Library Director as CEO

Presently, and over the last one to six months, two area Libraries, Murrysville Community Library (MCL) and Delmont Public Library (DPL), are without Library Directors. At the MCL, Melanie, whose main job is as Youth Services Librarian, and Anna, Coordinator of Acquisitions and Technical Services, are serving as Interim Co-directors. DPL is currently operating without any Interim Director in place.

Both Libraries have posted job descriptions in the customary professional listings. That makes this a good time to tell you what the demands are for a public Library Director. It is not an easy job.

Drawing from the two postings, here are some required attributes and specific responsibilities:

§ Knowledge of the principles and practices of professional Library management, collection development, publishing trends, legal issues, regulatory matters, and accreditation requirements. § As public Libraries are 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations, experience in the non-profit arena. § Skill in database searching and using Library automation systems, program development and evaluation, project management, staff training and development, developing and maintaining local partnerships. § Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, establish and maintain working relationships with patrons and the general public, Library staff, the Library Board, supporting Foundations and Friends groups, local government and other stakeholders. § Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes Saturdays and evenings as needed, travel to meetings and library outreach events. § Manage Library budgets, reporting (including state-mandated annual reports), and presentations. § Lead efforts in grant writing, fundraising, and donor relations. § Assist the Board with policy development and implement those policies. § Participate in strategic and operational planning.

There is one big difference in the requirements for the two Libraries. MCL specifies that the applicant have an American Library Association-accredited M.S. degree in Library Science. DPL requires only a minimum of two years of college with 9 credits in Library Science (PA Library Assistant Certification); credits for DPL may be earned within 18 months of hire.

Perhaps you have not thought before about all that is involved in being a successful Library Director, but the two Boards now have the considerable responsibility to screen candidates with all these attributes and responsibilities in mind, and more. And they only get to do that in a limited time frame with a limited number of interviews with applicants. It is no easy process.

At the same time, it is a very rewarding experience to find a candidate who expresses all or most of the above and, at the same time, is prepared to lead the Library in such a rapidly changing information and electronic world. Anyone out there interested?