Present: Bob Owens; Eban Goodstein, Anton
Andereggen, Gene Wixson, Elaine Heras, Steve Beckham (guest), Jane
Atkinson (guest) & Bonnie Okamoto (recorder)
The main purpose of this meeting is to have a discussion about the
search for a Library Director and this committee’s role in that
search.
Library Director Search
Update from Jane Atkinson:
- As of Friday, January 8, 16 applications had been received.
- Advertising for the position was done electronically and in two library publications, but not in The Chronicle of Higher Education as was intended.
- The deadline on the position has been changed; the position will remain open until filled.
- A display advertisement will appear in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s January 22 and January 29 issues. If necessary this ad will run again in the February 6 issue of the Chronicle.
- Electronic ads will also be continued.
- Screening will begin as soon as there is a
viable applicant pool.
Search Committee:
- Jane Atkinson is assembling the search committee; she will also serve as a member.
- Steve Beckham chaired the last Library Director Search Committee and has agreed to chair this committee as well. He will represent the Arts and Humanities Division on the search committee.
- Eban Goodstein will represent the Social Sciences Division and the Library Committee on the search committee.
- One faculty member from the Math and Natural Sciences Division will serve on the committee.
- Erin Bailey will be the student representative on the committee.
- Others who will serve on the committee are Peter Nycum, Professor/Associate Dean for Library and Computer Services at Boley Law Library; Jay Casbon, Dean of the Graduate School; and Bret Ingerman, Assistant Vice President for Information Technology.
Job Advertisement:
There was a concern expressed that the job advertisement may be too generic and not present a clear challenge to potential applicants. After a short discussion, it was agreed to leave the ad as it is, since potential candidates will most likely be those who are actively looking to move up in library administration and/or those who want to move to the northwest.
Qualities being sought in a Library Director (ideas mentioned):
- dedication to service
- leadership ability in the library, on the campus and in the wider library community including Orbis and PORTALS consortiums
- ability to inspire
- ability to get productivity from everyone
- ability to make large and complicated decisions
Watzek Staff requests:
Elaine Heras reviewed the following requests for library staff involvement in the search process.
- review curriculum vitae of top candidates
-make recommendations to search committee on selection of finalists to be interviewed.
- for each finalist brought to campus:
*two separate 90 minute sessions with the library staff (2 separate sessions are being requested in order to accommodate varying library staff schedules)
*in-depth tours of various units within the library and the library in general;
*luncheon meetings with the Acting Director and each final candidate
*a formal community presentation on the candidate’s vision of library service, which library staff would attend.
*a reception with library staff for informal conversation, perhaps after the 90 minute sessions
*provide written comments on candidates to the committee
*meet with the committee if there is not a clear consensus on which candidate should be selected.
- Steve Beckham indicated that he will do his best to accommodate library staff needs/requests.
Library Director Search -- General:
- It is anticipated that 2-3 finalists will be brought to campus for interviews which are expected to be two day sessions. During the interview process, each finalist will meet with a number of administrators and faculty members, plus the search committee, library committee and library staff.
- Steve Beckham suggested that each candidate invited to campus be asked by make some sort of "vision statement" as part of their community presentation. Those present agreed.
- There was a short discussion of the possible challenges of this position that can be presented to the candidates. Steve Beckham introduced the topic of collection development and special collections. Our newest special collection was announced and briefly discussed.
- The Faculty Committee on the Library will meet again to plan their aspect of the Library Director interview process. Bob Owens will update members via email as the time table becomes more definite.
- **Please contact Steve Beckham <beckham> via e-mail if you have questions or comments about the Library Director Search.
Library Committee:
- Possible issues for consideration by the Library Committee were mentioned, including policies/procedures and copyright.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:20 p.m.