Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Rachel Walton

Rocky Mount

Summary

Dynamic library leader with a proven track record at Stanley Library, Ferrum College, where I currently serve as Director of Library Services. Experienced in strategic planning, budget management, and mentoring teams to enhance performance through innovative training and professional development. Skilled at fostering engagement across campus and in the community through outreach initiatives, relationship building, and collaborative programming. Passionate about connecting people with resources, preserving regional history, and creating inclusive learning spaces that support both academic and community growth.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Library Services

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
06.2025 - Current
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Provide strategic leadership and vision for Stanley Library, overseeing all library services, operations, and personnel.
  • Direct policy development, budget management, and long-range planning to align library goals with institutional mission.
  • Strengthen partnerships with the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum to expand preservation and access to Appalachian and Virginia folk life collections.
  • Lead initiatives in digitization, instructional support, and community outreach.
  • Represent Ferrum College libraries at regional and national conferences, professional organizations, and campus-level committees.
  • Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
  • Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.

Manager & Interlibrary Loan Coordinator

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
11.2023 - 07.2025
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Directed daily operations of Stanley Library, including supervision of staff, student workers, and volunteers.
  • Oversaw collection development policies, digitization projects, and reference services in collaboration with faculty.
  • Maintained oversight of endowed and grant funding for collections and programs.
  • Represented the library at administrative meetings and external professional events.
  • Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
  • Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.

Technical Services Assistant & Interlibrary Loan

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
04.2019 - 11.2023
  • Developed comprehensive training materials, facilitating employee understanding of new technologies.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive IT solutions for business needs.
  • Configured hardware devices according to company standards, reducing setup time for new employees significantly.
  • Coordinated interlibrary loan services, acquisitions, cataloging, and electronic resource management.
  • Supervised student workers, trained staff, and maintained accurate WorldCat holdings.
  • Supported faculty and students with research assistance, instruction, and outreach initiatives.
  • Assisted in software implementation projects, resulting in improved workflow across departments.
  • Evaluated emerging technologies and made recommendations for adoption based on cost-benefit analysis and suitability for organizational needs.
  • Created welcoming and comfortable space by keeping library clean and organized.
  • Utilized computer databases to locate library materials.
  • Answered phone and in-person inquiries about library services, policies and procedures to provide accurate information.
  • Checked out and checked in materials to support patron circulation needs.
  • Helped patrons locate resources using catalog and circulation systems.
  • Provided basic computer assistance to help patrons access needed resources.
  • Managed library materials for accurate record-keeping.
  • Offered basic reference assistance to support information needs.
  • Maintained accurate records and confidentiality of library book and periodical inventory.
  • Provided assistance and support to staff in regard to facility maintenance, security, and services.
  • Assisted patrons with library's computers and provided information on logging onto Internet.
  • Kept detailed records of lending transactions and library users.
  • Assisted with mailings and interlibrary loans to facilitate flow of information and resources between libraries.
  • Processed receipt of new book, audio visual and computer software inventory.
  • Stayed up to date on references, card catalogs and automated information systems to teach and educate patrons.

Public Services Assistant

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
04.2019 - 12.2020
  • Managed sensitive client data, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to privacy regulations at all times.
  • Collaborated with interdepartmental teams for cohesive service delivery and improved user experience.
  • Assisted in budget planning and monitoring activities to support responsible allocation of financial resources across programs.
  • Developed comprehensive resource materials to ensure accurate information dissemination within the community.
  • Served as an accessible point of contact for diverse populations with varying needs, demonstrating cultural competence throughout interactions.
  • Provided timely assistance to community members, fostering a positive environment in public spaces.
  • Organized volunteer opportunities, promoting civic participation among community members.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on relevant policies and procedures, providing accurate guidance to both colleagues and clients alike.
  • Supported program development by identifying gaps in services and proposing innovative solutions based on analysis of community needs.
  • Promoted public safety through effective communication of emergency protocols during critical situations.
  • Enhanced community engagement by coordinating public events and workshops.
  • Utilized computer databases to locate library materials.
  • Answered phone and in-person inquiries about library services, policies and procedures to provide accurate information.
  • Checked out and checked in materials to support patron circulation needs.
  • Helped patrons locate resources using catalog and circulation systems.
  • Provided basic computer assistance to help patrons access needed resources.
  • Managed library materials for accurate record-keeping.
  • Offered basic reference assistance to support information needs.
  • Provided assistance and support to staff in regard to facility maintenance, security, and services.
  • Assisted patrons with library's computers and provided information on logging onto Internet.
  • Conducted library tours and orientations, familiarizing patrons with library's resources and services.
  • Processed library card applications to provide access to library services.
  • Marketed library's many services to visitors and patrons through active communication.
  • Organized circulation desk with over 50,000 books and periodicals to be checked out.

