HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/4/2025 Library Board Packet Special MeetingIf you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jen Royer, Iowa City
Public Library, at 319-887-6003 or jennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees
Meeting Agenda
September 4, 2025
1st Floor – Meeting Room A
Special Meeting - 5:00 PM
Robin Paetzold - President
Joseph Massa – Vice President
Claire Matthews-Secretary
Bonnie Boothroy
Kelcey Patrick-Ferree
John Raeburn
Cory Schweigel-Skeers
Kalmia Strong
1.Call Meeting to Order.
2. Approval of September 4, 2025 Board Meeting Agenda.
3.Public Discussion.
4.Items to be Discussed.
A.Library Director Working Group Presents Executive Director Recommendation to the Library
Board of Trustees.
Comment: Board action required.
B.Review Updated Job Description for Library Director.
Comment: Board action required.
5.Adjournment.
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Review Updated Job Description for Library Director
Proposal: House File 856 was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 27, 2025. This act
prohibits public entities from engaging in certain activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion . A
copy of the house file is available for your review in the packet.
To comply with this law the Library Board needs to review and approve the revised job description for
the Library Director. The City of Iowa City vetted the language provided.
Recommendations:
Update one sentence in the Library Director job
description to comply with House File 856.
Remove the sentence, “Conducts self in a
manner which promotes and supports diversity
and inclusivity in the community”.
Replace that sentence with, “Conducts self in a
professional manner which demonstrates
courtesy and respect for all community
members and coworkers.”
Action Steps: Review and adopt as proposed.
Agenda Item 4B-1
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CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Library Director
Department: Iowa City Public Library
Division: Administration
Supervisor: Library Board of Trustees
FLSA: Exempt
Pay Grade: 33
Job Number: 3303
Job Summary
The Library Director shall carry out policies adopted by the Board and shall be held responsible
for: employment and direction of staff; the care and maintenance of the building and
equipment; the efficiency and effectiveness of the Library's service to th e public; the provision
of library collections and the operation of the Library under the financial conditions set forth in
the annual budget.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
•Works with the Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees to formulate and update and
administer policies and to develop and implement a strategic plan.
•Prepares and administers Library operation budget, capital budget, including general
funds, gifts, grants, and reimbursements.
•Oversees the planning and delivery of the library’s collections and service programs to
all users.
•Directly supervises eight managers.
•Follows collective bargaining agreement, City and Library personnel policies and
practices.
•Enters into contractual arrangements for the Iowa City Public Library as allowed by law
and board policy.
•Serves on the Friends Foundation board and Executive Committee as a non-voting
member, assists with fundraising efforts.
•Advocates for library initiatives, to the City Council and others. works with government
and community leaders to increase awareness of the library and coordinates programs
and services to best serve the community.
•Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Iowa City officials,
including the City Council and City Manager, and the general public.
•Manages the library building and equipment, including Bookmobile, which may include
construction, renovation, and major repairs. Ensures library facilities are well maintained
and meet changing community needs.
•Supervises the collection and compilation of data and analytics used to evaluate library
services, as needed for city, state and national reports.
Agenda Item 4B-2
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•Participates in local, state, and national professional organizations.
•Answers questions about library services, policies, procedures, and collections.
Implements adopted policies and procedures.
•Consistently presents the Iowa City Public Library and its collections, programs, and
services in a positive manner and adheres to customer services procedures and
guidelines as established by the library.
•Conducts self in a professional manner which promotes and supports diversity and
inclusivity in the community demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community
members and coworkers.
•Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
•Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA accredited institution and
five years of related experience. Experience in library service, library administration, and
supervisory experience.
•State of Iowa librarian certification within 60 days of hire. Valid State of Iowa driver’s
license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal
background check. Must reside in the municipal limits of the City of Iowa City.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
•Master’s degree from in Library or Information Science from an ALA accredited
institution and seven years of related experience. Experience in budgeting, managing in
a union environment, and working with a governing board.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to
practical situations.
