Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sarrah Slade-Newton

Norfolk,VA

Summary

Dynamic library professional with extensive experience, excelling in patron service and collection development. Proven ability to streamline processes and enhance user experience, while effectively managing teams. Prepared to excel in coordinating and optimizing service operations. Experienced in managing schedules, handling customer inquiries, and ensuring seamless communication between teams. Strong focus on collaboration, adaptability, and achieving goals. Skilled in problem-solving, multitasking, and maintaining high standards in fast-paced environment. Known for reliability and ability to thrive under changing needs.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Evening Service Coordinator, Learning Commons

Old Dominion University
01.2025 - Current
  • Managed a high volume of patron requests on the service desk, ensuring timely and effective resolution to patron inquiries; processed financial transactions accurately; maintained accurate records and full compliance with government regulations (FERPA); recorded daily statistics about patron interactions.
  • Processed course reserve requests and streamlined course reserves process by creating and implementing a new request form; purged out-of-date reserve items, returning them to regular circulation; created guide for process of placing items on course reserve and end of semester procedures to return items to regular circulation.
  • Submitted monthly supply requests on schedule adhering to budget allocations; worked closely with the Library Business Office to ensure orders were fulfilled accurately.
  • Assessed, sorted, and weeded media collection of over 2,800 items to ensure the collection meets the needs of the university.
  • Oversaw student and hourly employees, providing training, guidance, and direction when necessary.
  • Documented and approved adjustments to employee schedule via Teams.
  • Completed opening and closing procedures including cash consolidation and reporting.
  • Answered patron emails with timely responses to reference and circulation inquiries utilizing extensive knowledge of information sources.
  • Maintained accurate records of items searches and facilitated smooth communication between patrons and learning commons finance by updating and streamlining the excel workbook.
  • Assisted learning commons finance by collecting and collating account information across several excel spreadsheets.
  • Prepared reports via Alma analytics regarding Friends of the Library membership for management review.

Library Associate I

Downtown Branch at the Slover
12.2017 - 12.2024
  • Supervise a team of employees, student workers, and volunteers, providing training, guidance, scheduling support, approving payroll and leave requests, and giving performance feedback when necessary.
  • Create weekly schedules for staff of up to 20 across seven service points and publish schedules through Shifts on Microsoft Teams.
  • Provide reference assistance to patrons, utilizing various print and digital sources to answer questions accurately and efficiently.
  • Maintain periodicals collection of over 150 titles including newspapers, magazines, and journals.
  • Participate in collection development by selecting, purchasing, and weeding materials according to patron needs and interests.
  • Contribute to annual budget planning by analyzing usage data and making recommendations related to resource allocation.
  • Foster positive workplace culture by actively participating in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and team-building activities.

Library Assistant II

Norfolk Public Library
12.2014 - 06.2017
  • Handled circulation of library books and materials.
  • Processed library card applications and maintained patron records with accurate contact information.
  • Collected fees, fines, and donations at three points of sale.
  • Reconciled financial reports to ensure balanced library finances.
  • Collaborated with librarians to develop and implement engaging programs and events for the community.
  • Co-managed retail shop including selecting, ordering, and maintaining stock, completing inventory, and compiling sales figures to present to Slover Foundation for review.
  • Conducted inventory audits periodically ensuring minimal loss of assets while keeping updated records of library resources.
  • Received, sorted, and delivered mail or packages to a staff of approximately 30 people in offices at various locations within a six-story building.
  • Traveled between 12 Norfolk Public Library branch locations to provide supervisory-level staffing as needed.
  • Promoted literacy and reading enjoyment by developing engaging book displays and promotional materials.
  • 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.

Library Aide

Norfolk Public Library
09.2012 - 12.2014
  • Maintained a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for library users by regularly shelving items and updating displays.
  • Improved library organization by accurately shelving books and materials according to the Dewey Decimal System.
  • Contributed to effective inventory management through regular shelf-reading, identifying misplaced items, and addressing gaps in the collection.
  • Organized library shelves, materials, and equipment in clear, easy-to-access order.
  • Assisted patrons with technology-related questions about computers or devices available within the library.
  • Enhanced library user experience by providing exceptional customer service and assisting with information requests.
  • Monitored library environments to maintain safe, hazard-free settings.
  • Gained a strong understanding of various methods for cataloging books and other materials.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
05.2026

Associate of Science - Social Sciences

Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA
08.2017

Skills

  • Patron and customer service
  • Collection development
  • Electronic resource troubleshooting
  • Multitasking
  • Administrative Support
  • Relationship Building

Timeline

Evening Service Coordinator, Learning Commons

Old Dominion University
01.2025 - Current

Library Associate I

Downtown Branch at the Slover
12.2017 - 12.2024

Library Assistant II

Norfolk Public Library
12.2014 - 06.2017

Library Aide

Norfolk Public Library
09.2012 - 12.2014

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Old Dominion University

Associate of Science - Social Sciences

Tidewater Community College

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