Library Director

LIBRARY DIRECTOR—UNIVERSITY CITY (MO) PUBLIC LIBRARY

Become a part of a community proud of its culture, diversity and education--University  City!  The Board of Trustees of University City Public Library seeks a creative and dynamic director to build on the Library’s excellent reputation as a leader in the community it serves and the greater St. Louis area.  University City Public Library serves University City, MO, a diverse population of 37,428, through a single facility located next to the historic city hall in the eastern part of the city. With a beautiful library, a dedicated staff (28 FTEs), an active Friends organization, and a 2011 operating budget projected at $1.7 million, the Library loans 491,000+ items annually and provides an outstanding array of programs and services to its residents.

As a vital part of a lively community, University City Public Library focuses on providing excellent library service in a spirit of collaboration. The challenge for the next director is not only to continue this tradition of excellence, but to further the mission of the Library by developing new opportunities for community involvement, new programs and services to meet the needs of its customers, explore alternative funding streams, and implement emerging public library technologies and services.

University City is a model urban community in the St. Louis (MO) metropolitan area with a rich tradition of intellectual, cultural and retail development. It is a highly diverse community in terms of age, race, ethnicity and socio-economic levels.  It is home to the Delmar “Loop” (a neighborhood of shops, restaurants and entertainment), the University City Symphony Orchestra, Center of Contemporary Arts, Regional Art Commission, U City in Bloom, and an extensive urban parks system. It combines the attractions and convenience of an active urban center with small town livability and charm. Additional information on the Library, University City and the surrounding area can be found at  http://www.gossagesager.com/univcitylinks.htm.

Responsibilities. The Director of the University City Public Library will report to a nine-member Board of Trustees and work with the Board, staff and major stakeholders to plan and achieve a strategic vision for the Library. Overall responsibilities include: continuing and building on extensive collaborative partnerships with the Municipal Library Consortium in St. Louis County, community organizations and Washington University; leading a team of talented professionals to manage exceptional library services and programs; providing sound fiscal management while continuing to build and strengthen resources; and implementing new technologies to diversify access to information.

Qualifications.  A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program; a minimum of five years of progressively responsible public library experience; and a minimum of two years of experience in an administrative capacity. Essential attributes and skills include: creativity, energy and enthusiasm; demonstrated success in effectively promoting library services to the community; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; experience in providing sound fiscal planning and management; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and “best practices” for library service. Proven success working effectively with a policy-making board and experience in a diverse urban community is highly desirable.

Compensation.  A starting salary range of $70,000–$87,000 (with final placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an outstanding fringe benefits package.

For further information, contact Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@gossagesager.com or Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com at Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word attachments to Dan Bradbury or Jobeth Bradbury. The position closes December 5, 2010.

BRADBURY ASSOCIATES/GOSSAGE SAGER ASSOCIATES

4545 WORNALL RD., STE. 805, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111