Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, 6500 N. Clark St., has begun looking for a new director.
The search comes following the departure of Lucas McKeever, who resigned this month, according to Gerber/Hart President Carrie Barnett.
"Over the last 18 months, he's really helped us rebuild our relationships in the community," Barnett said. "The things he's done to help us organize the archives are astounding. …I can't thank him enough for all that, and the level of professionalism he brought to the organization."
Barnett said Gerber/Hart wants to find McKeever's replacement "as soon as possible," but added that the search would be accelerated once June's Pride Month activities were finished.
"We're confident that there are people out there with both the aptitude and the interest in this kind of organization, and we're certain there's no lacking of LGBTQ librarians," Barnett said, laughing. We think there's an opportunity there to bring a fresh perspective in and keep us moving forward."
Gerber/Hart's board met June 17, Barnett said. "We talked about keeping on the same path we've been on, towards professionalism [and] establishing Gerber/Hart in the community as an organization that isn't just one person, but instead adds institutional value to our community."
A key goal is expanding the organization's volunteer structure, Barnett added. "We have two new volunteer coordinators who are going to be really pushing towards exciting, continuing projects for volunteers to work on."
Expanding the board of directors is another key goal. Gerber/Hart's board currently has nine members, and wants to eventually expand that number to 15.
"We recently added Kevin Mumford, who is a professor of history at University of Illinois, who spends some of his time up in Chicago," noted Barnett. "He brings a real academic component and is heading up our archives committee."
Gerber/Hart will hold a public meeting before the end of summer, Barnett said.
