To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Rachel, I am an OER Librarian with an MLIS from SJSU, and I am passionate about making library collections, instruction and services accessible, equitable, and integrated into the communities libraries serve. Specific areas of interest include: equitable access, open educational resources, reference, information literacy, user experience, outreach, project management and assistive technology.
Over the past academic year, I have embraced the role of a full-time OER Librarian at Coalinga College, where I have significantly contributed to building and enhancing OER resources. My enthusiasm for collaborating closely with faculty to develop these resources has profoundly enriched my professional experience and skill set. In my capacity as an OER Librarian, I have honed my expertise in managing large-scale projects and fostering strong partnerships across academic departments to advance the use of open educational resources and started cross district collaborations for final interface projects. This role has not only allowed me to deeply engage in areas such as reference, information literacy, and user experience but also in outreach and assistive technology—ensuring that our academic resources are tailored to the diverse needs of our community.
Previously, I served as the Chair of the ALA Student Chapter at SJSU and was elected Secretary for the Special Library Association Southern California Chapter. These leadership roles enhanced my skills in outreach, project management, and community engagement. Additionally, working as a graduate assistant to Dr. David Loertscher, I facilitated Zoom workshops, provided technical support, and assisted in editing instructional materials on platforms like Canvas and Google Sites. My teaching experience extends to conducting both group classes and one-on-one sessions in information and digital literacy over the last three years.
Internships have played a crucial role in broadening my professional scope. At the National Park Golden Gate Recreation Museum Archive and the Orange County Public Library, I gained firsthand experience in archival processes and public library operations, respectively. My internship at California State University Pollak Library Reference department involved conducting daily reference interviews and providing research assistance, further cementing my capabilities in academic library settings.
My technical proficiency includes tools such as Springshare, LibGuides, Mozilla HUBS, 3D Printing, ProCreate, Photoshop, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, OCLC, HTML5, and JavaScript. Additionally, my background in Psychology and Art allows me to bring a holistic approach to library services, emphasizing community engagement and equitable lifelong learning.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my diverse skill set and passion for library sciences to your team. I am eager to contribute to your projects and initiatives, and I believe that my background in OER development, combined with my broad range of experiences, makes me a unique and valuable candidate for your organization.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team.
Warm regards,
Sincerely,
Rachel Fleming
303-478-2578 | rachellynnfleming@gmail.com