The Natrona County Public Library’s Board of Trustees has hired a firm to find  a new director, according to a news release.

The board contracted with the Kansas City, Mo.-based Bradbury Associates, which specializes in executive placements for libraries, to find a replacement for retiring Library Director Bill Nelson.

Bradbury Associates will assist the board in marketing and vetting candidates in a nationwide search.

The contract with the firm will not cost the library additional money, board President Hampton O'Neill said. “Since the Library Director position will be vacant throughout the multi-month search process, the corresponding unspent salary will more than pay for Bradbury Associates’ contract.”

Hiring such a firm is necessary to attract the best candidates.

Advancing technology and a growing community have spurred changes in the library director's duties. The director is responsible for personnel, collection development, finances, the building itself, and a growing number of programs for patrons. The director also serves as a technical adviser to the board, and serves on the boards of the Library Foundation and Friends of the Library.

Representatives of Bradbury Associates will travel to Casper in August to meet with the board, library staff, and community stakeholders about what they want in a new director.

The vacancy will be advertised widely. A final selection is expected to be made by the end of the year.

Director Bill Nelson announced his retirement on June 1.

The board has appointed Kate Mutch to serve as interim director effective August 13. Mutch has served as NCPL’s Public Services Librarian for 12 years.

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