Three candidates offered the job of Ventura County, California, library director have either turned it down or made unrealistic salary demands, although a fourth finalist remains under consideration, officials told the Los Angeles Times.
Although expressing disappointment with the fact that only 39 people applied for the job, Interim Director Richard Rowe praised their caliber, noting that most were in-state. "You would have thought with . . . some of the negative publicity the library system has had, it may have discouraged California candidates," said Rowe.
Following a reorganization designed to give local communities more control over their branches, the financially strapped system cut 11 positions to buy new books and equipment and maintain extended hours without exceeding its budget.
The Times reported October 28 that the first choice withdrew when her current employer gave her a raise that exceeded the Ventura offer. The second candidate was reluctant to deal with elected officials from the eight jurisdictions in the system, and officials said the third demanded excessive salary and benefits.
Posted November 2, 1998.