News: Salt Lake City Public Library System Announces Nationwide Executive Director Search

Salt Lake City Public Library System Announces Nationwide Executive Director Search

June 8, 2012 – SALT LAKE CITY - The Salt Lake City Public Library System Board of Directors is currently recruiting for the Library’s Executive Director position. Details about the position and selection process, as well as about the Library, can be found at slcpl.org/directorsearch.

“Our search for a permanent Executive Director focuses on the attributes that will ensure long-term organizational excellence and community leadership. These attributes include strategic thinking, effective communication, building strong relationships, innovation, collaboration, and effective management. ” said Kevin Werner, Board President.

The Board of Directors is conducting a nationwide search for a permanent Executive Director to replace Linda Hamilton, who was named Transition Director in late 2011, following a period of turmoil. Hamilton’s work has focused on improving the library’s organization and procedures. The Library Board has also adopted a number of policies to improve the internal functions in human resources and finance, to clarify responsibilities, and to allow for technology advances. Finally, the Board made it a priority to strengthen internal services and invest in support services such as finance and technology.

“Great strides have been made, but this is just the beginning," said Werner. "Important work remains to be done to fully realize the opportunities that exist for the City Library to serve the diverse and dynamic community we live in. 

"We expect our talented staff and our next director to continue to offer first class service to our community in new and exciting ways.”

The Executive Director is appointed by the Library Board, and oversees a Main Library and five community branches, as well as the development and construction of two additional branches slated to open in 2014. The Director will be responsible for financial management, operational processes, maintaining productive community relations, and strategic panning, while also promoting positive employee relations and team-building.

Werner and other City Library representatives will be at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Anaheim, California in the ALA JobLIST Placement Center June 23-24. Interested candidates can schedule a time to meet with Library representatives by emailing jhancock@slcpl.org, or are invited to stop by The City Library booth.