MLIS 2001 {Beta Phi Mu Member}
Senior Information Systems Specialist
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Helena, MT USA

What I am doing now.

I am the “Handy Smurf” of the DEQ’s Water Quality Planning Bureau. I am the solo librarian, having created the library and grown it to about 10,000 holdings, I am a web designer, records manager, researcher, and the database analyst for all non-metric databases. I am also the project manager for the Water Quality Integrated Report which is prepared for EPA every two years to fulfill the requirements for section 303(d) and 305(b) of the Clean Water Act.

What are the most valuable skills I use in my job?

The technical skills I learned at SJSU have served me extremely well. My knowledge of cataloging, indexing, abstracting, and records management are used on a daily basis. I am the “go to” for literature searches and the education I received in how people search for things has made me a good source of information on web design (although not everyone takes my advice.)

Probably the most valuable skill I got from the SLIS program is the ability to communicate on various levels. In a job where I am surrounded by linear thinkers, I think in the abstract. Not being a scientist or computer “geek”, I see things from a unique perspective and am able to communicate different ideas to assist in problem-solving.

Contact Permission

It is OK to contact this alumni.

Send email to: Pamela Arroues