Library Director – West Lafayette Public Library (IN)

The Board of Trustees of the West Lafayette Public Library (IN) seeks a forward-focused and highly motivated individual to serve as its next Library Director. Serving the 44,600 residents of West Lafayette from a single 59,000 square foot downtown location with 9.53 FTE and a $1.1 million budget, WLPL is working every day to be the community’s center for lifelong learning, the collector of the community’s written and audio-visual heritage, and the gateway to resources within and beyond its walls. The seven board members are appointed by a combination of the West Lafayette School Corporation, Tippecanoe County Schools, West Lafayette mayor, Tippecanoe County Commissioners, West Lafayette City Council, and the Tippecanoe County Council. The library serves engaged patrons who appreciate the recently refreshed building, thoughtfully developed collection, and new Creativity Lab. Key initiatives include developing ways to bring the library outside its walls into the community, stabilizing and increasing funding sources, analyzing the organizational structure, establishing regular internal professional development opportunities, and updating the library’s policies and procedures. 

As the home of Purdue University, Purdue Research Park, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and Caterpillar Large Engine Center—and the most densely populated city in Indiana—West Lafayette is not a traditional midwestern city. Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com recently named it as one of the top emerging housing markets in the nation. Residents enjoy an affordable cost of living, a top-rated public school system, and a diverse population. The city is nestled on the Wabash River which is celebrated through events like Art on the Wabash, Riverfest, and Taste of Tippecanoe. There is positive energy throughout the community as it grows to meet the needs of residents with fine dining, local breweries, and unique shopping options. A new city Wellness Center, a longstanding farmer’s market, and a 30-mile paved hike/bike trail system provide opportunities for people to be their healthiest selves.  

Responsibilities: The Library Director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to the hiring, reviewing, and releasing of staff; coordinating regular staff meetings; supervising the development of the library’s collections and programs; overseeing the maintenance of the library facilities and technology; planning and implementing an annual budget for submission to the library board; developing and implementing of long-range plans; supervising the completion of any necessary government reports; representing the library in local and regional community forums; and serve as an appointed member of the Library Foundation Board of Directors. 

Qualifications: A minimum of five years of professional (or paraprofessional equivalent) library experience and a master’s degree in library and information Science from an ALA-accredited college or university are required. Applicants who have not met the requirements of the Indiana Library Certification as a Class 1 librarian may be considered if the requirements can be completed within three years of hire. The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, serve as a liaison between the Board of Trustees and staff, possess experience bringing an organization together as a team, appreciate experimentation and failure as a healthy part of growth, and experience developing a consistent fundraising process. 

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $80,000 – $95,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package. 

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or PDF attachments to Brian C. Hare (brianhare@bradburymiller.com). This position closes on Sunday, April 2, 2023. 

View this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links and information at https://bradburymiller.com/job/west-lafayette/.

Submit specified application materials to brianhare@bradburymiller.com.