VIRGINIA DEMPSEY

          Prior to attending the iSchool, I graduated in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University-Commerce. As part of my Honors program there, I also defended a thesis project comparing the benefits or disadvantages of "More Product, Less Process" vs. traditional archiving techniques. For over two years, I worked at A&M Commerce as a Digital Collections Lab Assistant, conducting digital preservation for an extensive oral history program on veterans.

          As an iSchool student, I have completed coursework in Reference, Collection Management, Digital Preservation and Library Instruction, joining my interests in curating effective materials for an organization's purpose with a technological, interpersonal, and educational skillset. While completing my classes, I have worked at the Harry Ransom Center, Access Enterprise Forms Management, and retailer organizations, which has further expanded my abilities to include digital forensics practices, corporate records design software, and sales strategies that consistently aid in meeting key performance indicators. My capstone project at the iSchool, "ArchivesSpace as a Collection Management Tool at the Harry Ransom Center," has laid the groundwork for implementing an out-of-the-box software solution in a specific organization by exploring staff workflows and customization options to best fit our unique needs.
          For me, my experience at the iSchool has ultimately provided an understanding of how individuals, organizations, and information unite to create notable futures.
          My background in English has led me to an interest in the humanistic and historical elements of records management, while my experience in archiving and coursework at the iSchool has provided me with the tools to leverage digital preservation and forensics strategies to best represent the work of individuals and organizations to the public. I have gained experience with collection management software, the lifecycle of digital objects, and digital stewardship best practices, as well as the ability to refine research questions in brief conversation, provide excellent service to patrons and clients, and provide effective, lasting instruction in physical or online settings. 
          I look forward to applying these skills at an academic library or archive in the near future, and continuing to explore the intersection of instruction, workflow management, and digital preservation for organizational success and optimal efficiency.