Position Announcement

[Stevens County Rural Library <stevcolib@triax.com>]

Stevens County Rural Library District

LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Brand new rural public library system in eastern Washington State seeks 
dynamic but easy-going library Director to deliver state-of-the-art 
library services.


This position is a special opportunity for an experienced library 
manager and service provider who cares deeply about rural community life 
and being of service. Starting a new library system from "scratch" is a 
once in a life time opportunity. The Board has met with the public in 15 
community areas and used the input to develop a comprehensive, 
preliminary plan and budget to assist a new Director in making a fast 
start.

In November 1996, rural Stevens County, Washington voted over 64% to 
create a new library system. Tucked away in the far northeast corner of 
the state, the county has long been home to a mixed logging and 
agricultural economy. Less than 20 miles from Spokane, the southern 
parts of the county are beginning to feel growth pressure from that 
metropolitan area. The county extends all the way to Canada, and much of 
it remains quite rural. Growth and new businesses are coming to all 
parts of the county. It affords growing cultural and educational 
opportunities while remaining a recreational paradise.

The newly appointed Board of Library Trustees has a vision of rural 
library service that includes:

7 Skilled, experienced, very user-friendly library services, staff and 
volunteers.
7 Useful computer software, Internet and telecommunications technology 
and training.
7 Easily accessible education, training, life-long learning 
opportunities and infrastructure to support them.
7 Traditional library books, newspapers, periodicals, informational 
videos, sound recordings, reference materials, maps and helpful 
services.
7 Community libraries located according to population and strong, 
diverse support from people within their communities.
7 Information through a county and region-wide network of libraries and 
through mail, fax and electronic access in their homes, home schools, 
traditional schools, businesses and government offices.
7 Being an active partner with local organizations, municipalities and 
regional libraries, tribal councils and libraries, school districts, the 
Community Colleges of Spokane, Washington State University, and others 
in assuring excellent library information and knowledge services to all 
county residents.

The Board plans to appoint a new Director by April 1, 1998 and is 
starting early to find the very best candidates. Inquires are welcome.  
Direct written inquiries to:

Stevens County Rural Library District
P.O. Box 476
Loon Lake, WA 99148

Attn: Lethene Parks