•Ability to assess patron needs and communicate with a diverse public.
•Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
•Ability to develop and present budget and statistical reports.
•Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or
boards of directors.
•Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or
diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
•Ability to lead a values-based strategic planning process.
•Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial
reports, and legal documents.
•Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties.
•Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory
agencies, or members of the business community.
•Ability to use considerable independent judgement and to manage emergency situations
affecting staff, patrons, or property.
•Ability to work a flexible schedule including some nights and weekends.
Agenda Item 4B-3
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•Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
•Ability to write reports and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and
format.
•Knowledge at an advanced level of the mission, functions, methods, trends and best
practices of a modern public library.
•Knowledge of financial management and accounting procedures of a public
governmental institution.
•Knowledge of public library computer hardware and software systems.
•Knowledge of the administration of HR functions in a governmental environment, union
collective bargaining environment, and ability to carry out operational processes and
procedures of personnel management.
•Skill in interpersonal and leadership necessary to work productively and deal tactfully
with the public, library employees, local government officials, civic leaders, community
group leaders and members of the Library Board of Trustees and the Iowa City Pu blic
Library Friends Foundation.
•Skill in planning, organizing, and managing library activities.
•Skill in public relations and fundraising.
•Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).
Supervision
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a department. Carries out
supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include supervising subordinate supervisors a nd direct reports including
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; writing
and delivering performance reviews; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems; and terminating employees.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The
employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands
and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception
and ability to adjust focus.
Agenda Item 4B- 4
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Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in
an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of
time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant
work pace pressure.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
I have read and understand the duties of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the
duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Employee Date
________________________________ __________________
Department Director Date
________________________________ __________________
Agenda Item 4B-5
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May 27, 2025
The Honorable Paul Pate
Secretary of State ofiowa
State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Mr. Secretary,
I hereby transmit:
•OFT s:,..,K-7_;.� .i 0 -4.r ·.. _,, � ···1"\ I(·. '�l \' ?Ii . ..
STATE OF IOWA
KIM REYNOLDS
GOVERNOR
House File 856, an Act prohibiting public entities from engaging in certain activities
relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a private cause of action, and
including effective date provisions.
The above House File is hereby approved on this date.
cc: Secretary of the Senate
Clerk of the House STATE C\PITOL DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 515.281.5211 FAX 515.725.3527 WWW.GO\'ERNOR.IOWA.GOV Agenda Item 4B-6
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House File 856
AN ACT
PR OHIBITING PUBLIC ENTITIES FROM ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES
RELATING TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION, CREATING
A PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION, AND INCLUDING EFFECTIVE DATE
PROVISIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
DIVISION I
STATE ENTITIES -DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION ACTIVITIES
PROHIBITED
Section 1. NEW SECTION. 19.1 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
1."Diversity, equity, and inclusion" includes any of the
following:
a.Any effort to manipulate or otherwise influence the
composition of the employees or student body with reference to
race, sex, color, or ethnicity, apart from ensuring colorblind
and sex-neutral admissions and hiring in accordance with state
and federal anti-discrimination laws.
b.Any effort to promote differ ential treatment of or
provide special benefits to individuals on the basis of race,
color, or ethnicity.
c.Any effort to promote or promulgate policies and
procedures designed or implemented to encourage preferential
treatment of or provide special benefits to individuals on the
basis of race, color, or ethnicity.
Agenda Item 4B-7
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House File 856, p. 2
d.Any effort to promote or promulgate trainings,
programming, or activities designed or implemented to encourage
preferential treatment of or provide special benefits to
individuals on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender
identity, or sexual orientation.
e.Any effort to promote, as the official position of
the state entity, a policy, progra m, training, practice,
activity, or procedure referencing unconscious or implicit
bias, cultural appropriation, allyship, transgender ideology,
microaggressions, group marginalization, anti-racism, systemic
oppression, social justice, intersectionality, neopronouns,
heteronormativity, disparate impact, gender theory, racial
privilege, sexual privilege, or any related formulation of
these concepts.
