Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Athina Arvanitaki

Bo'ness,UK

Summary

A methodical and highly organised professional with ten years of experience in both public-facing and behind-the-scenes roles across libraries and museums, including national and international cultural institutions. Skilled in strategic planning and project management, history, exhibition design, art management, and research, with a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, contributing to effective teamwork and collaboration. Adept in library programming, collection classification, and event organisation, can create engaging, inclusive library environment that encourages curiosity and exploration. Reliable, trustworthy, and calm under pressure, leveraging creativity and adaptability to thrive in dynamic environments.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Lifelong Learning Library Development Leader

The City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh, Lothians
12.2021 - Current
  • Managing resources, budget, and supervising members of staff to deliver reading and learning programmes for pupils.
  • Developing partnerships with school departments and external information institutions to establish the library as a central hub for learning and engagement within the school and local community.
  • Identifying service gaps and devised plans to expand service offerings.
  • Actively participate in large-scale library projects to diversify and enrich service.
  • Curating a dynamic and engaging collection of books to enrich learning resources and support reading for pleasure.
  • Developing diverse book collections, relevant to the school community, to represent various cultures and perspectives.
  • Fostering a continuous learning culture, enhancing professional skills of pupils and staff.
  • Creating an inclusive, welcoming and empowering school library service with young people's active participation, personal commitment and ongoing reflection.
  • Planning and implementing operational goals to support teaching and learning, and ensure a structured, engaging library environment.
  • Supervising daily library access, creating a safe environment and ensuring inclusive experiences for all users.
  • Established and curating an inter-loan library system between school and public libraries to meet requests and expand the on site collection.
  • Promoting digital education to support independent learning and research skills.

Learning officer ( volunteering position)

Linlithgow Museum Trust
Linlithgow, West Lothian
05.2021 - 01.2025
  • Developed programmes of activities and workshops around museum objects, exhibitions, particular themes, and annual festivals such as the life of Mary Queen of Scots project.
  • Proposed new initiatives and work with other museum staff and volunteers to develop the museum's events programme according to the museum's learning strategy and ethos.
  • Established an engaging learning environment by developing interactive training materials.

Museum assistant

Linlithgow Museum Trust
Linlithgow, West Lothian
01.2023 - 02.2023
  • Dealt with enquiries over phone and email, improving communication with potential patrons.
  • Assisted in the planning and execution of special events to increase public engagement.
  • Facilitated event bookings through proficient use of booking system software.
  • Worked with website and social media teams to develop online presence.
  • Coordinated and trained museum volunteers.

Lifelong Learning Library Adviser (Grade 4)

The City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
07.2017 - 12.2021
  • Organised and delivered public engagement projects, workshops, and clubs both online and onsite.
  • Managed staff and work-placement candidates, overseeing training and supervisory responsibilities.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to library users through in-person and digital enquiries.
  • Executed stock management tasks including cataloguing, promotion, weeding, and managing donations.
  • Designed engaging book displays and created promotional materials such as posters and tickets.
  • Managed library's social media to promote events and enhance audience interaction.
  • Ensured optimal operation of equipment while maintaining accessible library facilities.

Library Adviser

The City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
02.2016 - 06.2017
  • Coordinated the process for achieving the Golden Standard Award for Granton Library.
  • Undertaken front-of-house duties and provided a high level of customer service.
  • Developed and catalogued library resources.
  • Restocked shelves timely, ensuring availability of all titles at all times.
  • Conducted story-time sessions for children to promote reading habits.
  • Managed library resources for optimal utilisation.

Project assistant/SAM coordinator

Archaeology Scotland
Musselburgh, East Lothian
03.2017 - 05.2017
  • Assisted curator in researching and designing the temporary exhibition for the Mobile Museum and Scottish Archaeology Month.
  • Maintained comprehensive records of proposed heritage sites to ensure accuracy.
  • Formulated layout and design concepts for exhibition panels at Mobile Museum.
  • Produced detailed reports and organised workshop agenda for Adopt-a-Monument project.
  • Provided timely support and assistance to Project Manager, leading to successful project completions.

Education

Data Science,Technology and Innovation - PG ProfDev

The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
06.2021 -

Master of Arts - Museum Studies

Newcastle University
Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
09.2015 - 09.2017

Bachelor of Arts - History and Archaeology

National And Kapodistrian University of Athens
Athens, Greece
09.2007 - 03.2014

Skills

  • Methodical and highly organised
  • Diligent and creative
  • Remaining calm and productive in pressured environment
  • Computer literate (fluent in Microsoft Office packages)
  • Good project management skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Dedicated team member
  • Flexible and adaptable with continual professional development
  • Strategic planning capability
  • Library programming experience
  • Collection classification
  • Event and workshop organisation
  • Lifelong learning strategies

Accomplishments

  • Managing to increase the school library budget from £250 in 2022, to £450 in 2023 and to £1750 in 2025.
  • Achieving to transform the school library into a secure social space for vulnerable students.
  • Achieving 60% increase in the number of Summer-Reading-Challenge participants.
  • Reduced the number of data entry errors to customer information database by 70% at Kirkliston and South Queensferry libraries.
  • Achieving 97% in customer satisfaction rating for the team Kirkliston- South Queensferry Libraries through collaboration with the other team members.

Languages

English
Fluent
Greek
Native
German
Intermediate
Italian
Beginner
Ancient Greek
Advanced
Latin
Intermediate
Scottish Gaelic
Beginner

Certification

Collections Management systems ( TALIS, AXIELL, SPECTRUM )

European Computer Driving License: ECDL Core , ECDL Expert (advanced level)

Timeline

Museum assistant

Linlithgow Museum Trust
01.2023 - 02.2023

Lifelong Learning Library Development Leader

The City of Edinburgh Council
12.2021 - Current

Data Science,Technology and Innovation - PG ProfDev

The University of Edinburgh
06.2021 -

Learning officer ( volunteering position)

Linlithgow Museum Trust
05.2021 - 01.2025

Lifelong Learning Library Adviser (Grade 4)

The City of Edinburgh Council
07.2017 - 12.2021

Project assistant/SAM coordinator

Archaeology Scotland
03.2017 - 05.2017

Library Adviser

The City of Edinburgh Council
02.2016 - 06.2017

Master of Arts - Museum Studies

Newcastle University
09.2015 - 09.2017

Bachelor of Arts - History and Archaeology

National And Kapodistrian University of Athens
09.2007 - 03.2014

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Athina Arvanitaki