Mary Canfield
Librarian
FLEMING ISLAND,FL
Summary
Empowering leader with superior communication and collaboration abilities demonstrated over 39 years of leadership performance in a customer service setting. Multi-tasking Manager well-known for creating positive workplace culture and high-performing teams. 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. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact team success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Over 25 years managing library operations in public and educational settings. Background in program development and donor relations within multi-location library system. Skilled in leading teams to meet objectives on stringent timelines. Consistently promotes library use for research, print and virtual resources, programs and workshops across community branches. Stays up to date on new library technologies. Extensive experience in library operations, collection analysis, policy development, budgeting, and intellectual freedom.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Library Director
Clay County Board of County Commissioners
07.2023 - Current
- Oversees library operations, ensuring efficient customer service delivery and resource management.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and library usage per Clay County's Strategic Plan.
- Manages the Library System budget, including local, state and federal funds; develops and presents the annual budget; oversees and approves departmental expenditures; prepares long range plan.
- Directs and oversees the formulation of policies and procedures, reviewing each on a yearly basis and updating them to meet current standards and workplace needs.
- Collaborates with local organizations to promote literacy initiatives and educational programs and identify the Library System as a community resource center.
- Evaluates library collections, both physical and digital, ensuring relevance of materials for patrons.
- Provides training goals and opportunities to all team members fostering professional development and improving service quality.
Assistant Library Director
Clay County Board of County Commissioners
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Developed and implemented library programs to enhance community engagement and literacy.
- Supervised the programming/outreach team.
- Developed standards, including goals, objectives, guidelines, and schedules, for the development and delivery of adult, teen, and children's programming in all five branches.
- Managed the Library System's external communications including website updates, social media posts, flyers, and newsletters.
- Assisted in the writing, implementation, and reporting of grants and related funds.
- Served on the Selection Development Committee.
- Oversaw and evaluated the procurement of books and other materials for the children's collection.
Assistant Library Director
Palm Harbor Library
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Coordinated, directed, and supervised four department heads, including Adult, Circulation, Youth Services and IT, as well as the Marketing and Volunteer Coordinators.
- Oversaw all full-time and part-time staff of assigned departments and service areas.
- Oversaw public programs and community engagement.
- Responsible to speak to community groups and organizations on the library's services.
- Partnered with community organizations to present cooperative programs within the library system.
- Provided training on positive teamwork and leadership.
- Collected and analyzed data on the usage of library services and programs.
- Monitored the materials budget and made collection development recommendations.
Area Manager, Librarian V
Shreve Memorial Library
09.2014 - 09.2021
- Coordinated, directed and supervised 4 full-time branches which included 1 resource center and 3 community branches, and 3 part-time branches; aided the branches and service areas in achieving their desired goals; evaluated workflow and productivity; created an environment conducive to communication and cooperation.
- Hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated branch managers and other personnel as assigned; oversaw all full-time and part-time employees of assigned branches and service areas; fully participated in the hiring process (reviews applications, selects candidates for interviews, prepares interview questions, conducts interviews, submits a written summary and recommendation for hire); recommended staffing needs and changes; serviced as part of the supervisory and disciplinary chain for all public service employees.
- Oversaw public programs of assigned branches and worked with managers on program needs.
- Spoke to groups and organizations with presentations on the Library's public services.
- Worked with outside organizations to present cooperative programs within the library system.
- Provided training to both public services and support services staff on positive teamwork and leadership.
- Received, coordinated, conducted investigations and resolved patron inquiries and/or complaints.
- Collected and analyzed data on the usage of library services and programs.
- Monitored the materials budgets of assigned branches and made collection development recommendations.
- Stayed abreast of latest trends and strategies in field by reading trade publications and attending conferences.
Branch Manager
Shreve Memorial Library Main Branch
01.2014 - 09.2014
- Hired, trained, supervised, evaluated and disciplined a team of 30 staff.
- Assessed employee performance and developed improvement plans.
- Gathered and reviewed customer feedback to improve operations.
- Answered patrons' questions via library's online chat reference service to assist with broad variety of research topics.
- Assisted library patrons with resolving computer problems.
- Coordinated the development of programs for the public including adults, children, and teens.
- Provided collection development recommendations and monitored the materials budget.
- Stayed abreast of latest trends and strategies in field by reading trade publications and attending conferences.
School Librarian
Caddo Parish School Board, University Elementary
08.2007 - 12.2013
- Provided curriculum support including teaching information literacy and technology skills to students, supporting reading at all grade levels and collaborating with teachers.
- Offered reference service and book recommendations for young students and teachers to improve children's access to high-quality learning materials.
- Promoted library use and advocated for children's programs and services with young patrons and families.
- Drove expansion of library collections and programs in response to student and faculty needs and special requests.
- Selected and maintained books, software and periodicals for children's collection.
- Supported parents and taught children ages 4 through 11 to care for shared materials, select age-appropriate resources and demonstrate proper behavior in public library.
- Removed and replaced outdated materials from children's collection to increase circulation and maintain interest of young guests.
- Assisted students in locating and using library resources and assisted teachers with materials needed to enrich classroom instruction.
- Instructed students on research techniques and use of online resources.
- Incorporated library services into lessons while also driving curiosity, engaging students and supporting lifelong learning.
