City Librarian, Decatur Public Library, Decatur IL
Posted November 6, 2013
The Decatur Public Library Board of Trustees seeks a City Librarian to shape the future of Decatur’s library services and explore new opportunities to serve the community. The new City Librarian will work with the Library Board, staff, Foundation members and stakeholders to develop a new strategic direction and focus for the Library; serve as the face of the Library in the community it serves; devise and implement innovative and creative plans to position the Library for the future; work with and support the Friends and Foundation members of the Decatur Public Library; and explore alternative revenue sources. The successful candidate will find a library with significant challenges and outstanding opportunities.
Governed by a nine-member, appointed Board of Trustees, DPL is a vital library serving the 76,000 residents of the city of Decatur, Illinois. The Library currently has a staffing level of 36.5 FTE and anticipates a $3.4 million budget for 2014. In 2012, the Library staff at DPL circulated over 500,000 items and provided more than 400 programs to Decatur citizens. The Shilling Local History room has a stellar collection of local Decatur resources. The gallery, in the spacious 100,000+ square foot facility, hosts many traveling exhibits and displays. The Library is also part of the Illinois Heartland Library System.
Located in central Illinois, Decatur–sometimes known as the ‘soybean capital of the world’ — is equidistant between Springfield, the state capital, and Champaign-Urbana, home of the University of Illinois. Decatur, the county seat of Macon County, and home to Millikin University and Richland Community College, offers residents and visitors many options: arts, theater, and music, a resurgent downtown, a revitalized school district, and a variety of distinct residential neighborhoods. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the excellent park system and trails, and fans of the arts will appreciate the galleries, museums, and a wide variety of live music venues. Decatur is only a few hours’ drive from Chicago or St. Louis, as well. For more information about the area of Decatur, please see Decatur Links.
Qualifications. A Master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited program is required and a minimum of five years professional experience in an administrative capacity. The City Librarian works closely with internal and external groups, including the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Foundation, the Friends of the Library, Library staff, and the City of Decatur to promote the vision and goals of the Library. Using strong written and verbal communication skills, the City Librarian is an effective motivator, good negotiator, and tactful partner. The City Librarian is required to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Decatur.
Public library experience and experience working in a union environment are preferred. Proven experience reporting to a policy-making board and success in collaborating with municipal or county officials are highly desirable. Please see the DPL City Librarian job description for additional details.
Compensation. The hiring salary range is $75,000 – 95,000 with a competitive benefits package.
For further information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates, via email or telephone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your résumé as Word or pdf attachments via email to Karen Miller on or before the closing date–December 16, 2013.