06 Library DirectorJuly 6, 2001
Mayor and City Council Members
City of Paris
Paris, Texas 75460
Re: Appointment of Library Director
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
I am pleased to submit to you for approval in accordance with Section 23 of the Charter of
the City of Paris my appointment of Betty Landon to the position of Library Director of the
Paris Public Library. Ms. Landon holds a Master's degree in Library Science from North
Texas State University and has extensive experience in the profession, as you will note in
the attached resume. She possesses the character, ability, and qualifications needed to be an
effective Library Director. She will be giving thirty days notice to her present employer,
North Central Regional Library, in Mason City, Iowa.
Attached for your information is the job posting which sets out the minimum qualifications
and the essential j ob functions for this position. There were a number of applicants, but
none presented experience as broad and as extensive as Ms. Landon. In addition, she has
demonstrated wonderful "people" skills and I believe she will be an effective leader for this
department.
The interview team consisted of Gene Anderson, Director of Finance and Personnel Officer;
Tommy Haynes, Civil Service Director; Melba Harris, personnel consultant for the city; and
myself. Applications and resumes were reviewed by the team and personal interviews were
conducted using the same set of questions for each applicant. The questions were designed
to elicit thoughtful answers that would reveal the ability of each applicant to perform the job
functions and to give each applicant an opportunity to express their leadership skills and job
knowledge.
The clear choice among the applicants was Ms. Landon. She stood out above the other
applicants and we were impressed with the answers she gave in the interview process
and the experience she has attained.
P.O. BOX 9037 " PARIS, TEXAS 75461-9037 · (903) 785-7511 · FAX (903) 785-8519
I want to thank the staffofthe Paris Public Library for the hard work and dedication
displayed during this period of time that they were short staffed and without a director. I
especially want to commend and thank Priscilla McAnally, Assistant Library Director, for
her excellent performance in directing the library during the interim period as we conducted
our search.
I know the staffof the ParAs Public Library and the Library Advisory Board will work
diligently with Ms. Landon as she implements her vision for the future. It is with great pride
that I submit Betty Landon for your approval as my appointment to the position of Library
Director of the Paris Public Library.
Respectfully submitted,
:yha2
MEM/mm
attachments: Resume of Betty Landon
Job Posting - Library Director
Mas0~ City, IA 50401
642/4:23-6017 ~ork{; 6~L/4~1-2084
T~as Count' librsrlau'~ C. er~,~*e and Iowa h'brarian's C~i~.h~cate
1988-~4
1983-84
XL-~ o~:l trai~l o~ff
Arthur Publ/c Libra. Port Arthur, Tea~
Pe~u~icn~, ap~'azin'a~ ?0,000
Supervis~i t_h= circulm~n department
Se:eetecl a~t weed~l materials
Pzovfded re_.rerence servk~
ACADEMIC LIBRARY EXPERIENCE
197980
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION
In accordance with the City's pay plan. Standard City benefit package.
NATURE OF WORK
This is responsible administrative work in planning, organizing, and directing the
municipal library to meet community needs. Work involves managing essential library
operations including collection development, technical processing, cimulation service,
and facility operation. Position also develops library policies, goals, objectives, and
programs. Director supervises and evaluates both paid and volunteer workers, and is
involved in selection of new employees. Budget duties include preparation, justification,
and monitoring the library budget as well as solicitation of relevant outside funding.
Director promotes the library within the community by interaction with schools, civic
organizations, various agency boards, the mobile library program, and similar activities.
Job is performed with considerable independence and involves the use of initiative and
judgment in day-to-day operations. Position reports directly to the City Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
M.S. degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited library
school. Five years experience in professional library work or related field preferred.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Direct library operations.
Develop and administer library policies and programs.
Supervise personnel.
Oversee library budget.
Promote library in the community.
NOTICE
Job open until filled. Contact the City Finance Office for an application. Smoking is
prohibited by Article III Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Paris in all
City facilities except in designated smoking areas. An offense is punishable by a fine not
to exceed $1,000.00.
Posted M~rch 12, 2.001 West Aj~nex Bulletin Board
By .~--z/-~.~_~__~c.,) ~.~,~q-x Witness