For Immediate Release
April 27, 2017
Michael Eitner
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. –April 27, 2017 – After an extensive national search, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new community librarian for the Saratoga Library in Saratoga, Calif. Over 30 candidates applied for this position with the final candidates completing an extremely competitive four stage application process that included oral boards and two rounds of interviews. During the nationwide search, specific qualities were looked for within the top applicants including: key leadership, management and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to support and promote the knowledge, ideas and cultural enrichment offered by the libraries.
“Many exceptional and experienced librarians applied to become Community Librarian at the Santa Clara County Library District. We are delighted to welcome, Michael Eitner, to our team,” stated Nancy Howe, County Librarian.
Before his appointment as Community Librarian, Eitner served as Denver Public Library’s Collection Development Manager. While at Denver, Eitner was instrumental in developing collaborative system projects and worked on the library’s first Integrated Library System (ILS) migration, implementing and utilizing the use of a single bibliographic database that also included the online catalog, new purchases and materials borrowed. Bringing a vast wealth of library system and relationship management experience with him, Eitner has worked closely with key media outlets and local stakeholders in promoting and supporting the library’s message. Prior to serving as the Collection Development Manager, Michael managed the Eugene Field Branch library in Denver, Colorado, and worked as a librarian for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. For the past five years, Eitner worked in the legal field; most recently as a lawyer, sharpening his critical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills. It was his deep desire to return to the library field that led him to the Santa Clara County Library District and the Saratoga Library. “There is a strong bond between the community and the Saratoga Library. I look forward to working with the staff to ensure the Saratoga Library continues to be a cherished and well-used community asset.”
Eitner earned a bachelor’s degree from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Colorado and a Master of Library and Information Science degree (M.L.I.S.) from the University of Pittsburgh. Eitner’s new position as the Saratoga Community Librarian began February 2017.
About the Santa Clara County Library District
The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) promotes knowledge, ideas, and cultural enrichment. Its collection includes more than 1.9 million books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks and extensive online resources accessible from home or work.
In 2014, SCCLD celebrated one hundred years of service to local residents. For the last several years, SCCLD has been consistently recognized as one of America’s Star Libraries by Library Journal. In 2016, SCCLD was ranked among the top ten large libraries in the United States in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. In 2014 and 2015, SCCLD won Innovator Awards from the Urban Libraries Council.
The Santa Clara County Library District includes two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library serving Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. In 2016, the Santa Clara County Library District had more than 270,000 library cardholders and welcomed 3.3 million visitors who borrowed 9.1 million items.
Contact:
Nancy Howe/Chris Brown /Lili Smith
Santa Clara County Library District
(408) 293-2326 ext. 3001/3002/3014
