Worcester Searching for Fifth Head Librarian in Last Five Years

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Saturday, November 29, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Seven applicants have recently applied to interview for the position of Head Librarian at Worcester Public Library. Following the abrupt resignation of Christopher Korenowsky in July, the Library is searching for its fifth Head Librarian in five years. The $112,000 per year position has eluded any consistency since Penelope Johnson retired in 2009 after 18 years as Head Librarian.

According to Deborah Packard, President of the library's Board of Directors, it's not unusual to have some turnover following a long term Head Librarian like Johnson. "It's our goal to get someone in that will be there for a considerable amount of time," said Packard.

Why Did the Other Head Librarians Leave?

Packard says former Head Librarian Wei Jeng-Chu retired, and that the board was aware of her retirement plans. However, Jeng-Chu's replacement,  Christopher Korenowsky, resigned unexpectedly in July for personal reasons. Packard said Jeng-Chu's two predecessors resigned for personal reasons as well.

"Our library has a very good reputations for our programs nationwide. The One City, One Library program we have is very unique. For someone who is interested in managing a large library, with a large staff, in an urban setting, this library would be very good for them," said Packard. "And not everybody wants to take that on. They may want a smaller town that doesn't have the challenges and the volume that we have."

Tracey Leger-Hornby, the interim Head Librarian, is not interviewing for the position so she can focus on her new consulting business. 

The Application Process

"It will take a special person, and we are going to be very selective about getting that kind of person," said Packard.

The board hired Bradbury Associates from New York City to run the search for a new head librarian. "This is the first time we've used a search firm, we used to just advertise on our own. I think that kind of candidate with experience in an urban area will be more accessible to us through this process," said Packard. 

The application deadline is December 21. In January, the field of candidates will be narrowed down to six. Each candidate will have the opportunity to be interviewed via Skype. The field will be narrowed down to three individuals who will have a final interview in early February at the library. 

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