- Trained staff, students and faculty on use of library technology.
- Offered online research classes to students, faculty and staff.
- Hired, trained, supervised, evaluated, and disciplined a Library Clerk.
- Member of the school Leadership Team.
School Librarian
Volusia County School Board, Osteen Elementary
01.2007 - 05.2007
- Managed the library materials and programs.
- Provided curriculum support including teaching information literacy and technology skills to students, supporting reading at all grade levels, and collaborating with teachers.
- Provided programs that supported literacy.
- Trained, supervised, evaluated, and disciplined a Library Clerk.
School Library Intern
Volusia County School Board, Galaxy Middle School
10.2006 - 01.2007
- Educated patrons on use of reference sources, card catalogs and automated information systems.
- Handled check-in and check-out process of library books and materials at circulation desk.
- Assisted librarian with conducting library orientation for new assistants.
- Gained strong understanding of various methods for cataloging books and other materials.
- Helped children select appropriate reading level library books.
- Placed books on proper shelves when returned to circulation.
- Answered patron questions in-person or by phone regarding library services and resources.
- Stayed up-to-date on library policies and procedures to smoothly enforce standards.
- Taught children about library practices via individual and group instruction.
- Incorporated library services into lessons while also driving curiosity, engaging students and supporting lifelong learning.
- Worked with teachers to provide students with lifelong learning and research skills.
Library Associate
Volusia County Public Library System, Deltona
01.1996 - 03.2002
- Supervised the circulation department including 10 paid staff members and volunteers.
- Maintained circulation desk for lending periodicals and books to patrons.
- Handled check-in and check-out process of library books and materials at circulation desk.
- Educated patrons on use of reference sources, card catalogs and automated information systems.
- Answered patron questions in-person or by phone regarding library services and resources.
- Gained strong understanding of various methods for cataloging books and other materials.
- Answered questions from patrons and helped to find desired materials.
- Stayed up-to-date on library policies and procedures to smoothly enforce standards.
- Mentored library volunteers and coordinated work assignments.
- Collected and processed fines on overdue library materials.
- Placed books on proper shelves when returned to circulation.
Store Manager
Byrons Department Store
05.1994 - 01.1996
- Hired, trained, supervised and disciplined a team of 30 staff members.
- Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations, target current business conditions and forecast needs.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Analyzed and interpreted store trends to facilitate planning.
- Completed all point of sale opening and closing procedures, including counting contents of cash register.
- Promoted team collaboration, performance and efficiency by fostering healthy environments focused on mutual success.
- Scheduled and led weekly store meetings for all employees to discuss sales promotions and new inventory while providing platform for all to voice concerns.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Delivered positive results by controlling monthly operations budget and limiting financial discrepancies.
- Rotated stock to achieve optimum appeal and minimize shrinkage.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge and service requirements.
- Protected store from loss or theft by setting and enforcing clear security policies.
- Managed inventory control, cash control and store opening and closing procedures.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
Assistant Store Manager
Byrons Department Store
07.1987 - 05.1994
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Walked through store areas every day to identify and proactively resolve issues negatively impacting operations.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Directed merchandising, promotion and brand loyalty efforts for business segment with greatest sales volume.
- Analyzed and interpreted store trends to facilitate planning.
- Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
- Interviewed, hired and trained staff associates and equipped to comply with company policies and procedures.
- Maintained positive customer relationships by responding quickly to customer service inquiries.
Education
Master of Science - Library And Information Studies
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 08.2004 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 08.1983 - 06.1987
Skills
Customer service
Team building and communication
Organizational skills
Budget management
Collection development and analysis
Community Development
Staff development and training
Verbal and written communication
Collection development and analysis
Organizational skills
Verbal and written communication
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Staff training and development
Scheduling
Teambuilding and collaboration
Customer Service
American Library Association (ALA) member
Public Library Association (PLA) member
Louisiana Library Association (LLA) Member
Accomplishments
- NEFLIN (Northeast Florida Library Information Network) 2026 Member of the Year
- Louisiana PTA Educator of Distinction
- City of Shreveport Leadership Academy graduate
- Past presenter at the Louisiana Library Association Conference
- Past presenter at the Louisiana Library and Media Professionals Regional Conference
Timeline
Library Director
Clay County Board of County Commissioners
07.2023 - Current
Assistant Library Director
Clay County Board of County Commissioners
05.2022 - 07.2023
Assistant Library Director
Palm Harbor Library
09.2021 - 05.2022
Area Manager, Librarian V
Shreve Memorial Library
09.2014 - 09.2021
Branch Manager
Shreve Memorial Library Main Branch
01.2014 - 09.2014
School Librarian
Caddo Parish School Board, University Elementary
08.2007 - 12.2013
School Librarian
Volusia County School Board, Osteen Elementary
01.2007 - 05.2007
School Library Intern
Volusia County School Board, Galaxy Middle School
10.2006 - 01.2007
Master of Science - Library And Information Studies
Florida State University
08.2004 - 12.2006
Library Associate
Volusia County Public Library System, Deltona
01.1996 - 03.2002
Store Manager
Byrons Department Store
05.1994 - 01.1996
Assistant Store Manager
Byrons Department Store
07.1987 - 05.1994
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Florida
08.1983 - 06.1987