Kamra Heldman
Forest Lake,MN
Summary
I am a writer, researcher, and communicator with experience in education, marketing, publishing, librarianship, and customer service. I have a passion for creative writing in all forms, born from my love of learning and fascination with the human condition. I intend to continue my education to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world, strengthen my storytelling skills, and hone my craft while gaining additional experience in academia and publishing.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Librarian
Anoka County Library
12.2023 - Current
- Managing library assistants with a philosophy of leading by example through modeling compassion-based patron interaction, efficient task management skills, and a positive outlook.
- Enabling library assistants to utilize and enhance their individual and unique strengths to champion library goals while encouraging them to explore new skill sets and interests for personal growth and career development.
- Creating pleasing displays based on marketing science to optimize patron interaction with the library collection and increase circulation statistics.
- Planning and facilitating family storytimes to encourage early literacy skill development and reading readiness for children by choosing purposeful books and activities.
- Planning and facilitating youth and adult programs and events to encourage community engagement, stimulate critical and creative thinking, and market utilization of library services.
- Conducting research and planning for community outreach to underserved populations in the area.
- Analyzing statistic-based reports to interpret valuable information for future strategic plans
Teaching and Academic Librarian Assistant
North Central University
08.2023 - Current
- Planning, preparing, and organizing engaging library-sponsored programs and events for university students, faculty, and staff, including a Literary trivia night.
- Analyzing and providing feedback on poetry submissions to assist with the selection process for a student-led art show involving public displays of creative work.
- Creating print, copy, and social media marketing content to encourage student engagement and participation with library services and resources.
Organizing and weeding books in the archives to assist with collection development and conservation to honor the TJ Jones Library’s partnership with Minnitex for a project called CALD, involving a commitment from various academic libraries in Minnesota to preserving rare books. - Conducting historical and author context research to assist with lesson preparation for an undergraduate literature survey course, as well as research to compile a list of analysis paper topics and sources for a spring 2024 course.
- Editing and providing feedback for student’s literary analysis essays— a process that involves a close reading to assess grammar and format, content clarity, and overall caliber of writing.
- Taught a course on Modernist Poets, which included an analysis of five famous poems, a history lesson on the modernist era, an overview of each poet’s background and writing style, and the facilitation of a choral reading and group discussion.
Library Clerk
Washington County Library
07.2023 - Current
- Maintaining and developing the library collection by preparing titles for system entry, collecting feedback from patrons on preferred titles and resources, and efficiently circulating books through a county-wide library system.
- Marketing library services by establishing relationships with the community, copywriting, and creating social media content for distribution.
- Providing information reference and technology assistance to patrons of all age groups, including curated title recommendations, troubleshooting library-provided electronics, and sharing knowledge of databases and resources offered.
- Advancing community engagement efforts by assisting with the development and implementation of programs and services such as a library-organized book club, early literacy and inclusion-focused family storytime, and handling material outreach for residents of the local senior home.
Library Assistant
Anoka County Library
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Created a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment by prioritizing customer service and connection rooted in compassion for all library patrons, regardless of demographic.
- Empowered patrons to utilize their public library by equipping them with the basic knowledge necessary to access all information resources and services.
Offered reference assistance, often requiring me to provide extensive book and resource recommendation lists based on needs and tastes. - Remained knowledgeable of world events through routine research to provide the St. Francis community with current and accurate information and resources across multiple fields of interest and study.
- Maintained a curated and organized library collection by removing titles that do not serve the needs of the St. Francis community, involving a step-by-step discernment-based assessment to either remove or redistribute titles based on specific criteria such as quality, print date, or demand within alternate systems.
Specialty Sales Team Member
Target
06.2018 - 07.2023
- Assisted Target guests in all store areas with excellent customer service by offering expert product knowledge, which required knowledge retention of store-wide and area-specific standards and procedures.
- Maintained a visually pleasing and orderly store by ensuring Target products remained organized in designated areas.
- Built lasting relationships with Target guests by prioritizing a connection rooted in empathy and compassion.
- Remained patient and calm in a high-energy, fast-paced work environment involving extensive public contact with a diverse community.
- Worked collaboratively and respectfully with Target team members to create a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive work environment.
Author Assistant
Ari Tison, Macmillan
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Inspired readers to connect with an Indigenous YA novel by ideating, conceptualizing, and creating engaging and informative social media content.
- Informed Ari’s audience about upcoming reader events, panels, and resources by writing concise copy to produce accessible content and maintain the desired brand voice.
- Conducted research on the literary, publishing, and marketing worlds to increase brand knowledge and sharpen skills for each market.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce error-free content.
- Attended publishing events to connect with writers, publishers, and readers, as well as to garner marketing ideas and familiarize myself with the extensive publishing process.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English: Creative Writing
North Central University
Minneapolis, MN04.2023
Skills
- Communication
- Writing
- Research
- Marketing
- Copy Editing
- Advertising Copy
- Teaching
- Organization
- Data Analysis
- Project Management
- Computer Software Proficiency
- Technical Support
Timeline
Associate Librarian
Anoka County Library
12.2023 - Current
Teaching and Academic Librarian Assistant
North Central University
08.2023 - Current
Library Clerk
Washington County Library
07.2023 - Current
Library Assistant
Anoka County Library
07.2023 - 12.2023
Author Assistant
Ari Tison, Macmillan
08.2022 - 12.2022
Specialty Sales Team Member
Target
06.2018 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Arts - English: Creative Writing
North Central University