Curriculum Vitae

Heidi E. Blanton

Creative and hard-working graduate with over eleven years experience in information science, and a desire to connect people with information they are seeking in often overwhelming electronic environments.

Skills & Achievements

Information Architecture & Usability

  • Worked closely with web development teams to ensure solid information architecture and usability on a variety of projects, which included clients in non-profit organizations, automotive, and telecommunications while working for Thread, Inc.
  • Created sitemaps/blueprints, wireframes, and content maps for clients using Microsoft Visio and other available or related tools.
  • Participated as a student volunteer at IA Summit in 2008 and 2009, and continue to stay involved with groups such as Refresh Detroit to foster my strong commitment to leadership and professional development.

Initiatives

  • Explored methods of virtual participation and meetings for the Wayne State Student Chapter of the American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) to include students enrolled in Wayne State's Library and Information Science Program's new Online Degree.
  • Created and managed branch resources at the Monroe County Library System with easy to use content management systems like blogs and wikis to encourage better communication and organization of information.
  • Developed subscriber database and managed the organization's website while serving on the Board of Directors for the Southern Great Lakes Symphony.

Leadership & Team Work

  • Ongoing commitment to leadership while President of the Wayne State Chapter of ASIS&T.
  • Served on voluntary committees relating to marketing and technology including a committee devoted to improving the usability of the library catalog at the Monroe County Library System and another with the goal of marketing orchestra events through the Southern Great Lakes Symphony.
  • Involved with music groups for 20 + years that include small and large instrumental groups, choral groups, and participation in orchestras for musical productions.

Communication

  • Ability to quickly ascertain solutions based on patron and customer information needs from training as a reference librarian.
  • Developed strong presentation skills while regularly presenting to students at the ITT Technical Institute, training staff at the Monroe County Library System, through my own classroom experience, and to corporate colleagues and executives during my role at Thread, Inc.
  • Training and customer service roles in various capacities both as an academic and public librarian, and as an assistant to undergrad students with web development, podcasting, and multimedia projects at Wayne State's Student Technology Studio.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

Technical Skills

  • Information architecture/web design
  • Blogs/wikis/virtual communities
  • Advanced database programming and design
  • HTML and CSS
  • C++ and Visual Basic programming
  • Some PHP & MySQL

Systems & Software

  • Microsoft Access/Database Applications
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Word/Excel/Desktop Publishing
  • Adobe Photoshop/Acrobat/Illustrator
  • Macromedia Dreamweaver
  • Integrated Library and Information Systems

Education

Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

M.S. in Library and Information Science
Information Management Certificate

  • Membership in the American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T) and active in the Wayne State Student Chapter. Served as the Director of Events and Education, Vice President, and served as the President of the student chapter.
  • Conference attendance included ASIS&T Annual Meeting (2007, 2008), IA Summit (2008, 2009), Internet User Experience (2008, 2009), Michigan Library Association (2006, 2007), Ann Arbor BarCamp (2007), Ann Arbor LibraryCamp (2006, 2008), ACPL LibraryCamp (2008).
  • Membership in the American Library Association and the Michigan Library Association.

Carthage College, Kenosha, WI

B.A. in Music

  • Completed six years of study in German while attending college, including high school education.
  • Lambda Kappa Music Fraternity: Served as Vice President of Public Relations and Usher Chair.
  • Carthage College Music Advisory Board: Music students selected to discuss issues and generate new ideas concerning the Carthage Music Department.
  • Carthage Choir: Member of the alto section and participated in choir tours to New York, Florida, and Europe.

Work History

Wayne State University (Detroit, MI)
Student Technology Studio Assistant

ITT Technical Institute (Canton, MI)
Library Assistant

Monroe County Library System (Monroe, MI)
Circulation Clerk

Thread, Inc. (Toledo, OH)
Information Resources Specialist

Carthage College (Kenosha, WI)
Circulation & Faculty Reserves

Other Experience

  • Refresh Detroit: Local web professionals' group devoted to usability
  • A2B3: Lunch group of local techies, students, and business leaders
  • Southern Great Lakes Symphony Board of Directors
  • Maumee Community Band Flute Section
  • Waterville Playshop Flutist in Musical Productions