Policy Statement
A change in leadership is inevitable. Herrin City Library seeks to be prepared for eventual changes in leadership—either planned or unplanned—to ensure the continued stability and accountability of the organization. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for implementing this policy and its related procedures with the goal of finding a qualified and capable leader who understands our community, nurtures staff and advances the library’s mission.
Ideally, the Board will have time to search for and find a new director in advance of the outgoing director’s departure. If that is not possible, the Board can appoint a current staff member or consultant to act as interim director until a suitable replacement is found. The person appointed to the position of interim director must accept the position with no guarantee they will be placed in the position permanently. The interim director will ensure the Library maintains daily operations without disruption and will continue implementation of library policies and procedures.
The Board will develop a search process that attracts a diverse pool of candidates and will interview at least three qualified individuals for the director position. This applicant pool can include, but is not limited to, current employees.
Procedures for succession as follows:
In the temporary absence of the director (i.e., illness or leave of absence), a current or former full-time staff member or qualified member of the general staff shall serve as acting director.
In the event the incumbent director is no longer able to serve in this position (i.e., leaves the position suddenly and permanently), the Board shall do the following:
- WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF THE DIRECTOR’S DEPARTURE:
- Appoint an interim director
- Notify City Hall of the director’s departure, appointment of an interim and plans to search for a new director
- WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DIRECTOR’S DEPARTURE:
- Appoint a search committee comprised of an uneven number of people, including diverse representation from the library staff, the Friends of the Herrin City Library, City Hall and/or the Herrin community
THE SEARCH COMMITTEE WILL:
- Establish a timeframe and plan for the recruitment and selection process, including steps to include library staff
- Narrow the field of applicants and interview semi-finalists and finalists
- Will report their recommendations to the Library Board of Trustees
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL:
- Work with the search committee to define the ideal candidate and identify possible issues to be addressed by new leadership
- Review the library’s financial resources and develop a compensation package
- Make the final decision on hiring the new Director and determine start date
- Develop a plan for knowledge transfer and transition
Approved: 2-14-2023