REPORT TO LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Recommendation on Desired Attributes and Community Priorities for the Next City Librarian (Council Pillar: Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency)
Report
BACKGROUND
In January 2020, City Librarian Hilary Keith announced her intention to retire in July 2020. City Manager Santana attended the March Board of Library Trustees meeting to provide an overview of the recruitment process and to solicit input from the Board regarding the desired characteristics and attributes the Manager should consider when selecting a new City Librarian.
On March 11, the City declared a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. City Librarian Keith agreed to continue with the City through September and the recruitment was suspended. Ms. Keith retired from the City in September. At the September meeting, City Manager Santana returned to the Board of Trustees to provide an update on the recruitment process. At that time, the Board expressed interest in providing additional input into the desired characteristics and attributes for the City Manager's consideration. The purpose of this item is to allow a forum for the Board to discuss and recommend to the City Manager any additional attributes for her consideration.
DISCUSSION
At the March 9 Board meeting, City Manager Santana gave a presentation on the process for the City Librarian recruitment. The Board was updated on the recruiter,
recruitment period, tentative candidate interview timeline and tentative
appointment date. The Board discussed recruitment questions for the
interview process.
City Manager Santana also led the group in a discussion on desired attributes and community priorities for the next City Librarian. The Board discussed that they would want the new City Librarian to embrace innovation, implement new programs, be open to new ideas and stay on trends. Desired attributes included that the new City Librarian comes from a multi-br...
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