Job Opening-- Rice Lake Library Director

Rice Lake Public Library — Director
The Rice Lake Public Library is seeking a full-time Director The ideal candidate will possess an ALA-accredited MLS, have at least five years of professional library experience (including at least two years in a progressively responsible administrative position) and be eligible for a Grade 1 Library Director Certification issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, possess strong communication, organizational, public relations and supervisory skills. They will also have experience with budgets, planning, grant-writing, administration and library-related technologies. A complete job description is available here.
Salary of $51,000 to $57,000 based on experience and qualifications. Rice Lake is a city of 8,000 in a recreational area in Northwestern Wisconsin within 2 hours of Minneapolis, St. Paul and serves as a commercial hub for the region. The selected applicant will receive a generous benefit package. Residency in the city required within 6 months of hire.
Candidates should submit cover letter, resume and references via email to rlboard@ifls.lib.wi.us. Applications review process begins May 28, 2009, and will continue until position is filled.

WLA sends Open letter to West Bend

The WLA recently sent an open letter to West Bend's Mayor, Common Council, library board, library staff, and citizens regarding the complaints about the library's collection:

The Wisconsin Library Association strongly supports the staff and trustees of the West Bend Community Memorial Library as they carefully consider challenges to the library's collection policy, while continuing to provide a library collection that represents the diverse views of the users of the library.

Free access to ideas and freedom of expression are bedrock principles of this country enshrined in the United States Constitution. Public libraries are institutions dedicated to the freedom of expression and inquiry necessary for a democracy to survive. The public library is the provider of access for all citizens to the full range of ideas, including controversial or unpopular ideas.

It is contrary to the democratic principles of this country for any group to impose its views on others through efforts to limit access to views they oppose. It is also contrary to democratic principles for attempts to be made to place control of a library in the hands of those with a narrow political agenda.

The Wisconsin Library Association commends the courageous West Bend librarians, public officials, and citizens who are standing up for free access to ideas and freedom of expression