Bronson Appointee Unlikely Qualified to Serve as Anchorage Public Library Director

Apparently, Mayor David Bronson's pick for director of the Anchorage Public Library is…wait for it…not a librarian.

If you haven't heard, Anchorage Mayor David Bronson appointed a new library director, Sami Graham. Still, according to Graham's online resume, she is likely not qualified to serve as Municipal Librarian. Graham has a wealth of experience — but in education.

Graham's Anchorage School District Board campaign website says that she holds a BS in Music Education, has an unspecified MS in Educational Leadership, and has worked as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, and counselor.

What's lacking in Graham's resume is any educational background or work experience related to public libraries.

A job listing for the Anchorage Public Director's position shows that the minimum qualifications for the position include a Master's degree in Library Science from an American Library Association-accredited college or university and seven years of professional library experience, of which three years were in an administrative capacity in a moderate to large library system.

"Experience must include developing, implementing, and maintaining library programs and services, building collections, and providing service to multicultural communities," according to the online job description.

Based on the listed requirements and preferences for the position, it seems that if Ms. Graham applied for it, she likely wouldn't be considered. Sources within the Anchorage Public Library system say they are concerned about the lack of qualifications of Mayor Bronson's appointee.

The Anchorage Municipal Code requires that the Anchorage Assembly hold confirmation hearings for mayoral appointees that require assembly approval. Confirmation hearings are publicly noticed and open for anyone to attend.