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VARSHA THAKUR
Resources Manager / Chief Librarian
Mumbai
Work Preference
Summary
Resource manager and chief librarian with extensive experience at HFS International, leading innovative library programs that significantly improved literacy and student engagement. Skilled in strategic planning and team collaboration, successfully directed initiatives that cultivated a strong reading culture and enhanced research skills among students.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Resource Manager & Chief Librarian
HFS International & Hiranandani Foundation School
Mumbai
06.2012 - Current
- Spearheaded over 20 innovative library programs promoting a culture of reading and lifelong learning.
- Led library services for IBDP, IGCSE, ICSE, and ISC curricula, fostering an innovative learning environment.
- Promoted library services that enhanced literacy and increased student engagement through targeted initiatives.
- Founded and directed the Reading Club since 2017, supporting the school's Read More Grow More mission.
- Conceptualized and managed IBDP student-led interview initiative to develop communication and research skills.
- Supported Virasat Club by mentoring students to enhance their leadership abilities and creative talents., encouraging leadership and creative expression among student members.
- Directed publication of student anthology Whispering Words, featuring work on Scholastic and Crossword platforms.
- Organized author interactions with renowned writers, enriching students' exposure to diverse literary perspectives and inspiring a passion for literature.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
Librarian & Resource Mentor
Podar International School
01.2012 - 05.2012
- Managed Cambridge and ICSE library services, improving access to diverse resources for students and educators.
- Developed library resources aligned with curriculum and student interests, facilitating better engagement with materials.
- Encouraged reading and research skill development, contributing to improved academic growth among students.
Librarian & Resource Head
BAPS Swaminarayan Vidyamandir International School
06.2007 - 10.2011
- Established modern library systems that enhanced user experience and increased accessibility for diverse populations.
- Curated and organized digital and print collections to align with user research needs, improving resource accessibility.
- Managed staff and operations, fostering a collaborative environment that improved service delivery.
- Conducted reading promotion programmes that engaged community members and fostered a culture of literacy.
Librarian
Swaminarayan Dham International School
06.2006 - 05.2007
- Managed daily library operations, facilitating efficient service delivery to patrons.
- Catalogued and classified collections, improving accessibility and organization for users.
- Supported teachers in utilizing library resources, enhancing curriculum and enriching student learning experiences.
Assistant Librarian
Aadharshila Educational Charitable Trust
06.2005 - 05.2006
- Implemented teaching and literacy programs that increased student engagement.
- Facilitated educational programs and events that strengthened community engagement.
- Assisted patrons in efficiently locating resources and materials to support their information needs.
- Organized library collections and maintained accurate cataloging systems.
- Assisted with administrative tasks to streamline library operations.
- Handled check-in and check-out process of library books and materials at circulation desk.
- Answered questions from patrons and helped to find desired materials.
- Gained strong understanding of various methods for cataloging books and other materials.
Teacher & Administrative Coordinator
Ankur English School
06.2002 - 05.2005
- Instructed students in primary education settings, fostering foundational skills and driving academic growth.
- Assisted in implementing school academic programmes, ensuring curriculum alignment and enhancing student engagement.
- Coordinated administrative operations, streamlining processes and improving communication within the school.
Education
IB Professional Development – Category 2 - Library Science
HFS International
Powai, Mumbai 01-2022
Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) - Library Science
IGNOU
Mumbai 01-2014
Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLIS) - Library Science
IGNOU
Ahmedabad, GJ01-2010
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) - Commerce
Gujarat University
Ahmedabad, GJ01-2005
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) - Commerce
GSEB
Ahmedabad, GJ01-2002
Secondary School Certificate (SSC) -
GSEB
Ahmedabad, GJ01-2000
Skills
- Library program management
- Educational program design
- Project management
- Leadership and management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Change management
- Strategic innovation
- Digital content curation
- Educational technology
- Information research
- Budget management
- Event planning and execution
- Team collaboration and mentoring
- Library automation
- Digital literacy initiatives
LANGUAGES
English, Hindi, Gujarati
Accomplishments
- 20+ years in education leadership.
- 14+ years leading international school libraries.
- Established one of Mumbai's most successful school Reading Clubs.
- Designed and implemented 20+ innovative library initiatives.
- Built a comprehensive Reading Culture Programme.
- Successfully integrated library technology through OPAC and digital services.
- Organized literary events featuring internationally renowned authors.
- Developed student leadership through the Library Committee and Virasat Club.
- Created platforms for student publishing and creative writing.
- Designed recognition programmes that significantly increased student reading engagement.
- Successfully integrated AI-enabled tools into library and learning practices.
- Supported academic programmes across IBDP, IGCSE, ICSE, and ISC curricula.
Affiliations
- Professional Memberships
- Member – MISA Library Network
- Member – SAIBSA Library Network
Certification
- IB Professional Development Category 2
- Saibsa IBDP Certificate
- Certified IGCSE Professional Developer
- Missa
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- BAPS Teacher Training Programme
- How to Set Up a Good School Library
- IB Professional Development Workshops
- AI in Education Workshops
- Educational Technology Workshops
- Information Literacy Training
- MS Office (NIIT)
- Regular participant in educational conferences, in-house workshops, library innovation programmes, and professional development initiatives.
Timeline
Resource Manager & Chief Librarian
HFS International & Hiranandani Foundation School
06.2012 - Current
Librarian & Resource Mentor
Podar International School
01.2012 - 05.2012
Librarian & Resource Head
BAPS Swaminarayan Vidyamandir International School
06.2007 - 10.2011
Librarian
Swaminarayan Dham International School
06.2006 - 05.2007
Assistant Librarian
Aadharshila Educational Charitable Trust
06.2005 - 05.2006
Teacher & Administrative Coordinator
Ankur English School
06.2002 - 05.2005
IB Professional Development – Category 2 - Library Science
HFS International
Master of Library & Information Science (MLIS) - Library Science
IGNOU
Bachelor of Library & Information Science (BLIS) - Library Science
IGNOU
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) - Commerce
Gujarat University
Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) - Commerce
GSEB
Secondary School Certificate (SSC) -
GSEB