PERSONAL GLANCE• Name: David Clapp• Occupation: Former library director• Age: 59• Years at library: 22• Named library director: October 2002
Eva Johnston, assistant director of extension services at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library, has been named acting director after Library Director David Clapp retired last week.
“The library still needs leadership,” Johnston said. “The staff needs it.”
Clapp, 59, stepped down last week after 22 years with the library. He said he started in May 1989 as the assistant director of branch libraries. He was named library director in October 2002.
He said he was ready to retire to pursue other interests.
Johnston, 59, is stepping into Clapp’s shoes for a few months until a permanent director is named. She said she does not foresee making any major changes during her tenure because a new library director could come in and change any of the changes she makes.
But she is interested in the permanent position.
“I will probably apply for the directorship myself,” she said.
David Turner, chairman of the library board, said he did not have a “very good feel on how long the search would take.” But he said Johnston was more than competent.
“I have complete confidence in Eva,” Turner said.
Mayor Ron Littlefield said last week the city is leading the search for a new director. He said library consultant June Garcia was hired to lead the search for $9,000.
Garcia, based in Denver, has 35 years experience working in public library systems and served six years as director of the San Antonio Public Library.
She helped write a report at the beginning of the year that looked at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Library. In the report, she noted that much of the current library is old and outdated.
The library since has made some changes to update its image and become more reader-friendly.
Littlefield said he was very comfortable with Garcia.
“We have a capable, competent person,” he said.
City officials said her vast knowledge helps with tapping into a “national network” of candidates. But he stressed local candidates would be considered as well.
Littlefield said he thinks candidates should be interviewed within the next three to four months and that a permanent director should be named in six months.
Garcia could not be reached for comment.
Clapp said his last day was Friday, and he was busy cleaning out his desk. He said the only plans he has made is to go to a convention for librarians in San Diego.
“I’ve got some plans for writing and research,” he said.