Christopher Stephenson
Master of Library & Information Studies (SLAIS, the iSchool at UBC), 2015
Where did Christopher work?
Work Term 1:
Analyst, Public Works & Government Services Canada, Ottawa ON
Work Term 2:
Reference Librarian, Legislative Library, The Legislative Assembly of BC, Victoria BC
What Were Christopher’s Accomplishments with the Arts Co-op Program?
Public Works & Government Services Canada
Christopher was part of a specialized team at the Enterprise Program Management Office tasked with the planning and logistics for the 5-year roll-out of a government-wide electronic document and records management system. He had the opportunity to engage with the collection, management and dissemination of Canada’s largest documentary heritage. Christopher’s main responsibilities included performing time-sensitive analysis, strategic communications with standards and policies, and implementing standards innovative ways of working in government. In this role, Christopher developed his project management skill set, ability to write briefing notes and research papers, and teamwork skills.
The Legislative Assembly of BC
As a reference librarian, Christopher provided front-line support for reference and research queries, circulation, and e-document resource accessibility. He improved his client service skills by accommodating the Speaker of the House, MLAs and their research and communications staff, Legislature & Government employees within and beyond the Legislative Assembly, the Press Gallery, and members of the public. In this fast-paced, rewarding public service role, Christopher was able to complete compelling writing projects, evaluate vendor offers, and showcase his presentation of Parliamentary Workshop Library Orientations for employees of the BC Government. He described the experience as, “fantastic and unforgettable.”
What Was Christopher’s Most Memorable Experience as a Co-op Student?
Christopher expressed that he will never forget his time at the Legislative Library in Victoria, BC. It merged his interests in high-quality time-sensitive research, with customer service and provincial history. He was able to add members of the Legislative Assembly and their staff to his professional network through engagement on a number of projects. Christopher was very appreciative of the opportunity to learn from the accomplished colleagues around him, and complete challenging yet simulating work. He reflected, “It was especially rewarding to see how contributions I made became part of public policy.”
What is Christopher Doing Now and How did Arts Co-op Help Him Get There?
Christopher is currently the Head Librarian at the downtown Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library system. He is actively working to build community by focusing on accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and advocacy. The Arts Co-op Program allowed him to be exposed to many ways of working, and the leadership styles of the librarians he worked with. It helped him build his professional network and propel him into the management roles he has taken on. Now, after completing his Master’s degree and several years of professional experiences, Christopher reflects that Arts Co-op provided him with expansive experience in libraries and other information sectors, which allowed him to quickly bring together his academic studies, relevant experience, and his past leadership roles.
Christopher Stephenson
Master of Library & Information Studies (SLAIS, the iSchool at UBC), 2015
Where did Christopher work?
Work Term 1:
Analyst, Public Works & Government Services Canada, Ottawa ON
Work Term 2:
Reference Librarian, Legislative Library, The Legislative Assembly of BC, Victoria BC
What Were Christopher’s Accomplishments with the Arts Co-op Program?
Public Works & Government Services Canada
Christopher was part of a specialized team at the Enterprise Program Management Office tasked with the planning and logistics for the 5-year roll-out of a government-wide electronic document and records management system. He had the opportunity to engage with the collection, management and dissemination of Canada’s largest documentary heritage. Christopher’s main responsibilities included performing time-sensitive analysis, strategic communications with standards and policies, and implementing standards innovative ways of working in government. In this role, Christopher developed his project management skill set, ability to write briefing notes and research papers, and teamwork skills.
The Legislative Assembly of BC
As a reference librarian, Christopher provided front-line support for reference and research queries, circulation, and e-document resource accessibility. He improved his client service skills by accommodating the Speaker of the House, MLAs and their research and communications staff, Legislature & Government employees within and beyond the Legislative Assembly, the Press Gallery, and members of the public. In this fast-paced, rewarding public service role, Christopher was able to complete compelling writing projects, evaluate vendor offers, and showcase his presentation of Parliamentary Workshop Library Orientations for employees of the BC Government. He described the experience as, “fantastic and unforgettable.”
What Was Christopher’s Most Memorable Experience as a Co-op Student?
Christopher expressed that he will never forget his time at the Legislative Library in Victoria, BC. It merged his interests in high-quality time-sensitive research, with customer service and provincial history. He was able to add members of the Legislative Assembly and their staff to his professional network through engagement on a number of projects. Christopher was very appreciative of the opportunity to learn from the accomplished colleagues around him, and complete challenging yet simulating work. He reflected, “It was especially rewarding to see how contributions I made became part of public policy.”
What is Christopher Doing Now and How did Arts Co-op Help Him Get There?
Christopher is currently the Head Librarian at the downtown Kelowna Branch of the Okanagan Regional Library system. He is actively working to build community by focusing on accessibility, inclusion, diversity, and advocacy. The Arts Co-op Program allowed him to be exposed to many ways of working, and the leadership styles of the librarians he worked with. It helped him build his professional network and propel him into the management roles he has taken on. Now, after completing his Master’s degree and several years of professional experiences, Christopher reflects that Arts Co-op provided him with expansive experience in libraries and other information sectors, which allowed him to quickly bring together his academic studies, relevant experience, and his past leadership roles.