ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, April 22, 1997 TAG: 9704220073
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN THE ROANOKE TIMES
Extending the search for a new library leader will give that person more credibility, the board chairman says. But it could take until year's end.
The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Board is opening its search for a new director to outside candidates.
That decision came last week at a meeting of the Library Board of Trustees. The board is searching for a replacement for Karen Dillon, who resigned in January after 21/2 years. The search had been limited to internal candidates.
Opening the search "has nothing to say against the possible internal candidates. We haven't taken any applications yet. It's just the premise that we want to give whoever is selected the credibility they need," said Jim Johnson, Library Board chairman. "If an internal candidate gets it in competition with external candidates, they're in a much stronger position than if they're just competing with internal candidates."
The library may well have to wait until January 1998 to have a new director on board. The position will be advertised starting June 1, with applications closing Sept. 1. The board will then take the fall to review applications, interview semifinalists and select a new director, Johnson said.
Jo Brown, the library system's associate director, will continue as acting director.
Johnson said internal candidates are still encouraged to apply.
"To my knowledge we have probably four people that are qualified internally. But I have no idea how many are going to come forward."
The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library system, which has its headquarters in Christiansburg and branches in Blacksburg and Floyd, is the New River Valley's largest public, nonuniversity library system. It has an annual budget of $1.36 million and about 55 part-time and full-time employees.
LENGTH: Short : 42 linesby CNB