Library DIrector

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library (http://ebrpl.com/) seeks a dynamic and experienced director with demonstrated leadership skills and professionalism, relevant library experience, excellent communication skills, and the vision and talent to take the system to the next level of excellence to better serve the community. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library System, nationally recognized as one of the top library systems in the nation, provides public library service for the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. Serving a population of more than 436,265 in the metropolitan area, the system consists of a Main Library and 12 branches, plus one under design and two under construction, including a new Main library. The library has a collection of 1.8 million items, and a staff allotment of 543 (379 FTE), and an annual circulation of 2.3 million. The library is funded by a ten‐year 11.1 mill property tax that generates an estimated $38 million annually for the operation and maintenance of the existing system as well as a pay‐as‐you‐go capital improvements program. The tax is to be renewed in 2015. 

As Louisiana's Capital City, greater Baton Rouge is the largest city in Louisiana.  With both a vibrant urban environment downtown and small, friendly neighborhoods surrounding its core, Baton Rouge is a great place for both families and singles to live, work, and play. It is the home of Louisiana State University, Southern University, Baton Rouge Community College, a thriving medical community, a booming film and television industry, and an internationally‐known biomedical research complex. Located on the Mississippi River, the city has a temperate climate and is in the heart of a historically rich and diverse area with access to a wide variety of cultural and sporting opportunities.  For details on the Library, City, Parish and area see http://www.gossagesager.com/eastlinks.htm.

Responsibilities.  Under the direction of the Library Board of Control, the Director is the chief administrator of the library system and has oversight responsibility for operating and maintaining the existing system, including financial management, management of library personnel, and for planning and managing the construction of new libraries. The Director must provide visionary leadership for the creation, development, and implementation of innovative service and cutting edge technology, develop effective and positive working relationships with city and community leaders, as well as build a constructive relationship with members of the media. See the EBRPL job description at http://www.gossagesager.com/Eastjobdesc.pdf for illustrative examples of general responsibilities and duties.

Qualifications. An ALA‐accredited MLS or MLIS degree; five years of supervisory management and financial experience as a Director and/or Assistant Director in a medium to large library system; and certification by the Louisiana Board of Library Examiners. (Legislation has been introduced to allow a new director appointee one year in which to acquire this certification.) The ideal candidate should have demonstrated high standards of professional and personal ethical conduct, have excellent communication skills, possess the ability to work effectively with the Library Board, city administrators and staff, have experience in planning and constructing libraries, and provide visionary leadership that is grounded in the realities of proven public library service and budget constraints. The Director is expected to provide a leadership role within the Library, the community, and the library profession. The Director serves as the official representative of the Library.  Prior successful experience reporting to a governing board is highly desirable.  Additional qualifications, skills, abilities and requirements can be found on the official job announcement at http://www.gossagesager.com/Eastjobdesc.pdf.

Compensation. The position offers a competitive starting salary above $100,000 (commensurate with qualifications and experience) and an attractive benefits package.

For further information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates via email or call 816-531-2468. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to danbradbury@gossagesager.com or jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com.  

The position closes July 15, 2012.

East Baton Rouge Parish Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer – and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or non‐job related disability