GILLETTE, Wyo. — A motion to have the Campbell County Public Library System rejoin the Wyoming Library Association failed this evening in a 2-3 vote.
Board members Darcie Lyon and Charlie Anderson voted in favor of rejoining the association, while Chair Sage Bear and board members Charles Butler and Chelsie Collier voted against it.
The vote came after Campbell County Human Resources Executive Director Brandy Elder said she couldn’t find training for library staff that wasn’t connected to the American Library Association in some form. Elder said she continues to recommend returning to the Wyoming Library Association or forming a committee of library staff to look into further training, as she’s not an expert in libraries.
The board unanimously decided to form a special committee to continue seeking training that isn’t affiliated with the American Library Association. Butler will head that committee, which will include some librarians, Bear said.
She said her understanding is that the library board, if it were to decide to return the library to the WLA, could offer employees training through the WLA, without paying dues to the ALA. Elder said her main concern is ensuring librarians have access to continuing education, as a matter of equity. Other full-time county employees have these opportunities, she said.
Board member Chelsie Collier asked Elder whether the county can survey library staff regarding bullying community members said the staff has experienced. Elder said she will work on putting together such a survey.
