Tamela Chambers, M.Ed, MSLIS, CAS (ΖΦΒ)

Experience

• 

  Chicago Public Library

  Jun 2001 - Jul 2010

  Regularly assisted with staffing needs at branches throughout the district.Provided reference and reader's advisory assistance using print and electronic media.Assisted with the review and approval of branch programs for posting to library website.Monitored programming to ensure representation of community needs.Worked closely with the district chief and administrative assistant in day-to-day management of the district office.Wrote, coordinated, collected and reviewed reports and special projects.Assisted with collection development and maintenance including monitoring of branch material budgets.Helped with the planning and opening preparations of new and renovated branches. Show less Planned and implement programs aimed at increasing emergent, family and technological literacy for a diverse public.Designed and disseminated materials aimed at marketing the library's services and educational opportunities.Provided reference and user instruction.Planned and implemented age/grade appropriate instructional programs aimed at educating parents and children about the resources and requirements for science, history, and other research projects.Demonstrated early literacy activities to parents and early childhood practitioners through story hour preschool and toddler programs Show less

  • Librarian I

    Jan 2008 - Jul 2010

  • Children’s Library Associate/Librarian I

    Jun 2001 - Jan 2008
• 

  Chicago Public Schools

  Sept 2012 - Jul 2018

  Assessed and met the needs of students and faculty for information, and develop programs to stimulate students' interests in reading and use of technology.Selected and organized books and other materials and equipment.Reader's advisory.Conferred with faculty to provide materials for classroom instruction.Collaborated with staff to build technology infused units of study.Maintained the school website and social media accounts.Student Voice Committee Facilitator.Aspen Challenge Chicago, 2017 Coach.Louder Than a Bomb Poetry Coach. Show less

  • After School Program Coordinator

    Sept 2015 - Jul 2018

  • Online Credit Recovery Mentor

    Oct 2011 - Jul 2018

  • Service Learning Coach

    Sept 2011 - Jul 2018

  • Library Media and Technology Specialist

    Jul 2010 - Jul 2018

  • Media Studies Teacher

    Sept 2012 - Sept 2015
• 

  Chicago Public Library

  Jul 2018 - now

  Directs the operations of 15 branch locations and 1 regional library at the Chicago Public Library. Responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of library services, collections, facility and programs. Represent CPL at community, civic and other meetings to ensure the library is meeting the needs of the community.Train, mentor and evaluate staff providing services to patrons.Develop and strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders. Developed and managed comprehensive services to children, parents, caregivers and teachers.Designed and evaluated the early learning play space.Planned, promoted and executed a rigorous schedule of programs, systemwide projects, special events and outreach projects.Served on advisory committee with the Children’s Services and Family Engagement Team.Served as a trainer for new children’s librarians.

  • District Chief, Southwest

    Dec 2023 - now

  • Branch Manager

    Apr 2021 - Dec 2023

  • Librarian IV, Manager of Children’s Services

    Jul 2018 - Apr 2021
• 

  Chicago State University

  Jan 2020 - May 2023

  Adjunct Lecturer

  January-May 2020THE PUBLIC LIBRARY (3) Examination of the role of the public library in society. Topics include public library history, current trends, organization and management, the role of the library board of trustees, funding sources including local, state and federal government, an assessment of public library clientele diversity, and a review of types of information resources, services and programming provided in public libraries.February-May 2023ELECTRONIC RECORDS MANAGEMENT (3) Introduction to electronic record keeping and preservation for purposes of organizational effectiveness, documentation and memory, and institutional accountability. Provides a holistic approach from records definitions and formats, to computerized information systems (hardware and software), and long-term preservation; with special attention to socio-technical solutions, as well as behavioral, organizational and professional implications for best practices in creating creditable management operations with sustainable information bases. Show less