One of the newest experiences my new job has is the opportunity to be a part of hiring people. It is definitely a mixed bag. It is fun getting a chance to really try and find the best possible person to fill a position, but it can also be a bit draining.

When the resume packets start coming in, you have to go through them and decide which seem like the best fit. The same is true wit the interview process. It is really great getting an opportunity to meet so many interesting people. I have now been a part of 4 such searches and each one has allowed me to meet so many great people.

With that said, there is also a really strong sense of responsibility. Besides needing to try and make the best decision for the library, there is also knowing that everyone who is applying not only wants the position, but a lot of them really need a position because they are either unemployed or underemployed. It makes making a decision that much more difficult.

One thing that has been really great is the sense that the new director and I (she had my position before the previous director retired, and she applied and gained that position leaving so I was able to apply for hers.) have had a chance to really build the library staff into our own team. It is really allowing us to start molding our own vision for the future.