Trustee Training Resources: Hiring a Library Director

Steps for Hiring a Director

Plan to appoint an interim director, if there is time. 

Draft a job description.

Prepare information that will accompany the job description. This includes information about the library and community that will attract candidates. 

Establish a search committee. 

Advertise the position. 

Screen applications. 

Prepare interview questions.

Interview candidates. 

Select the new library director and make a job offer to the best candidate. 

Develop a work agreement form ​​​​​​, which details the position, to whom the director reports, starting salary, evaluation process, and any verbal promises made by the Library Board. 

Give the new director an orientation to the library. 

Call CKLS to train the new director. 

Evaluate the new director's performance during the probationary period. 

This list was taken in large part from the Washington State Library Trustee Wiki Guide, How to Hire a Library Director

Hiring a Director Director (Tennessee, 2006)

Hiring a Library Director Checklist (Connecticut)

A Library Board's Practical Guide to Finding the Right Library Director

Hiring Great People

Advice of Hiring a New Librarian

Library Job Description 1

Library Job Description 2

The Southeast Kansas Library System created and produced a lively three-part video series on hiring a new library director.

Part 1: Recruitment; Interview Questions; What to Look For

Part 2: Pitfalls to Avoid, Nepotism, Requirements

Part 3: References, Unconscious Bias, Job-Hopping