Some big changes are afoot at the Beaver Island District Library. Long-time director Patrick McGinnity has announced that he will be leaving the library. He’s not leaving the island though. Instead, he plans to focus his efforts on the Whiskey Point Brewing Company where he is one of the founders and the brewmaster. The Library board has launched a search for his replacement and just a week ago appointed Jacquie LaFreniere as assistant librarian. Meantime, the Library is busy planning for the summer reading program. The theme this year is Ocean of Possibilities. They’re conducting a survey to fine tune the program and its content. You can find the survey here: https://wvbi.biccenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Oceans-of-possibilities-survey.jpg
The full text of the Library Board’s announcement about the change and their call for applications for the position follows below.
A prior version of this report first appeared on WVBI.net.
CHANGE COMES TO BEAVER ISLAND DISTRICT LIBRARY
It is with great sadness, but also with extreme admiration that the Beaver Island District Board of Trustees announces a transition from one Library Director to another. Patrick McGinnity, has dedicated almost a decade of loyal service to his community and this organization, but life changes are inevitable. So with that, Patrick will be leaving the Beaver Island Library within the next few months.
In Patrick’s own words: “It is with the utmost gratitude and the humble pride that comes of being a small part of something great that I announce that I will be stepping down as the Director of the Beaver Island District Library later this spring. For close to a decade I have had the extraordinary privilege of standing at the helm of this amazing institution, helping to chart its course ahead. I would like to thank all of our patrons and supporters for their dedication to the library, and our Board members past and present for their energy and commitment over those years. It truly has been an honor, and while I am very excited to start the next chapter of my life, I will certainly miss this one.”
The BIDL Board of Trustees has begun a search for a new director.
Patrick and the BIDL Board are highly confident that the transition will be a smooth one.
The posting for the position follows.
Notice of Career Opportunity
Beaver Island District Library Director
A unique and challenging opportunity is available at
the Beaver Island District Library.
After many years of service to the library and our community,
Patrick McGinnity – Director, is transitioning to another life experience.
The Board of Trustees for the Beaver Island District Library wish him great success and thank him for his leadership. Jacque LaFreniere has been named Assistant Director during this time of transition. Jacque is highly qualified, with a Master’s degree and many certifications related to library work. We look forward to working with her until a replacement for Patrick has been named.
The Board of Trustees will be accepting applications from candidates to fill the Directorship vacancy. We have set forth requirements and expectations below for those wishing to apply. Please email your cover letter along with your resume or curriculum vitae to Bob Sramek, bobsramek@gmail.com Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2022.
Nature of Work
The Director is responsible for the administration of all library functions within the goals, guidelines, policies, and mission established by the Board of Trustees. The Director provides a leadership role within the library, the community, and the library profession. The Director serves as the official representative of the Beaver Island District Library.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have: a Master’s Degree, a minimum level 3 certification from the Library of Michigan, proof of ongoing professional skills development, experience in grant writing, proficiency in Zoom, knowledge of budgeting and program development, the ability to establish and maintain a positive workplace culture and will possess a collaborative spirit with other island organizations.
Areas of Responsibility
A. Administration and Management
Implement library policies and procedures, recommend policy changes and updates as necessary. Maintain all library records in accordance with established record retention guidelines.
Utilize and maintain the library website to expand our online patronage
Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct a balanced program of library service to meet the immediate and long range goals of the library and community.
Evaluate the effectiveness of library services in relation to the changing needs of the community, maintain and monitor circulation statistics and order materials and supplies.
Provide for collection development and maintenance, including an annual inventory.
Perform all financial procedures to include: State reports, monthly financial and statistical reports, payroll, banking and bill payment. Direct and monitor expenditures and prepare budget recommendations to the board.
Attend all meetings of the library board and its committees.
Oversee general building maintenance and special projects
Train staff, prepare work schedules and assignments, oversee and evaluate the performance of employees, including an annual written evaluation, and hold periodic staff meetings.
Stay informed of state and national guidelines and legislation pertinent to public libraries, and current trends in library service and technology with continued education and connection with other libraries in the region.
Continuing education workshops and conferences
B. Community Relations
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other governmental agencies, civic and community groups, and the general public.
Interact with patrons through readers’ advisory, computer help, and at the circulation desk
Assess information regarding the community such as reading needs and interests, formulating service goals and developing programs for the library
Work collaboratively with school administration and staff, the home school community, and other educational entities to meet the reading needs of children.
Publicize and promote library services through group presentations, news releases, and by advertising library programs and services.
Support and facilitate the work of The Friends of the Library or other programs.
Plan and promote programs that meet the needs and interests of the community.
Work in coordination with the board to promote development of the endowment fund, including the development donor estate planning.
The Beaver Island District Library Board of Trustees
