Search continues for new library director

The search for a suitable person to take over as the Carson City Library director will continue for at least a couple more weeks. It initially was to end in mid-September.

Only 10 people have applied, and just six of them are considered qualified, according to Stacey Belt, representing the city's human resources department during a meeting Thursday of the Library Board of Trustees.

"We've broadened our search," Belt said. "I anticipate one or two more applicants."

Belt provided board members with a list of questions they might want to ask applicants, such as "Why would you want to work for Carson City?" and "Describe how you would manage a situation in which you were responsible for a department where the department culture is resistant to change and considerable change is needed in processes, policies and procedures."

Nevada law spells out the board members' responsibilities in the hiring process: They have the ultimate choice of a new library director.

The city's human resources department also plays an important role in assisting them in the recruitment process, however, said Ann Silver, the city's human resources director.

"We recruit, they select," she said.

Board members discussed how they might conduct their part of the process when the time comes. One member suggested bringing in citizens and library professionals from other communities, but the group settled on not adding more people to the interviewing process - except for a librarian who could determine whether applicants knew what they were talking about when referring to more technical terms.

The board also wants to ensure it doesn't violate state open-meeting rules or federal laws concerning hiring procedures, said Leslie Danihel, a board member.

Other concerns include protecting an applicant's confidentiality - especially is he or she was searching for the job without telling his or her current employer - and being sure all candidates undergo a similar process.

The annual salary being offered to the new library director is $70,000 to $80,000, depending on qualifications. If an applicant is highly qualified, the pay could go a little higher, Silver said.

Qualified applicants must have a master's degree in library science and six years of experience as a library director or reference or children's librarian. Candidates with English and Spanish language abilities, advanced computer skills and public relations experience "will be given preference," the job description states.

The original deadline for applications was Sept. 15, but the job will remain open until it is filled, Belt also said.

Sally Edwards, longtime library director, retired this month. She was named director in 1987, having been hired as assistant director in 1978.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.