Library Director McCracken County Public Library

Join the McCracken County Public Library as its new Director and help create the “wave of the future” for this bustling river arts community and its Library. Headquartered in Paducah, KY—a historic river town at the confluence on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers—the Library Board of Trustees seek a talented Director to lead the staff of 30 in developing and maintaining quality library services and programs as a vital part of this growing community. The McCracken County Public Library serves a county population of 64,765 from a 33,000 sq. ft. facility and loans almost 700,000 items annually to its 43,097 cardholders.

Responsibilities. The Director reports to a five member Library Board—appointed by the County—and will work closely with the community, the County, its citizens and staff to develop, implement and promote library services. Challenges and opportunities include: expanding the Library System’s visibility in the community; expanding collaborative partnerships; promoting the Library’s mission and goals; evaluating the library’s facility; and developing alternative strategies for enhancing the library’s $2.4 million annual budget. Additional information about the library and the community can be found at McCracken Library Links.

Qualifications. A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program and at least five years of progressively responsible library experience in an administrative position managing professional staff and programs. Essential attributes include a strong understanding and ability to articulate the public library’s vision, mission and values to the community; collaboration and consensus-building skills; facilities maintenance and space planning experience; excellent interpersonal and team-building skills; a history of responsiveness to staff, customer and community needs and concerns; and sound fiscal management skills. Successful experience working with a policy-making board and collaborating with elected officials is highly desirable.

Compensation. The starting salary is $62,000 or above (dependent upon qualifications) with an attractive fringe benefits package.

To apply or obtain further information. Contact Jobeth Bradbury, at Gossage Sager Associates, via email or phone at 816.531.2468. Apply electronically to jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com with a cover letter and current resume as Word attachments. The closing date for applications is March 1, 2009.