Tara Patterson
About Tara Patterson
Tara Patterson serves as the Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Unit Supervisor at George Washington University, where she has worked since 2007. She has a background in English and Anthropology from Washington and Lee University and has contributed to various library initiatives, including a free book swap program and the redesign of a document delivery database.
Current Role at George Washington University
Tara Patterson currently serves as the Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Unit Supervisor at George Washington University. She has held this position since 2007, overseeing the operations of the unit for 17 years. In her role, she coordinates borrowing and lending services with the Gelman Interlibrary Loan unit at the main campus. Patterson also monitors the usage of heavily-requested materials and provides recommendations for collection development to the appropriate subject liaison librarian.
Previous Experience at George Washington University
Prior to her current role, Tara Patterson worked at George Washington University as an Interlibrary Loan Specialist from 2001 to 2007, for a total of six years. Before that, she served as a Document Delivery Specialist from 1998 to 2001 for three years. During her tenure, she initiated a free book swap cart for staff and students at the Virginia Campus Library and redesigned an in-house Microsoft Access document delivery statistical database to enhance functionality and copyright tracking.
Education and Academic Background
Tara Patterson studied at Washington and Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her studies included English, Anthropology, Modern British Literature, Archaeology, Sociology, and Geology. She attended the university from 1994 to 1998, completing her degree in four years.
Professional Contributions and Initiatives
In her role, Tara Patterson has contributed to various library committees and staff development programs. She has drafted a departmental contingency plan for the Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Unit and actively keeps abreast of current trends, technologies, and initiatives related to resource sharing. Additionally, she oversees the resale and disposal of discarded library books and unwanted donations.