SCLS New Director Search Committee Minutes
November 27, 2023
SCLS Headquarters

Present: J. Honl, N. Nelson, N. Foth, S. Feith, G. Poulson, J. Wright, K. Goeden, S Lee, S. Holland, L. White

Meeting was called to order by Joan Honl at 11:02

Addition to the Agenda:  S. Feith asked that all the names and applications received for the Director position be made available to all members of the committee.  M. Nelson moved and G. Poulson seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

Survey questions:

M. Nelson suggested that the committee consider a more specific question concerning the applicants experience with small, rural libraries during the second round of interviews.  S. Feith moved.  K. Goeden seconded to make the following changes in the proposed interview questions for the first round of interviews.  Motion carried unanimously.

                #5 - What is your experience with libraries of various sizes including large and small, rural, urban and suburban libraries and with library systems, especially in the area of budgeting and contracts.     

                #7 - What is your experience working with state legislators, local elected officials and community leaders?  How would you go about creating relationships in your new position?

  #9 - Give us an example of your experience creating a collaborative environment in your past position.  Surveys from member libraries and staff indicate that there is a tradition of good collaboration in planning and problem solving in SCLS.

  #10 - If, for instance, our book delivery system would change it may have a negative effect on our budget.  Have you faced a difficult budget decision?  How did you include stakeholders in dealing with the decision and how did you create buy-in to the final recommendation?

J. Honl proposed that three members of the search committee do the first round or interviews on Zoom.
All other members would be able to view the interviews online.  Interviewees would be made aware of all people viewing the interview.  N. Foth moved approval that three members of the committee do the initial interview as proposed by J. Honl.  M. Nelson seconded the motion.  Motion passed unanimously.

Members chosen to interview include J. Honl, K. Goeden, and L. White.

c, d, e:  It was moved by J. Honl and seconded by M. Nelson that the following candidates be interviewed:  Giovanni Tairov, Shannon Schultz, Jane Jorgenson, Matthew Pannkuk, Sherry Machones