Laura Lay

Experience

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  National Baseball Hall of Fame

  Jun 2009 - Aug 2009

  Technical Services Intern

  Arranged and Organized Archival Collections: Reorganized and cataloged archival materials, including the minor league baseball manuscript collection, to improve accessibility for patrons, researchers, and historians. Ensured the accurate description and arrangement of documents, photographs, and artifacts, enhancing the usability and discoverability of the collections.Minor League Baseball Manuscript Archive: Played a key role in the reorganization of the minor league baseball manuscript archive, streamlining access to critical documents for researchers. Created detailed finding aids and updated metadata to improve search functionality and collection retrieval.Experience with Library Systems: Gained hands-on experience using various archival and library management systems, including OCLC, Rediscovery, and Millennium, to manage collections, process records, and ensure accurate data entry. Developed a deeper understanding of digital archiving, cataloging, and information retrieval technologies.Artifact Spotlight Presentations: Developed and honed public speaking skills by presenting Artifact Spotlight sessions, where select items from the collection were showcased to museum visitors. Engaged diverse audiences by providing historical context and answering questions, fostering a deeper appreciation for baseball history.Collaborative Archival Work: Worked alongside professional archivists and curators, contributing to the overall preservation and presentation of baseball history. Assisted with collection management and archival preservation tasks to ensure long-term accessibility and durability of materials. Show less

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  Wisconsin State Law Library

  Aug 2009 - Aug 2010

  Library Assistant

  WI Briefs Processor: Processed and organized Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals briefs and appendices, ensuring public access to a comprehensive collection of legal documents dating back to 1839 (Supreme Court) and 1978 (Court of Appeals).Circulation Desk Assistant: Provided front-line customer service at the circulation desk, assisting patrons with checking out materials, locating legal resources, and navigating the library's databases. Helped law students, attorneys, and the general public access relevant legal briefs and court documents. Show less

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  Wisconsin Veterans Museum

  Sept 2009 - Jun 2012

  Original and Copy Cataloging: Cataloged books, manuscripts, and archival materials, ensuring accurate metadata entry for easy retrieval and preservation. Performed both original and copy cataloging in compliance with national standards (MARC, AACR2, RDA).Collection Maintenance: Oversaw the physical and digital preservation of the special collections, ensuring proper handling, storage, and conservation of rare and fragile materials. Conducted periodic assessments to monitor the condition and integrity of items.Outreach: Developed and executed outreach initiatives to engage the public with the special collections. Collaborated with colleagues to increase visibility and access to the library’s resources.Collection Development: Collaborated with museum staff to identify, acquire, and curate new materials that aligned with the research needs and mission of the institution. Evaluated donations and made recommendations for acquisition or deaccessioning. Show less

  • Special Collections Librarian

    Aug 2011 - Jun 2012

  • Fieldworker / Volunteer

    Sept 2009 - Aug 2011
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  Wisconsin Institute for Learning Disabilities/Dyslexia Inc. (WILDD)

  Mar 2010 - Jan 2012

  Reading Remediation Instructor

  Taught Reading and Math to Students of All Ages: Instructed children, teens, and adults with learning disabilities in reading and math, adapting lessons to accommodate a range of ages and abilities. Fostered an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students at various developmental stages.Science-Based Reading Instruction (Orton-Gillingham): Delivered specialized reading instruction using the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured, multisensory, and evidence-based program proven to support students with dyslexia and other word-level reading challenges.Tailored Lesson Planning: Designed individualized lesson plans to meet the unique needs and learning goals of each student, taking into account their strengths, weaknesses, and progress. Ensured lessons aligned with the student's instructional level and pace.Skill Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Regularly assessed student performance to evaluate mastery of skills and their progression through the instructional scope and sequence. Adjusted teaching methods and lesson plans as needed to promote continuous improvement and ensure each student’s academic growth. Show less

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  Kraft Foods

  Jun 2011 - Sept 2012

  Research and Development Library Assistant

  Maintenance of Serials Collection: Organized and updated serials, ensuring timely and accurate processing of new issues and removal of outdated materials. Monitored collection for completeness and resolved discrepancies in missing or incomplete volumes.Processing Document Delivery Requests: Facilitated the fulfillment of document delivery requests by locating, scanning, and distributing requested materials. Utilized library systems to track, process, and manage requests in a timely manner. Communicated with patrons to ensure satisfaction and address any issues with document availability or quality. Show less

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  Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau

  Jul 2012 - Aug 2013

  Legislative Librarian

  Created bibliographies for legislative topics: Compiled and organized comprehensive bibliographies on key legislative issues, providing legislators and legislative staff with valuable resources to inform policydevelopment and decision-making.Cataloged and processed new library materials using AACR2 and RDA: Accurately cataloged new acquisitions and processed materials, applying AACR2 and RDA standards to ensure proper classification and metadata.Led retro-conversion of Wisconsin State Documents Collection: Directed the digitization and updating ofhistorical state documents, enhancing their accessibility and preservation.Contributed to Google Books Project and Wisconsin Digital Archives Project: Assisted with the digitization and indexing of books and historical documents, supporting project goals for broader access and preservation. The digital archives include a record of state government, including reports and analyses from councils, task forces and committees from all three branches of government. Show less

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  Palau Community College

  Sept 2013 - Dec 2014

  Associate Professor of Library and Information Services

  Developed and Revised Curricula: Designed and updated course materials for the Library and Information Services program to reflect current trends and best practices in the field.Instructor for Library and Information Services Program: Taught all courses within the Library and Information Services program, delivering comprehensive instruction and facilitating student learning across the curriculum.Collaborated on program improvement by working with faculty and administrative staff to enhance program offerings. Incorporated feedback from stakeholders, aligned with educational standards, and participated in the reauthorization process for community college accreditation.Conducted Regular Assessments: Performed ongoing evaluations of student learning, course outcomes, and program effectiveness to support continuous improvement and maintain accreditation standards for both the program and the school.Mentored and Advised Students: Provided academic and career guidance to students, supporting theirprofessional development and helping them achieve their educational and career goals.Successfully Wrote and Managed Federal LSTA Grant: Authored and administered a federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant aimed at rebuilding library services after the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan. Authored the grant proposal, detailing the scope and objectives of the recovery project. Oversaw all aspects of project implementation, including budgeting, resource allocation, and compliance with federal guidelines. Ensured effective use of funds for recovery and restoration efforts, coordinating with stakeholders and monitoring progress to achieve the project’s goals. In addition, involved students in the grant-writing process, using it as a project-based learning activity to provide hands-on experience in grant development and management. Show less

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  San Francisco Public Library

  Jan 2015 - Mar 2020

  Learning Differences Librarian

  Developed and Maintained a Nationally Recognized Youth Literacy Program: Conceptualized, launched, and managed the system-wide youth literacy initiative, FOG Readers, a free, research-based word reading program designed for students in grades 1-4 who struggle with reading skills. FOG Readers is the recipient of the Top Innovator Award in the Education - Birth thru Teens category of Urban Library Council's 2018 Innovations Initiative.Developed Reports, Briefings and Materials: Created comprehensive documents for internal and external stakeholders to support communication and strategic planning for FOG Readers and other library learning initiatives such as Career Online High School and the library ESL program.Trained and Managed Literacy Volunteers: Trained and supervised over 250 literacy volunteers meeting students at all 28 library locations, ensuring adherence to program standards and consistent application of literacy strategies. Presented on Youth Literacy Program and Learning Differences: Delivered presentations at library board meetings, staff meetings, internal and external trainings, and library conferences to share program updates and insights.Supported Adult Literacy Program: Revamped tutor training to align with current reading research, conducted a complete overhaul of the adult literacy learner reading collection and instructional supports, and ensured compliance with the State Adult Literacy Grant.Co-Chaired Inclusive Programming Committee: Led efforts to ensure library programs and services were inclusive to patrons with disabilities and fully compliant with ADA standards, promoting accessibility and equal opportunities for all users.Developed Community Partnerships: Established and nurtured partnerships with a diverse range of community organizations to leverage collective resources and ensure all San Franciscans have the opportunity to learn to read. Show less

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  Colorado Department of Education

  Apr 2020 - now

  Manage Grant Programs: Oversee grant management and compliance for a $17.7 million and a $21 million federally funded multiyear project focusing on literacy in Colorado, ensuring adherence to all regulations and guidelines to maintain funding and program integrity.Developed Project Management Plan: Created and implemented a comprehensive project management plan, establishing short-term goals and objectives while actively participating in long-term strategic planning to ensure sustained success and alignment with organizational vision.Federal Grant Knowledge: Apply knowledge of federal grant policies, OMB Circulars, US Treasury instructions, and agency regulations to guide the financial operations of CDE and subgrantees, ensuring effective administration of the program.Successfully Awarded $21 Million Federal CLSD Grant: Developed and submitted a federal grant application, independently managing the process from project scope development to stakeholder collaboration, resulting in the successful award of $21 million in funding.Provide Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to subgrantee districts by offering guidance and support on effectively using grant funds, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and helping them achieve their project goals. Assist with budgeting, reporting, and navigating regulatory processes to maximize the impact of the grant.Presentation and Briefing: Authoritatively present detailed and complex information in diverse settings, including large audiences, small and large group meetings, conferences, and urgent briefings for leadership.Continuous Improvement: Identify challenges and opportunities for improvement, recommending actions to internal and grantee leadership or preventive measures to enhance decision-making processes. Show less Delivered Statewide Training: Conducted comprehensive 45-hour training sessions for educators across the state, focusing on evidence-based reading strategies, instructional techniques, and best practices for K-3 reading instruction, ensuring alignment with current literacy research and standards.Provided Subject Matter Expertise: Acted as a subject matter expert in literacy instruction, offering ongoing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to educators, enhancing their ability to deliver effective reading instruction.Effective Presentation: Authoritatively present detailed and complex information in diverse settings, including large audiences, small and large group meetings, and conferences.Developed Research Aligned Training Materials: Designed and created training materials and resources that align with the requirements of the READ Act, including the development of the Trail to Summit phonics framework, ensuring educators have access to high-quality, research-based instructional tools.Program Review: Reviewed and approved instructional, professional development, and educator prep programs for advisory lists and accreditation, providing targeted feedback for improvement in alignment with the Colorado READ Act and established educational standards to ensure program effectiveness and compliance.Collaborated with Vendors: Partnered with external vendors to review and develop instructional materials that are aligned with the latest literacy research, ensuring that all resources meet high standards of educational effectiveness.Designed a Comprehensive Website: Spearheaded the development of a user-friendly website to effectively disseminate research findings, policy updates, and open-access educational resources. Aided in developing a targeted communication strategy to engage educators, policymakers, and the broader community, facilitating the widespread adoption of evidence-based practices. Show less

  • Comprehensive Literacy Program Grant Manager

    Oct 2023 - now

  • Senior Literacy Consultant

    Apr 2020 - now