[Publib] Director Selection

[Robert L. Balliot]

Greetings,

 

I am not sure how a director can avoid becoming 'entangled in local
political factions'.

The budget process is obviously political. The laws governing libraries
result from

a political process.  Professional ethics and responsibilities are the
result of a

political process.  It seems by the simple fact that a Director is in a
position of 

advocacy that it is an inherently political position.  

 

If you want to be effective in advocacy, you must become involved and show
up

at political events - including city and town council meetings and board
meetings

affecting library activities.  As a library director, you must also be
provide and promote

opportunity for free speech and access to public information.  I think one
of the

most difficult parts of the job may be that you must advocate for the right
for

everyone to express their viewpoints.   The political danger is that most
people

do not want different viewpoints expressed and use the political process to

determine who has access to what and who can express an opinion.

 

*************************************************

Robert L. Balliot

1-401-421-5763

Skype: RBalliot

Bristol, Rhode Island

http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm

*************************************************

  _____  

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of James Casey
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 9:37 AM
To: Judith Turner; Publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Director Selection

 

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 

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