Library board picks firm to find new director

The district’s Board of Trustees on March 31 picked Chicago-based John Keister & Associates to head up the process.

A search committee comprising board President Cherri Jones and members Leslie Carrier and Gary Funk recommended the firm because it “brings a nontraditional approach to the library search process because the principal, John Keister, has expertise in both the corporate and library worlds,” according to a library news release.

Public forums have been scheduled for the next month to gather input on qualities needed in the library’s next leader. Forums will be: 10–10:30 a.m. April 16 at the Library Station; 10–10:30 a.m. April 24 at the Library Center; 10–10:30 a.m. April 29 at the Willard branch; 5:30–6:30 p.m. April 29 at the Library Center; and 3–3:30 p.m. May 7 at the Fair Grove branch.

The nationwide search will start later this spring, with interviews beginning this summer, followed by more forums at which candidates will meet with library staff and the public.

A final decision should be made this fall, according to the release.

Busch will retire in January 2009 after 23 years.

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