An Unconventional Interviewing Process at an Academic Library

Abstract

Confronted with two faculty vacancies to fill and a desire to minimize burnout among the remaining library staff throughout the search process, the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah employed an interview method seldom utilized in academic libraries. The library's search committee arranged on-site group interviews that hosted multiple candidates simultaneously. Careful scheduling ensured that each candidate received sufficient individual attention and assessment, while also enabling the committee to evaluate the group dynamics and interpersonal skills of the applicants.