Anne Slaughter Named Virtual Services Manager at the Oak Park Public Library

Anne Slaughter has been named Virtual Services Manager at the Oak Park Public Library. In this exciting new position, Anne will provide visionary leadership to expand the Library's virtual services for the community, such as eBooks, library apps, streaming video, and online research help. "We are delighted to have Anne on board. As the Library's first Virtual Services Manager she will ensure that all virtual services and resources are integrated and designed for the convenience of the public," states Executive Director Deirdre Brennan. "And of course she will help us implement new technologies to enhance the delivery of services."

The Oak Park Public Library is exploring new ways to deliver services to a multigenerational population through smartphones, tablets, computers, and whatever the newest devices might be. "We have lots of resources and information to share and the expertise to help people makes sense of new technologies. Anne will help us extend all that the Library offers beyond our library buildings and into the online environment and social media spaces that people use every day," states Rebecca Teasdale, Assistant Director for Public Services and Programs. "We're looking to connect with the Oak Park community in new ways."

As a trained librarian, excellent customer service is second-nature to Anne. She notes, "In all aspects of providing virtual services, as with all other library services, we keep a customer-centered perspective with an eye toward what is useful to them and what existing needs we can meet. Our virtual services should present a functional, usable, and intuitive user experience."

Moving in this direction, so far this year the Oak Park Public Library has set up online computer class registration, has begun posting video highlights of free library events, and will launch virtual reference services this summer. The Library is also developing a mobile app that will provide access to Oak Park Public Library materials and services from most smartphones.

Chief among Anne's projects in 2011 is a redesign of the Oak Park Public Library's website in Drupal, an open-source content management system. Using Drupal, the Library will be able to easily incorporate and manage interactive, adaptable, and portable components into its web presence.

Since 2006 Anne Slaughter has served as a Librarian in the Oak Park Public Library's Adult and Teen Services Department. She has been a key player in the Library's virtual services efforts including initiating the Library's Twitter presence. While serving on the Library's virtual services team, Anne assisted with the redesign of the teen website, conducted usability testing, and trained staff in writing for the web and in using Drupal.

Anne received her Master of Library and Information Science from Dominican University (River Forest, IL) and is a 2010 graduate of Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative. Anne has also served as Webmaster at the Franklin Park Public Library.

Anne will begin her new duties at the Oak Park Public Library in mid April 2011.