Selection of the University Librarian

Book excerpt: This report on the process by which a university librarian is selected is based on interviews with key participants in searches for library directors at five medium to large universities, each of which had selected a new university librarian within the two years prior to the survey. It was found that the five universities--one private, one state-related, one member of a statewide university system, and two state universities (one rural and one urban)--had a number of common characteristics which contributed to a successful search, including relative openness with respect to the process, a clear understanding of affirmative action guidelines, a commitment to the library by academic officers, and interest from the three major constituent groups, i.e., librarians, faculty, and administrators. Several critical factors in the search process that were common to the searches were also found: (1) careful attention to the composition of the search committee; (2) management of group dynamics within the search committee; (3) accurate representation of the university to the candidates; (4) accurate knowledge on the part of the committee of the type of individual desired by academic officers; and (5) communication of the future direction of the university from academic officers to all involved in the search. The critical role of outsiders in searches, as well as the necessity for an "assertive" search are also considered. Copies of the interview questionnaire and the introductory cover letter are appended. (60 references) (Author/EW)