The estimated annual cost for the County Librarian position is $263,428, of which $58,132 is pension cost. The estimated cost of filling the position for the nine months remaining of fiscal year 2016/17 is $197,571, of which $43,599 is pension cost and $10,000 is a maximum relocation cost. All costs are budgeted in the Library Fund and substantially offset by salary savings accrued from the vacancy in the position since May 13, 2016.
In April of 2016, County Librarian Jessica Hudson informed the County Administrator that she would be moving out of state to take another position effective May 13, 2016.
The County contracted with Teri Black & Company (TBC), LLC to conduct the recruitment to fill the vacancy. On June 8, 2016, the recruitment for a new County Librarian commenced. TBC advertised the position nationwide but with particular emphasis on the west coast region. Ads were placed with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the American Library Association (ALA), California Library Association (CALIX), Western City Magazine, Careers in Government, California City News, UCLA Department of Information Studies website, California Academic & Research Library Association, Pacific Northwest Library Association, and Jobs Available. Invitations and recruitment brochures were sent via traditional and electronic mail to over 200 potential candidates targeted by executive search firm.
The five (5) week recruitment garnered 31 applications. With the assistance of TBC, the applications were screened and four (4) semi-finalists were forwarded to the County Selection Committee on August 10, 2016. The County Selection Committee was composed of Valerie Barone, City Manager, City of Concord; Alan Smith, Chair, Contra Costa County Library Commission; Gerry Garzón, Director of Library Services, City of Oakland; and Allison Picard, Chief Assistant County Administrator, Contra Costa County.
Following a series of interviews and reference checks, I selected Melinda Cervantes for the position.
Ms. Cervantes holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Library Science Degree from Kent State University. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Pima County Public Library in Arizona, after holding posts as Executive Director and County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District, Deputy County Librarian for our own Contra Costa County Library, Library Director for the City of Tigard Public Library in Oregon, among other positions. Melinda was awarded the California Library Association 2010 Librarian of the Year, was recognized by State Senator Joe Simitian as the 11th State Senatorial District 2011 Woman of the Year, and her Management Team was awarded the California Library Association 2011 Librarian in Support of Literacy, in addition to earning many other accolades. As a professional librarian serving in numerous capacities, Ms. Cervantes brings with her 24 years of experience in public library administrative and management positions. Melinda looks to build upon the Contra Costa County Library’s reputation by promoting the rich resources of the Library, further developing sustainable facilities and services, creating vibrant community libraries, and partnering with local businesses, startups and organizations.
The County Librarian position will remain vacant and the salary schedule will not be reallocated, leaving the County Library in a vulnerable management position.
Speakers: Alan Smith, CCC Library Commission.