Just weeks after a renovated John Hay Library reopened to the public, senior library staff members are commencing a search for a new library director.
Previous Director of Special Collections and the John Hay Library Tom Horrocks officially resigned Aug. 1 after giving two weeks’ notice, said University Librarian Harriette Hemmasi.
A committee of four senior library staff members is in place to select a candidate for the position. The group began reviewing applications this week and will continue to do so until a candidate has been hired, said Associate University Librarian for Access Services and Collection Management David Banush, the committee’s chair.
Horrocks did not provide a formal reason for his resignation, Hemmasi said.
Since Horrocks left, library staff members have been collectively sharing the duties of John Hay director. Hemassi is working with Banush, Library Planning and Assessment Director Dan O’Mahony and Associate University Librarian for Research and Outreach Services Ned Quist in overseeing the Hay’s exhibits and facilities for the time being.
“No one person would have time to do all of it, and that’s the best that we could do, given the situation,” Hemmasi said.
The national search’s posting on the library website states, “The Director of Special Collections and the John Hay Library will articulate a revitalized vision for one of the nation’s great academic library’s special collections and its recently renovated building.”
The John Hay, boasting a mix of archives, exhibits and workspaces, reopened to the public Sept. 2 after a year of remodeling. The University expects the newly renovated facilities to enhance potential for the position of new library director.
“The job might be easier to do now because the space is much more conducive to the goals of the job, which are to make the collections known and to create an inviting and pleasant place to be,” Hemassi said. “The possibilities are enormous, and I think it will really be up to the new director of the John Hay and special collections to maximize those possibilities.”
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