American Libraries |
||
Site Navigation
Left Sidebar ItemsOnline Features
Follow American Libraries news stories, videos, and blog posts on Twitter.
|
||
Missaukee Board Hires New DirectorThe controversy surrounding the Missaukee (Mich.) District Library board escalated September 10 when it voted 4–2, after an early-morning public interview with the candidate, to enter immediately into a two-year contract with Bob Townsend as its new director. Townsend, a retired educator and sole proprietor of Townsend Associates, was the only person considered for the unadvertised position. Board president Sue Armstead said the library did not advertise the job because public animosity toward the board would have prevented successful interviews in a public meeting, according to the September 11 Cadillac News. Board members in favor of hiring Townsend were eager to do so before October 1, when more stringent state regulations go into effect requiring the director to have a master’s degree in library science. Townsend does not have an MLS, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported September 10. Ed Montgomery, a board member who was unable to attend the September 10 interview, tried to cast an absentee ballot against the hire, but his vote was rejected. “We have three concerns,” he had said in the Record-Eagle before the decision. “We’re not sure it’s legal, we’re not sure the IRS would approve, and we’re not sure he’s qualified.” Posted September 17, 2001. |
Right Sidebar
|
|
