Mississippi Library Association

Public Library Director @ East Baton Rouge Parish Library System

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library System provides public library service for the City of Baton Rouge and the Parish of East Baton Rouge. Serving a population of 411,477 the system consists of a Main Library and 12 branches, has a collection of 1.9 million items, and a staff of 466 (318 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 $30 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. It is the home of Louisiana State University, Southern University, several large hospitals and an internationally-known biomedical research complex. Located on the Mississippi River, the city is in the center of an historically rich and diverse area with access to a wide variety of cultural and sporting opportunities.

Our website is located at www.ebr.lib.la.us

Major Responsibilities - Under the direction of the Library Board of Control, the Director is the chief administrator of the library system, has oversight responsibility for operating and maintaining the existing system, and for planning and managing the construction of replacement libraries. The Director must provide leadership for the creation, development, and implementation of innovative services, embrace technology to enhance information delivery, and develop effective working relationships with city and community leaders.

Qualifications - An ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS degree and five years of supervisory management and financial experience as a Director and/or Assistant Director in a medium to large library system. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills, possess the ability to work effectively with the Library Board, city administrators and staff, experience in planning and constructing libraries, and provide imaginative leadership that utilizes the latest electronic resources but is grounded in the realities of proven public library service and budget constraints.

Compensation - Pay range for the position is $72,388 - $100,202, with full benefits package.
Preliminary interviews will be conducted at the ALA Annual Conference, June 26 - July 2, in Anaheim, California.
Call 225-231-3700 for an appointment.
Applications in the form of a cover letter and résumé should be addressed to:

Dan Reed, President
East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board of Control
7711 Goodwood Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806

Application deadline - June 16, 2008
Equal Opportunity Employer

Entry Filed under: Jobs, Out of State
Posted on: April 30th, 2008