[Publib] Director Selection

[James Casey]

This may drift back to the old argument about whether the MLS credential
should be preferred or required for top executive positions in public
libraries (or in ALA itself).  Patronage appointments are among the most
serious dangers facing libraries when professional qualifications are
cast aside in favor of "broadening the pool of applicants".  Instead of
getting a better variety of applicants, what often happens is a
convenient plumb job is effectively opened up for a political ally and
effective control of the Library passes one or the other faction in a
community.  If professional qualifications are required, this disastrous
turn of events becomes far less likely.  When incompetent cronies
suddenly gain control of library budgets they can then hire/fire MLS
staff without having the least idea about what they do or why it may be
important--- and it isn't just big city libraries or those with 250,000
population in the service area that are affected.  Many small towns end
up having the same problem.

 

Wherever possible, library director and ceo positions should require
Librarian credentials.  Librarians should run libraries.  

 

Jim Casey - My own views.

ALA Council Member

 

 

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Sue Kamm
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 11:46 AM
To: Sherif,Sue (EED); publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] Director Selection

 

Ah, politics.  If there have been difficulties with mayoral appointments
(i.e., the mayor appoints someone who looks good on paper, but is the
Director From Hell to those who have to work with him/her), it may be
time to look at another way of hiring directors.  

The Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department serves a five year term.
Here's a link to a news release about the recent re-appointment of Chief
William Bratton:  http://www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/news_view/35667 or
http://tinyurl.com/368ou3.  This process may work for your agency.

You may want to mobilize local residents to advocate for a change in the
way the library director is chosen.  Does your agency use a search
committee or headhunter?  Are staff members part of the search process?



 



Your friendly CyberGoddess and Councilor-at-large,
Sue Kamm
Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA
Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers Think Blue Week 2000
Visit my blog:  http://suekamm.blogspot.com
email:  suekamm [at] mindspring.com
Baseball Is Life -- the rest is details
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