Library Faculty Assembly Emergency Meeting

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

 

 

Assembly:                     Mary Gay Anderson, Adis Beesting, Valerie Boulos, Stephanie Brenenson, Sherry Carrillo, Lauren Christos, Cynthia Dottin, Antonie Downs, Marian Goslinga, Andy Grof, Sarah Hammill, Dan Hardin, Douglas Hasty, Mirtha Hernandez, Amy Kane, Catherine Marsicek, Bob Mead-Donaldson, Steve Morris, Sherry Mosley, George Pearson, Patricia Pereira-Pujol, John Radencich, Emily Ray, Tony Schwartz, Vicki Silvera, Sue Wartzok, Susan Weiss, Elaine Winske

 

Guests:                         George Fray, John McGowan

 

 

Special meeting called to discuss with the members of the Search and Screen for Executive Director of Libraries the current status and future direction of the search and screen process.

 

Meeting called to order 1:05 p.m.

 

 

Current Status of the Search

 

Both Dr. Lawrence McCrank and Dr. Carroll Varner have been notified their candidacies will not be advanced further.   The position will be readvertised soon.

 

Another faculty member will be added to the committee.  Mark Schuman will likely be asked to join as well, possibly as a co-chair. 

 

Several members of the committee have spoken to contacts at other libraries for possible nominees.  Additionally, John McGowan spoke with Patricia Iannuzzi of University of Nevada–Las Vegas and Karin Wittenborg of University of Virginia for assistance with this process and recommendations of possible candidates.   All librarians are encouraged to bring forward names they believe would be qualified.

 

 

Future Directions

 

There is a strong preference among all parties that the momentum of the search not be lost, and that the advertisement be placed again as quickly as possible.  There were significant delays in the original search which should not be allowed this time around. 

 

Dr.  McGowan stated that we are looking for a change agent to help the library make a quantum leap in its services and strategies as a student and faculty-centered research library.

 

The position advertisement will be reviewed to assure we are not excluding a secondary level of directors (i.e., associate directors).  The following suggestions were made for the new ad:

·        Requiring fundraising is problematic.   The new director should not be expected to raise funds, but to enable the staff to do so. 

·        Ad should state we are looking for someone with a vision for the future.

·        We should focus on things that make FIU special and unique.  FIU is a place to make a difference; “the last frontier”, per se.

·        Library faculty are highly involved in professional development, enthusiastic, and interested in moving forward.

·        Since position is open until filled, do not place a deadline in the ads.

 

Further recommendations should be sent to Toni Downs over the next week.  Sherry Carrillo and Toni will gather all comments and make a new draft of the position for the Search Committee.

 

The Assembly also made recommendations on ways to improve the in-person interviews:

·        Cost of living is an issue in recruitment; emphasize Miami as an exciting place to live, with strong diversity, and as a place to invest.

·        Interview needed to be longer; at least 2 full days, maybe 3.

·        More flexibility in the schedule to allow the candidate to feel more relaxed rather than rushed from meeting to meeting.

·        Make sure a formal library tour is part of the schedule, as well as a formal presentation.

 

 

Additional Comments

 

Dr. McGowan stated that Provost Rosenberg will probably make an announcement about an Interim Director in the next couple weeks.

 

The Chair of the Assembly brought forth a resolution expressing appreciation for the Search Committee’s efforts to rectify the situation inherent in the prior resolution and ensure the inclusion of the Assembly in the search process.

 

The resolution is as follows:

 

 “Whereas, the initial meeting between the Library Assembly and the Search and Screen Committee for Executive Director of Libraries enabled a greater degree of communication and cooperation between the Library Faculty and Committee members, and,

 

Whereas, The Committee actively solicited the reactions, impressions, and recommendations of the librarians after the interview process,

 

Be it resolved that the Library Faculty Assembly expresses its appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the Committee, and the increasing inclusion of librarians in the search and screen process.

 

Be it also resolved that the Library Assembly looks forward to continuing and expanding the relationship between the Committee and the Librarians in order to help ensure the selection of an exceptional Executive Director of Libraries.”

 

 

Resolution carries:

 

Yea:                 16                   

Nay:                   0       

Abstain:            10 

 

 

Meeting adjourned 2:00 p.m.