Chair of the Board

In recent years, the library sector has been under significant pressure due to budget cuts, increased internet use, and declining reading rates. However, thanks to the Library Agreement 2020–2023—an agreement between libraries and the three levels of government—they have managed to strengthen their position by working together to promote reading, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning. Through the implementation of the covenant in the Network Agenda 2021–2023, administrators and policymakers from library organizations, provincial support organizations, and the Royal Library are putting practical substance into the collaboration and renewal of the sector. Thanks to substantial investments by the national government, which were recently announced, the sector can further increase the social impact of libraries. For the coming years, there is a strong ambition: to offer everyone in the Netherlands access to a future-oriented library service by 2025.

The VOB plays a key role in realizing that ambition. After a turbulent period marked by rapid changes in leadership and staff, calm has been restored, and the VOB is now steadily working to strengthen the position and image of libraries. To tackle the major challenges facing the sector in the coming years, the organization is seeking a unifying, engaging, and inspiring chairperson.

Profile

The chairperson is able to further develop and promote the chosen path as a network organization. He or she is a leader among equals, supports the board, effectively leverages the expertise of the board members, and ensures a sound decision-making process. The chairperson has an engaging style of leadership that makes everyone feel heard.

The chairperson is the public face of the association, focusing on internal organization—that is, maintaining contact with the board, the director (and, through the director, the office), and the members. When necessary, he or she plays an important representative role externally, but always in collaboration with or in consultation with the director. The chair naturally works closely with the director and the office, serving as a sounding board and point of contact.

The chairperson represents the interests of all affiliated members and serves as a unifying force. The membership is highly diverse, with members having different interests and responsibilities, and operating in various contexts (such as libraries, cultural centers, local or regional community centers, etc.). The chairperson is tasked with evaluating group formation among the members on its merits and ensuring it proceeds smoothly. He/she is a natural and approachable point of contact for the members.

Drawing on his own experience and commitment, the chair understands what is happening in society from the perspective of the sector. He is always attuned to these developments. He is someone who champions the various missions of public libraries based on his experience in the same or a related sector.

Required knowledge, experience, and skills

The Chair:

• is an inspiring networker, has experience in building networks, and recognizes the professionalism of all library directors;
  
• has an engaging style of chairing meetings that makes everyone feel heard;
• is familiar with relevant networks in the fields in which public libraries operate;
• can effectively represent the industry in these networks;
• has a keen sense of the interests and dynamics within the broader library network;
• has experience with political and administrative processes (at the local, provincial, and/or national levels);
• has insight into the operations of industry and employer organizations;
• places a high priority on integrity;
• considers diversity and inclusion to be fundamental values that should be promoted within the industry.

Appointment

The chairperson will have sufficient time available, averaging 0.5 days per week. The appointment will be for three years, with the possibility of a second term. The compensation is €1,000 per month.

Note: The chairperson is not affiliated with any member of the VOB.

Background information

The Public Library Sector
The Association of Public Libraries (VOB) represents the public library sector and consists of over 140 members, a board of directors, and an executive office. Together with its members, the VOB works to advance the common interests of public libraries, provincial support organizations (POIs), and national organizations. Central to this is strengthening the social role of libraries, so that everyone in society has access to quality information and opportunities for personal development, at every level. With over six million users, 100 million physical and digital visits, more than 7,500 employees, and a turnover of 500 million euros, this social value is exceptionally high.

The VOB
The Association of Public Libraries (VOB) supports its members in fulfilling their social role. It does this by advocating for their interests, promoting good employment practices, and organizing dialogue and knowledge exchange. As a trade association, the VOB acts decisively, flexibly, and in response to member needs.

Executive Board
The General Board (AB) of the VOB consists of 15 members, who reflect the diversity of the affiliated members. The EB meets four times a year and prepares the agenda for the general membership meetings, which are held twice a year. The board also establishes committees and negotiating delegations and appoints the chairperson. The committees and negotiating delegations always operate on behalf of the board. Working groups support the secretariat or committees with expertise and manpower.

Office The VOB office is small but effective. It is led by a director and has a staff of nine. The office supports the industry in the areas of advocacy, employer relations, knowledge exchange and networking, and marketing and positioning. The director works closely with the chair of the executive board; together they form a dynamic duo and serve as the face of the association.

Procedure

The VOB is being assisted in this process by the executive search firm Colourful People. For more information about the position, please contact Roeli Pot. She can be reached at 06-28909312 or via r.pot@colourfulpeople.nl

Please submit your application by December 2, 2022, using the "Apply" button on the job listing page, or send your application directly tonaarr.pot@colourfulpeople.nl