'Boomeranging Twist' at Salt Lake City Public Library

‘Chilling’ reshuffle may boomerang on library director. (Salt Lake City Tribune, 1/8/2011)

Excerpt: Director Beth Elder’s “chilling” management shake-up has wobbled Salt Lake City’s stalwart library system, rattled award-winning staffers who privately fear for their jobs, and, in a boomeranging twist, soon may place the director herself in jeopardy.

Employees, who canceled the annual Christmas party due to cratered morale, are fretting that confusion will rule Monday when the sweeping changes take effect. Yet beyond the structure at all six branches and service to the public, weighty questions suddenly hover over the library’s top leadership itself.

Three board members have resigned in recent months, including one veteran who bolted at year’s end with no explanation. That follows a nearly unanimous “vote of no confidence” in Elder that was cast by library managers in the spring. Insiders say the reorganization, which prompted a mini-exodus and at least five demotions, was return fire from the director. She denies it.

Related article:
Management shake-up at library.  (1/3/2011)