[Publib] Director Selection

[James Casey]

What happens if a Mayor calls and demands that a certain book or title
be removed from the Library or that a certain friend of a friend be
hired onto the Library payroll despite her/his lack of qualifications?
While I agree that a Library Director must try to modulate and smooth
over many situations between "city hall" and the Library, there comes at
time when a polite "no" is the only alternative.  And what happens if
the Director resigns in order to pacify the Mayor or County
Commissioners or Village Manager?  Will a more malleable replacement
"save the day" as far as the Library is concerned or will that just
place the Library in a subservient mode?

 

The Library Director should represent the Library's interest to the best
of her/his ability and avoid becoming entangled in local political
factions.  Be friendly and respectful.  Be diplomatic and conciliatory.
But avoid surrendering the Library's independence and its ability to
select materials and staff persons based upon professional criteria
rather than political expediency.

 

James B. Casey  -- My own views

Director of Oak Lawn Public Library

ALA Council Member

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Judith Turner
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 5:51 PM
To: Publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Director Selection

 

Having observed the damage done to a library system when the Mayor and
the City Librarian experienced a serious disagreement years ago, I would
say that a director trying to hold onto his/her job in the face of
serious political opposition is harmful to the library in the extreme. 

Sure a revolving door in the director's office is difficult for everyone
to cope with, but so is being caught in the crossfire between that
office and City Hall which is frequently where the staff and the Board
wind up in such cases.

Changing the process by which the director is appointed could improve
things, then again, it might not.  If the Mayor considers the Library
Director his/her  appointee, there is likely to be more support from the
Mayor's Office. If the Library Board makes the appointment, an extra
layer is in place.  It can either protect the library or stifle it.

Judy Turner
who lives in a community with a Village Board/Village Manager form of
government where the Library Board appoints the Library Director.  I
think the President of the Village Board appoints the Library Board
members but I'm not positive about that.

  

________________________________

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