Hiring Process for New County Librarian Leaves Something to be
Desired
Hiring Process for New County Librarian Leaves Something to be Desired
Editor,
San Benito County’s search for a County Librarian is failing again. This time, it’s the search process itself that has doomed it. By neglecting to do a national search and discouraging out-of-state candidates, the county is severely limiting its candidate pool.
Last month, the county sought applicants, for the second time. The job has been vacant for over one year, and the first attempt at hiring was unsuccessful.
Though I searched many library job Web sites, I did not see this opening. Hollister friends informed me about it and I applied. (I had moved from Hollister due to a lack of library jobs in California).
I inquired about the application’s requirement “Applicants must have a valid California driver’s license.” I thought perhaps the position was limited to California residents. But no, an HR representative said any valid driver’s license is fine.
My application was “accepted” for the interview process. However, when the HR technician informed me, she said the county could not afford to fly me to CA for the “interview.” She said I could pay my own way, but also stressed that “withdrawing” my application was also an option.
“Will there be a series of interviews?” I asked. “Yes,” she said “at least two.” I inquired if it was possible to do the first interview via telephone or videoconference. (I was happy to pay to fly out for a final interview). The technician said no one else had requested that, but indicated she’d check with “the director.”
Two days later, I received an email from the HR technician; the answer was “No.”
My personal situation aside, the County of San Benito deserves better.
First, a nationwide search is imperative. If not for the first go-around, certainly the second time, when it was clear candidates are scarce. As far as I know, the position was only advertised locally – within the county and on the CA Library Association Web site. I never saw the position advertised on any mainstream library job sites, nor in any professional library journals.
Second, money should be spent to make the interview process top notch. In the job announcement, San Benito was called a “progressive county.” At a minimum, then, they should use such progressive interview techniques like telephone and videoconference interviews.
Ideally, there should also be a willingness to fly out any out-of-state qualified candidates.
Since the previous librarian’s position has been vacant for more than a year, the money from her salary should easily cover these costs.
San Benito County Library is far behind others nationwide technology and programming-wise. It deserves a strong candidate to develop a vision for the library’s future. And, not surprisingly, the best candidate might just be one who has worked at numerous different library systems far and wide – someone who can bring broad experience to the table.
Think outside the box, San Benito County. Outside the county line, even across state lines, if necessary. There are phenomenal libraries all over this country, and you might just learn something from them.
Shawn Wistrom,
via e-mail
The Past Haunts Hollister
Editor,
I feel for the citizens of Hollister facing astronomical hikes in their sewer bills. Unless we remember how our infrastructure became so completely overburdened, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past.
Developer-friendly City Councils of the 1990s approved thousands of new homes without looking to the future to see what impact all of those people would create. When the sewage system exceeded its capacity, the Regional Water Quality Control Board accused Hollister officials of “poor planning,” yet councils continued to approve new development, ignoring citizens’ demands for responsible growth.
Too often our elected officials think only of today, and only of those with development interests who paid for their campaigns. They ignore our quality of life. We must become vigilant in planning our communities – including roads, open space, parks and other infrastructure – with future generations in mind. We need elected officials smart enough to see the “big picture,” not simply the project at hand.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could go back and assess former Hollister Council members for the financial impacts their selfish, shortsighted decisions have created? I feel sorry for the current council stuck with cleaning up the mess, and I promise to work with them if elected supervisor.
Tracie L. Cone,
Paicines
Hollister’s Spirit Shines Bright
Editor,
Over the past month, we have had several opportunities to observe a shining example of skill and character building for 9- and 10-year-old boys in your community. Our grandson was a part of the Hollister America All Stars team that progressed through the district and regional tournaments to go on and win your state’s Northern Championship Tournament.
We observed practices that were well organized – providing each player skill building drills and positive feedback, often on a one-to-one basis. At the beginning of each game officials, coaches, and each player were introduced and applauded. Introductions were followed by the repetition of the Little League Creed. At each game’s conclusion, handshakes were shared between both teams and coaches. Each tournament concluded with recognition and awards for all players and coaches.
Robert Fabing and his coaching staff are a skilled group of men with both a good grasp of game skills and strategy PLUS the ability to teach these young players in a way that inspires each boy’s best effort, skill development, and sportsmanship without undue pressure.
The parents and families supporting this team were congenial and positive making our welcome warm and sincere from the outset and leaving us with the warmest of memories and joy that our grandson is growing up in a community with such value for children.
Bill and Claudia Wahl
Sherwood, Oregon