Assistant Activities Director

Medical Facilities of America
02.2011 - 08.2018
  • Evaluated program effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary to improve overall resident experience.
  • Maintained accurate records of resident attendance at activities, allowing for informed decision-making regarding future programming choices.
  • Improved resident participation by creating tailored activities to meet individual interests and needs.
  • Led daily exercises to promote development and maintenance of physical and mental abilities.
  • Enriched the lives of residents through inspiring cultural outings and educational experiences.
  • Planned and directed activities such as bingo, board games and plays.
  • Worked closely with healthcare providers to accommodate specific needs or restrictions when planning activities for residents with health concerns.
  • Trained new hires on department procedures and expectations, ensuring consistency in service delivery across the team.
  • Coordinated volunteer efforts to support successful execution of events and activities.
  • Facilitated open communication between staff members and residents, addressing concerns and feedback promptly.
  • Provided pre-game and post-game management and set up for athletic events.
  • Updated weekly newsletters and calendars with latest plans.
  • Assisted residents with mobility problems to and from rooms.
  • Managed the activities calendar efficiently to ensure timely promotion of upcoming events.
  • Developed strong relationships with local vendors to provide diverse activity options at competitive prices.
  • Worked with nursing team to identify and document changes in patient mental acuity and physical abilities.
  • Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
  • Maintained activity records and reports to evaluate program success and identify areas for improvement.
  • Arranged outings as part of recreational program.
  • Assigned work to staff, set schedules, and motivated strong performance in key areas.

Education

Bachelor of Science - History

Ferrum College
Ferrum, Virginia

Bachelor of Science - Recreation Leadership

Ferrum College
Ferrum, VA

Master of Science - Parks, Recreation, And Tourism Management

Clemson University
Clemson, SC
05-2027

Master of Science - Library And Information Science

University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
05-2025

Skills

  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Academic & Public Services Librarianship
  • Collection Development
  • Interlibrary Loan Management
  • Cataloging & Metadata (WorldCat, ILS systems)
  • Research Support
  • Instruction & Information Literacy
  • Event Planning & Outreach
  • Staff Supervision
  • Budget & Grant Management

Affiliations

  • The Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA) – Member (2019–Present)
  • VIVA Resource Sharing Committee – Committee Member (2021–Present)
  • Appalachian College Association (ACA) – Member (2019–Present)
  • ACA William G. Bowen Central Library of Appalachia – Directors Group (2023–Present)
  • Midcontinental Chapter of the Medical Library Association (MCMLA) – Member (2024–Present)

Timeline

Director of Library Services

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
06.2025 - Current

Manager & Interlibrary Loan Coordinator

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
11.2023 - 07.2025

Technical Services Assistant & Interlibrary Loan

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
04.2019 - 11.2023

Public Services Assistant

Stanley Library, Ferrum College
04.2019 - 12.2020

Assistant Activities Director

Medical Facilities of America
02.2011 - 08.2018

Bachelor of Science - History

Ferrum College

Bachelor of Science - Recreation Leadership

Ferrum College

Master of Science - Parks, Recreation, And Tourism Management

Clemson University

Master of Science - Library And Information Science

University of South Carolina

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Rachel Walton