to meet the client’s standards. Some lines of PHP also had to be re-written to allow the dynamic sliders to function properly.

8. Other Items

Saint Mary’s University: Pamphlet – Accessing CANSIM through ESTAT

Contact

steeleworthy — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:00:04 +0000

Use this form to contact me if you like.

[contact-form]

Resume

steeleworthy — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:00:19 +0000

Michael Steeleworthy, MLIS

Experienced Emerging Technologies and Instructional Librarian

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

I'm a professional librarian working in emerging technologies, information literacy, and reference services. I am an experienced producer of online instructional materials with a variety of software (including Camtasia, Captivate, Lectora), and I am experienced with developing and organizing content for the web. I also have a particular interest in government documents and data.

In regards to the profession itself, I'm a strong advocate for information ethics, and also for developing the profession's (and my own) role in information architecture.

Specialties

emerging technologies, instructional technologies, research and reference services, government documents, Web 2.0 development, social media, information literacy

Government Information Librarian

Wilfrid Laurier University

Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry

February 2012 – Present (4 months) Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Communications Courses Facilitator and Marker

Smartfirm Inc

May 2008 – Present (4 years 1 month)

- Deliver and grade a university-level online communications course, Writing 401: Advanced Business Writing, to mid-career professionals at a Big Four consulting firm.
- Improved the communications skills of classes of 50 students over 12-week terms.
- Contributed to and edited portions of Course Manuals and Rubrics.

Member, Citizen Screenings Panel

Government of Nova Scotia: Services Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations

Government Agency; 10,001+ employees; Government Administration industry

August 2010 – February 2012 (1 year 7 months) Halifax, Nova Scotia

- Review applications for appointments to non-adjudicative agencies, boards and commissions.

Public Services Librarian, Instructional Technologies and Reference Services

Dalhousie University

Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry

August 2010 – July 2011 (1 year) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

- Managed a collection of over 100 learning objects (selection available at http://bit.ly/ms0600) and developed new materials suited for online learning styles; analyzed usage patterns and developed a best practices manual and weeding guidelines;
- Member of the Libraries’ Web Advisory Committee; collaborated on site architecture and author workflows
- Consulted on a Reference Services Review Committee; led research on modes of delivery; collaborated on and edited final report.
- Consulted on the Faculty of Health Professions Distance Education Committee; gave insight on copyright and licensing; designed a library portal for distance students (available at http://bit.ly/ms0700)
- Member of the Libraries’ Communications Committee; promoted the development of librarian profiles to increase visibility and develop relationships with library users
- Promoted the use of Twitter, Yammer, and QR Codes in the Libraries to improve user outreach and web communications
- Supervised an information literacy intern’s production of online tutorials with Camtasia and Audacity
- Provided online and in-person reference services and in-person information literacy classes

Graduate Library Assistant in Information Literacy, Patrick Power Library

Saint Mary's University

Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Higher Education industry

September 2008 – April 2010 (1 year 8 months) Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

- Provided services and support for Reference and Information Literacy initiatives within the Library
- Created online instructional materials with Adobe Captivate
- Developed and deployed instructional guides for Statistics Canada’s E-STAT database for both library staff and users
- Collaborated on a LibGuides web portal International students campus
- Provided online and in-person reference assistance to patrons

Undergraduate Writing Tutor; Course Facilitator

The Writing Centre, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS

Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Higher Education industry

September 2005 – August 2006 (1 year)

- Utilized a "learn by doing" methodology that helped students improve their writing abilities through trial and error in a comfortable environment
- Prepared lectures and taught in its Summer Writing Programme, a series of workshops for incoming students. Sections included critical thinking, and documentation and citation.
- Tutored students in individual and group sessions to improve their writing skills and understanding of grammar and syntax
- Developed grammar exercises and quizzes for the Centre's Online Writing Lab (OWL)

Dalhousie University

MLIS, Library and Information Science

2008 – 2010

- Specialized in information literacy, reference services, information ethics, and emerging technologies in libraries.

Activities and Societies: CLA (Canadian Library Association) Student Representative

Saint Mary's University

BA (Hon.), English

2003 – 2007

Activities and Societies: - Student Representative, Academic Senate - Student Representative, English Department Chair Selection Committee - President and Editor, University English Society - Participant at two refereed academic conferences - CGPA 3.96/4.3

Reference Librarianship
Information Literacy
Distance Education
Camtasia
Adobe Captivate
Audacity
GIMP
Blackboard
LibGuides
Moodle
WordPress
Saba Centra

[This information has been pulled directly from my LinkedIn Profile through Fabrizio Balliano's great plugin. I've made minor tweaks to the CSS to override some LI elements that don't import so well, such as spacing between positions under experience.]

About me

steeleworthy — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:00:05 +0000

I’m a professional librarian in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. My work blends people, information, the Internet, and emerging and instructional technologies.

I use emerging and instructional technologies to improve information discovery and learning outcomes. I promote the use of screencasting software, webinars, and online learning spaces as tools to help libraries connect with their users and to help users connect with information. Emerging and instructional technologies can enhance lifelong learning and improve information access and critical research.

My work experience and education lends itself well to my interest in how people use technologies to access and use information. I have worked for three years in reference services at two academic libraries, and in information literacy for two of those years. Every day, I help library users locate critical resources, access hard-to-find information, and overcome problems they face in the research process. I also have five years of experience in student support services, including work as a personal writing tutor, as a lecturer on university-level research, and as an ESL tutor. Finally, I also work as a business communications instructor and teach students how to write persuasive messages for different audiences and different mediums, including print, PowerPoint, and the web. My work experience combines constant stakeholder interaction, information discovery, emerging technologies, and the Oxford comma.

Outside of the office, I enjoy a good cup of coffee, a good glass of wine, and a good vacation. I’ve recently taken up road-biking (but still have trouble fixing a flat tire) and will one day actually finish writing that novel I’m always talking about.

I’m an avid Twitter user and I sometimes blog about librarianship and the information society at thezeds.com. Sometimes I post photographs from my iPhone to Flickr, as well.

Michael Steeleworthy, MLIS

Maps

Blog

Portfolio

Contact

Resume

Michael Steeleworthy, MLIS

Experienced Emerging Technologies and Instructional Librarian

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Summary

Specialties

Experience

Government Information Librarian

Wilfrid Laurier University

Communications Courses Facilitator and Marker

Smartfirm Inc

Member, Citizen Screenings Panel

Government of Nova Scotia: Services Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations

Public Services Librarian, Instructional Technologies and Reference Services

Dalhousie University

Graduate Library Assistant in Information Literacy, Patrick Power Library

Saint Mary's University

Undergraduate Writing Tutor; Course Facilitator

The Writing Centre, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS

Education

Dalhousie University

MLIS, Library and Information Science

Saint Mary's University

BA (Hon.), English

Skills & Expertise

[This information has been pulled directly from my LinkedIn Profile through Fabrizio Balliano's great plugin. I've made minor tweaks to the CSS to override some LI elements that don't import so well, such as spacing between positions under experience.]

About me