1977-03-10 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Library Trustees
Subcommittee:
Date: 03/10/1977
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: John R. Coogan, Lester C. Ayers, Douglas L. Henderson, Caleb
Loring III, Frances M. Moran, and Beatrice R. Vitale
Board members absent: Katherine L. Fanning, Diane M. Isenberg, and Oleg M. Pohotsky
Others present:
Recorder: Eleanor M. Scully
Beverly Public Library
Board of Trustees Special Meeting
Thursday, March 10, 1977 7:45 p.m.
Present: Mr. Coogan, presiding; Mrs. Vitale, Mr. Ayers, Miss Moran, Mr. Henderson and Mr.
Loring.
Meeting was called for the purpose of discussing the candidates being considered for the Head
Librarian's position.
Miss Moran discussed the selection of candidates by the Personnel Committee. From about
40 applicants, five were chosen and interviewed and two were finally selected. See report attached.
One of these two will be selected at regular Trustees' meeting next Thursday, March 1Th.
Adjournment: 8:30 p.m.
Eleanor M. Scully
Acting Clerk
REPORT OF PERSONNEL COMMITTEE OF
BEVERLY PUBLIC LIBRARY ON SEARCH FOR
HEAD LIBRARIAN
In accordance with authority of Board of Aldermen, advertisement was placed in the classified
section of the Sunday editions of THE BOSTON GLOBE and the BOSTON HERALD and two
weeks later in THE NEW YORK TIMES. Requirements were stated to be 3-5 years public library
experience in supervisory positions, as well as a degree of Master of Library Science. Responses were
invited by January 31, 1977.
Some forty [40] applications were received from Librarians in a number of States, including
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana,
Florida and even Puerto Rico. They individually showed high educational achievement and many with
honors, such as summa cum laude and cum laude and certification in library classifications. Many
were persons in the position of director, assistant director and department head. The majority had
experience in, and are still employed by, academic or specialized private libraries. Others have had
short term public library experience, or longer experience limited to specialized departments only. All
were seriously reviewed, studied and analyzed.
Five [5] applicants were selected and interviewed by the Committee. Each had had experience
and responsibility in most of the various public library departments. Each of the interviewees
impressed us with appearance, articulateness, poise, broad knowledge, zeal and capability in
budgeting, management, grantsmanship, public relations, community involvement, new developments
and familiarity with all phases of librarianship.
We submit for your consideration two [21 candidates as your Committee's first and second
choice:
CANDIDATE NO. 1
A.B., 1944, NYU, in English-Communication Arts & Economics
M.L.S., 1970, Palmer Graduate Library School, Long Island Univ.
Library Experience:
1967-1971 -- Oueensboro Public Library [1,000,000 books]
As Librarian, Grades 1, 11, and 111 in this 10-division 1 million book library, received
thorough training in each library skill as responsibilities increased from information, telephone
reference and public catalog to the 50,000 book and 7,000 phonograph record Arts & Music
Division, and then to the 40,000 book Fiction Division. Scheduled the entire staff and
supervised up to 20 non-professionals; conducted library orientation programs for
non-English speaking groups; conducted community group talks; provided services for adults
and young adults; and selected and ordered books.
1973 - 1974 -- Newton Free Library
Head Cataloger, Technical Processes Dept. [Cataloged and classified books, resolved
technical services problems, selected books.]
Feb. 1974 to date -- Framingham Public Library
Started as Supervisor and coordinator ofchildren's services and related statfof~ve [5] branch
libraries; developed programs and projects; strengthened relationships of library and school
department administrative and teaching personnel.
Within 11 months promoted to Librarian of Center Library [main library] subordinate to
Director of Libraries; supervises twenty (20) employees [professionals, technicians, assistants
and pages], annual circulation over 200,000 books and other materials; reorganized operating
procedures; supervised writing procedures manual; established committees for selection of
reference material and evolved reference vertical file; professionalized public relations
methods; implemented staffcross-training and new-hire training programs; initiated and held
regular staff meetings; developed community and institutional group participation in film and
crafts programs, self-improvement projects, workshops, seminars, forums and discussion
groups [involved the faculties of Framingham State and Regis College]; publicized adult
educational programs available at the library.
Pre-library employment: Studymaster Publications, Project Editor; Radio Station WBRY,
Manager Script Writing Dept; Edand Advertising Agency, radio script continuity writer.
CANDIDATE NO. 2
B.A., 1970 Keene State College
1971 U.S. Army [Course in Field Artillery Ops. and
Intelligence]
M.L.S., 1974 University of Rhode Island
1976 Graduate School - Worcester State
[Grantsmanship and computer basic.]
EXPERIENCE:
1972-1974 North Kingston Free Library
9/72-6/73 Library Assistant [part time]. Ran elderly visiting program and served at circulation desk,
reference, cataloging, operating A.V. equipment.
July 1973 Promoted to Assistant Librarian [full time] in charge of reference, also did
cataloging, material and book selection [ordering and processing]; represented library at state
and regional meetings; attended work sessions with architects for new library facility;
developed programs for children and young adults; developed pilot program budget for
1974-5.
1974 to date - Whitinsville Social Library and Rockdale Branch
Director; staff of 10; 40,000 books; circulation 71,000.
Responsible for all library operations and facilities.
Formulates policies, budgets and makes recommendations for
and to Board of Trustees. On approved fiscal matters, makes
presentation to town officials.
Supervised reorganization of library and repair and improvement of library buildings,
acquisition of new equipment and furniture; improved circulation system; streamlined
technical services; simplified bookkeeping and improved fiscal responsibility; established staff
training program and monthly staff meetings. Upgraded budget closer to State average;
expanded library services to elderly and instituted year-round pre-school story hours;
established annual book sale; formalized collection development with materials selection
policy and annual weeding.
Obtained two L.S.C.A. grants and bicentennial grant in last two years; additional private
donations and improved investment of endowment funds have doubled library's private funds
and income.
Developed CETA program to augment staff and provide needed maintenance services.
Circulation of books has been increased and record circulation is up by one-third; film service
has doubled; art prints are now available; video loan system now provided.
Library publicity and momhly displays have increased community awareness of, and
involvement irt, the library.
Pre-library employment:
Oct. 1970 - June 1972 -- U.S. Army - various duties and specialized training, including Asst. Section
Chief of five-man artillery FDC Center; Section Chieffive-man Intelligence Section [research
and writing].
Honorable Discharge, with medals [National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign
Medal w/60 device, Vietnam Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal].