The Ottawa Library Board of Trustees, Ottawa, Kansas, seeks an energetic and innovative Library Director capable of engaging patrons, empowering library staff, implementing emerging technologies, working with local government leaders, and building strategic partnerships within the community. The Library serves residents of Ottawa and Franklin County, and has an annual operating budget of $820,000. The position oversees a staff of 8 full-time and 15 part-time employees, and a print and multimedia collection of 55,000 items with an annual circulation of 132,000. The Library also houses a significant local history collection. The Library has recently undergone a substantial capital improvement project and boasts spacious and beautiful public areas, including children’s and young adult areas. These spaces support collaborative and individual study.

Ottawa, with a population approaching 13,000, serves as the county seat of Franklin County. Nestled along I-35, Ottawa is less than 45 minutes from the Kansas City Metro area, 30 minutes from Lawrence, and 45 minutes from our state capitol of Topeka. Franklin County, with a population over 26,000, is one of the fastest growing counties in Kansas. Opportunities for primary and secondary education abound, and our health care facilities and programs are second to none. The opportunities for leisure and recreation in Ottawa and the surrounding areas are endless. Whether you enjoy a family day at the lake, a quiet evening in the park, or the yelling at a ballgame, you can find it here. The City of Ottawa is nationally designated as a Playful City USA.

Candidates must have considerable experience with budgeting, personnel management, customer service, strategic planning, public relations and advocacy, and possess excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. The successful candidate will be able to provide vision, leadership, strategic planning and management necessary for the Ottawa Public Library, and ensure the Library reaches and remains on the cutting edge of providing library services with the latest technological applications. A Masters Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution is required, or the ability to obtain said degree within a timeframe approved by the Board of Trustees. This employee must be able to maintain strict confidentiality, have the ability to prioritize, and work in a fast paced environment sometimes under stressful conditions. Must establish residency in Franklin County, preferably within city limits of Ottawa, within one year of hire.  A complete job description is posted at http://www.ottawalibrary.org Starting salary is $52,000, negotiable based on qualifications and experience. To apply for this position, send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Ottawa Library Director Recruitment, Attn: Melissa Fairbanks, HR Director, City of Ottawa, P.O. Box 60, Ottawa, KS 66067, or e-mail to mfairbanks@ottawaks.gov The Ottawa Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Ottawa Library is independent of the City of Ottawa, Kansas organization and is subject to its own rules, regulations, and policies.