Rachel Butensa Maswahu
WINDHOEK
Summary
A Dedicated and resourceful Librarian with over 7 years of experience in managing library operations, curating collections, and providing exceptional user services. Adept at utilizing modern library systems and technologies to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of library services. Proven ability to design and implement innovative programs and initiatives that foster a love for reading and lifelong learning. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a track record of building positive relationships with patrons, colleagues, and the entire library community. Committed to upholding the principles of information literacy, diversity, and inclusion.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Librarian
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
Windhoek, Khomas
05.2022 - Current
- Supervision and staff development of library staff
- Planning, monitoring and evaluation of the information needs and services
- Selection and acquisition of relevant information resources
- Knowledge management of organization’s information resources
- Budget planning and financial administration of the library budget
- Coordination of library outreach and awareness programs
- Introduction and implementation of new library policies
- Perform quality assurance and quality check on the catalogued and classified library materials
- Facilitated knowledge sharing among staff members through regular meetings, training sessions, and collaboration opportunities.
- Promoted information literacy through workshops, presentations, and one-on-one consultations.
- Forging partnerships with other libraries in the region to share resources and expertise for mutual benefit.
- Optimized collection management strategies, ensuring a balanced array of materials while staying within budget constraints.
- Created programs and activities to promote library usage and literacy.
- Maintain information retrieval systems
- Identify technology needs and make recommendations.
Librarian
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
Windhoek
01.2020 - 04.2022
- Supervised library assistant
- Maintained library materials
- Handled requests by library users
- Prepared library budgets
- Coordinated library outreach programs
- Cataloguing and classification of library materials
- Organized library resources for easy access
- Evaluated library inventory needs
- Order and protection of the library’s resources
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain an updated library collection.
- Maintained library databases to support accuracy and availability in circulation systems.
- I trained and supervised library staff, volunteers, and other personnel.
- Researched, planned, and set up attractive and informative library exhibits.
- Promotion of library’s resources.
Teacher Librarian
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region
09.2018 - 12.2019
- Offered Information and Communication subject from grade 8 to 10 learners
- Managed the school library
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
- Issuing of books
- Implemented information literacy programs at the school
- Managed events in line with the library.
Junior Archivist
Namibian broadcasting Corporation (NBC)
01.2017 - 09.2018
- Issuing of news tapes and programs to reporters
- Cataloguing of news tapes and programs
- Data entry of news and programs on ABC database
- Provided reference assistance to patrons, guiding them in locating relevant resources within the archives.
- Improved collection organization and streamlined retrieval processes with meticulous cataloging of archival materials.
Student Assistant
University of Namibia
Windhoek
04.2016 - 11.2016
- Scanning of previous question papers
- Uploading question papers on the UNAM repository.
- Enhanced office efficiency by organizing and maintaining files, records, and resources.
- Collaborated with team members on event planning and execution, resulting in successful events and activities.
- Completed special projects assigned by supervisors within specified deadlines while balancing regular duties effectively.
- Maintained clean and organized office areas
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Library And Information Science
University of Namibia
Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia04.2017
High School Diploma -
Caprivi Senior Secondary School
Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region, Namibia11.2009
Skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent cataloguing skills
- Excellent verbal and writing skills
- Computer literate
- User service oriented
- Attention to details and ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking and problem solving skills
- Willing and able to learn
- Cataloging Expertise
- Interlibrary loan
- Information Literacy
- Metadata creation
- Library Programming
- Library Management
- Team Collaboration
- Knowledge of circulation procedures
- Social media knowledge
- Event Planning
- Document Control
Accomplishments
Secretary for the year 2022 -2023 National Information Workers Association of Namibia
Editor for the National Information Workers Association of Namibia 2024 -2025
Personal Information
- ID Number: 91012000737
- Health Status: Good
- Date of Birth: 01/20/91
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Namibian
- Marital Status: Single
References
- Mr Ronald Kanguti, Senior Library Assistant, University of Namibia Library, rkanguti@unam.na
- Ms Irmela Pfohl, Senior Library Assistant (Digitisation and IR), University of Namibia Library, iphohl@unam.na, +264612063870
- Mrs Lizell Vrey, Senior Archivist, NBC TV library, +264612093248
- Mr Matiti VS, Principal, Ngweze Senior Secondary School, +264812842100
Hobbies and Interests
- Learning
- Socialising
- Reading
- Editing
- Netball
Affiliations
- National Information Workers Association of Namibia
Certification
Learners Licence
Timeline
Senior Librarian
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
05.2022 - Current
Librarian
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
01.2020 - 04.2022
Teacher Librarian
Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
09.2018 - 12.2019
Junior Archivist
Namibian broadcasting Corporation (NBC)
01.2017 - 09.2018
Student Assistant
University of Namibia
04.2016 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Library And Information Science
University of Namibia
High School Diploma -
Caprivi Senior Secondary School