Boca Raton Public Library Hires New Digital Librarian
The Boca Raton Public Library is pleased to announce that Vicky Fitzsimmons has been hired for the new position of Digital Librarian. “Ms. Fitzsimmons brings with her the expertise and leadership necessary to help the BRPL meet the developing digital and technology needs of our community,” said Ann Nappa, Manager of Library Services for the City of Boca Raton. “In her new capacity, she will maximize the effective use of new and improved digital services and products; promote digital literacy to patrons; provide essential training for library staff; and bring new and cutting-edge products to our collection.”
Fitzsimmons earned her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from Florida State University in 2005 and was subsequently employed by the Boca Raton Public Library in the Reference Department. Under her leadership, the Reference Department was reengineered in 2014 to become Instructional Services, with a mission to teach classes on a variety of 21st-century skills including digital literacy. The class schedule has grown to twenty classes per month.
While working directly with BRPL patrons and local students over the years, Fitzsimmons has developed a keen understanding of the challenges people face when confronted with new technology and the skills needed to keep up with constantly changing trends. “As the BRPL’s new Digital Librarian,” notes Fitzsimmons, “I’m looking forward to greater opportunities to teach and build awareness of the diverse, fun and useful digital offerings that are all free with a library card.”
Fitzsimmons’ work will allow the Boca Raton Public Library to serve the growing number of patrons who increasingly seek to acquire digital and technology skills, and help develop training for sophisticated new technologies. The direct result will be high-level, 21st-century offerings for the library’s patrons and world-class service for which the City of Boca Raton is known.
