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City of Madison News Release
For Immediate Release:
May 21, 2012
For More Information Contact:
Larry Palm, MPL Personnel Committee Chair
692-8416
Madison Public Library Announces Director Finalists
The Madison Public Library is pleased to announce finalists for the Library Director position. The Library Board has been working diligently over the past few months to identify the best candidates to succeed Barb Dimick.
Gregory Mickells is currently Assistant Library Director for the Lincoln City Libraries in Lincoln, Nebraska, since 2007. The Lincoln City Libraries is a municipal system serving Lancaster County's 280,000 residents from a main library, seven branches, and a bookmobile. Previously, Mr. Mickells was a Library Manager in the Douglas County Libraries in Castle Rock, Colorado for eight years, and has held other library positions in Nebraska and Colorado since 1989. Mr. Mickells has his Masters in Library Science from Emporia State University.
Joellen (Jody) Risacher is currently Library Director for the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center in Fayetteville, NC, since 2008, and was Deputy Director of the same from 1998-2007. The Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center is the fifth largest library system in North Carolina, with eight facilities and a Law Library. Previously, Ms. Risacher held library jobs in Ohio and West Virginia. Ms. Risacher has her Masters in Library Science from Indiana University.
"Madison is building a new Central Library and we need a leader who will guide us well in the future." says Madison Mayor Paul Soglin.
The Madison Public Library is comprised of nine libraries throughout Madison and circulated nearly five million items in 2010 - more than twenty books for each resident. The Library Board is responsible for the operations of the Library including selection of the Library Director.
Candidates and selected members of the library community will be invited to an opportunity to "meet and greet" the finalists prior to the Library Board interviews. Having the candidates engage with members of Friends groups, Foundation Board members and city staff will give the Library Board an opportunity for input from a variety of perspectives. The Library Board will be conducting interviews on Thursday May 31.
Library Board President Tripp Widder says "We're confident that the Library will soon have a Director who will build onto our existing success and grow us well into the future".
The Library recently opened the new Goodman South Madison Branch on Park Street and is currently constructing the new Central Library expected to be completed in 2013. In addition, the Library continues to invest in branch libraries including planning a new far east library at Grandview Commons.
A selection will be made by the Library Board after the candidate interviews. A contract will require approval by the Madison Common Council.
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