Library Director

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBARY

Are you up to the challenge?

Do you have a vision for an extraordinary public library that has excellent funding and strong public support? Are you ready to live in a city with major cultural advantages, a world class art museum and orchestra and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Then Rock with the Cleveland Public Library which has an extraordinary opportunity for a Library Director to lead its nationally recognized Main Library and 28 neighborhood branches. The Library is in an enviable financial position, having just passed a 5-year operating levy with a 65% approval by Cleveland voters but operates on the philosophy that “every day is a campaign.” In place is an independent governance structure with a cohesive and diverse board.

The Cleveland Public Library serves a population of 478,403 with over a collection of over 10 million items and a staff of 679 FTEs. The general fund appropriation for 2008 is $79.5 million. CPL is the nation’s third-ranked research public library. Major challenges will be maintaining a dual focus; balancing main library and neighborhood services, and operating in a political environment. Visit the Library’s Web site at http://cpl.org.

Minimum Qualifications: MLS from an ALA-accredited library education program plus
10 years professional public library experience with demonstrated management ability in administration, budgeting, and planning in a system with multiple branches. CPL seeks a politically savvy leader who understands and promotes issue of diversity in the workplace at all levels, and has experience in a union environment. We are looking for a leader with vision who excels in collaboration, written and verbal communication and advocacy - Someone who appreciates the traditional values of public libraries, but can also implement new and exciting services and technology. The board recognizes that there is increasing media scrutiny of public institutions and requires a director who can be proactive with media and demonstrate strength, stamina and self-confidence. The director needs to be an active part of the local community.

The Greater Cleveland area is a superior community in which to live with many artistic and recreational amenities. The City is home to various museums and cultural institutions, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Botanical Garden, three major sports teams and the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Cleveland has affordable housing and an enviable cost-of-living, while still offering the tremendous amenities found in other large, urban cities.

Salary: 160,000 - $180,000, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefit package.
Send a cover letter and resume by September 1, 2008 to Miriam Pollack, Miriam Pollack + Associates c/o Patty DeAnda, Library Associates, 6500 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2240, Los Angeles, CA 90048 or pdeanda@libraryassociates.com or questions to Miriam Pollack, Miriam Pollack + Associates at miriampollack@comcast.net.

See Full Brochure:
http://www.libraryassociates.com/system/files/CPL+Library+Director+Position+Description.pdf