Laura Caudill Jones
Kenansville,NC
Summary
Experienced Library Director with exceptional interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to manage day-to-day multi-branch systems operations, foster cooperation, and increase library awareness within the community. Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Library Director
Duplin County Government
04.2018 - Current
- Manage 6 library branches - directly supervising staff of 8 with collection of 88K materials
- Revitalized culture of library system to increase customer satisfaction
- Facilitated migration to NC Cardinal Consortium
- Removed barrier to library services by implementing fine free status
- Empower staff to manage branches providing improved customer service and participation
- Collaborate with community stakeholders to grow library programs and partnerships with local schools
- Grant writing and implementation of more than $530K 2021-2023
- Increased service area by integrating small community library into public library system.
Digital Learning and Media Coordinator
Duplin County Schools
01.2012 - 03.2018
- Managed media center for middle and elementary schools with 1200 student population
- Facilitated merger and closing of 3 library media centers
- Instructed staff and faculty in professional development for literacy and digital learning
- Supervised student Beta organization of +130 for local and national competitions.
Property Manager
Community Management Corporation
09.1995 - 03.1997
- Supervised 7 site managers/7 maintenance staff for apartment complexes - 40 to 200 units
- Facilitated property repairs following Hurricane Fran at 5 properties
- Released staff due to performance issues or regulatory violations
- Secured bonded vendors for all repairs beyond scope of maintenance staff.
- Conducted regular property inspections, identifying areas for improvement and proactively addressing potential safety hazards.
- Coordinated with maintenance staff to ensure timely completion of repairs, minimizing downtime for tenants and maintaining property aesthetics.
Basic Skills/Adult High School/GED Instructor
James Sprunt Community College
06.1993 - 01.1996
- Assessed student needs and developed individualized education plans
- Taught remedial college preparatory courses for General Education Department.
College Recruiter
Campbell University
06.1989 - 08.1991
- Traveled Northeastern Region (PA, OH, NJ, NY & CT) promoting the university: conducted interviews, hosted college receptions, worked with guidance departments and athletic directors and increased regional enrollment for 3 years
- Conducted scholarship interviews with faculty
- Worked closely with alumni and friends of theuniversity to recruit and offer financial resources
- Coordinated open house and freshman orientation activities on campus.
Education
Public Library Certification 2018 -
State Library of North Carolina
06.2018
Masters of Library Science - School Library and Media -
East Carolina University
Greenville NC12.2011
Masters of Education in Adult Education -
East Carolina University
Greenville NC07.1994
Bachelor of Science - Human Environmental Sciences
East Carolina University
Greenville NC12.1987
Skills
- Sound Judgment
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Organizational Structuring
- Resource Allocation
- Purchasing and planning
- Customer Service
- Grant Applications
Applicable Skills
- Ability to learn new software/skills/training quickly and efficiently
- Strong interpersonal skills and cooperative/collaborative relationship skills
- Grant management from application to implementation - federal and state grant programs
- Completion of Professional Development Academy 2021.
Community Service and Professional Affiliations
- Delta Kappa Gamma, professional educators organization: installed 2016, President 2020-22
- Duplin County Partnership for Children 2018, Board Chair 2020-present
- NC Public Library Directors Association 2018 - present
- American Library Association member 2018 - present
- NCSLMA (NC School Library Media Association) member 2010-2018
- NC Library Association member 2019 - present
- NCLIVE Open Educational Resources Committee member 2019-20
- NCLIVE Training Advisory Committee member 2020 - present
- Town of Kenansville, NC: Commissioner 2005-2009, Planning Board member 2003-2005
- Muscadine Harvest Festival: Original committee member 2006-2009
- Kenansville Elementary School: PTO 2005-2010, Parent Advisory Board 2008-2009
- Duplin County Cooperative Extension: Cooking classes - summer programs 2004-2010
Timeline
Library Director
Duplin County Government
04.2018 - Current
Digital Learning and Media Coordinator
Duplin County Schools
01.2012 - 03.2018
Property Manager
Community Management Corporation
09.1995 - 03.1997
Basic Skills/Adult High School/GED Instructor
James Sprunt Community College
06.1993 - 01.1996
College Recruiter
Campbell University
06.1989 - 08.1991
Public Library Certification 2018 -
State Library of North Carolina
Masters of Library Science - School Library and Media -
East Carolina University
Masters of Education in Adult Education -
East Carolina University
Bachelor of Science - Human Environmental Sciences
East Carolina University