2.'Diversity, equity, and inclusion office" means any
division, office, center, or other unit of a state entity
that is responsible for creating, developing, designing,
implementing, organizing, planning, or promoting policies,
programming, training, practices, activities, or procedures
related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 'Diversity,
equity, and inclusion office" does not include any of the
following:
a.An office staffed exclusively by licensed attorneys and
paralegal and secretarial support for the licensed attorneys,
and certified by the attorney general as operating with the
sole and exclusive mission of ensuring legal compliance with
the state entity's obligations under Tit. IX of the federal
Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20 u.s.c. §1681 et seq.,
as amended, the federal Americ ans with Disabilities Act of
1990, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., as amended, the federal Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. §621 et
seq., as amended, the federal Civil Ri ghts Act of 1964, Pub.
L.No. 88-352, as amended, or any other applicable federal or
state law or a court order.
b, An academic department within a public school that exists
primarily for the purpose of offering courses and that does not
establish a policy or procedure to which other departments of
the public school are subject.
c.An office solely engaged in recruitment.
Agenda Item 4B-8
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d.A registered student organization.
House File 856, p. 3
e.An office that a state entity is required to maintain
pursuant to a contract or agreement with a federal governmental
entity.
3."Diversity, equity, and inclusion officer" means an
indi vidual who is either employed by a state entity or who
is an independent contractor of a state entity and whose
duties include coordinating, creating, developing, designing,
implementing, orga nizing, planning, or promoting policies,
programming, training, practices, activities, and procedures
relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. "Diversity,
equity, and inclusion officer" does not include any of the
following:
a.Any employee who is a licensed attorney and whose sole
job duties related to diversity, equity, and inclusion are to
ensure compliance with the state entity's obligations under
Tit. IX of the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20
u.s.c. §1681 et seq., as amended, the federal Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 u.s.c. §12101 et seq., as amended,
the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29
u.s.c. §621 et seq., as amended, the federal Civil Rights
Act of 1964, Pub. L. No. 88-352, as amended, or any other
applicable federal or state law or a court order.
b.Any employee while engaged in teaching, research, or
the production of creative works, the dissemination of the
employee's research or creative works, or advising a registered
student organization.
c.A guest speaker or performer with a short-term
engagement.
d.Any employee that a state entity is required to employ
pursuant to a contract or agreement with a federal governmental
entity.
4."Gender identity" means a gender-related identity of a
person, regardless of the person's assigned sex at birth.
5."sexual orientation" means the same as defined in section
216.2.
6."state entity" means the state, including but not limited
to a state agency, department, division, board, commission,
institution, or authority; a city; a county; a township; or any
Agenda Item 4B-9
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House File 856, p. 4
other political subdivision or special district in this state
as established pursuant to state or local law.
Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 19.2 Restrictions on use of moneys.
1.A state entity shall not expend any moneys appropriated
by the general assembly or any other moneys derived from
bequests, charges, deposits, donations, endowments, fees,
grants, gifts, income, receipts, tuition, or any other source
to establish, sustain, support, or staff a diversity, equity,
and inclusion office, or to contract, employ, engage, or hire
an individual to serve as a diversity, equity, and inclusion
officer.
2.Subsection 1 shall not be construed to cover or affect a
state entity's funding of any of the following:
a.Academic course instruction.
b.Research or creative works by the state entity's
students, employees, or other research personnel, and the
dissemination of such research or creative works.
c.Activities of registered student organizations.
d.Arrangements for guest speakers and performers with
short-term engagements.
e.Mental or physical health services provided by licensed
professionals.
f.Policies, programming, training, practices, activities,
or procedures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion that
are required pursuant to a contract or agreement with a federal
govern mental entity.
3.Subsection 1 shall not be construed as prohibiting bona
fide qualifications based on sex that are reasona bly necessary
to the normal operation of the state entity.
Sec. 3. NEW SECTION. 19.3 Enforcement -venue.
1.Any person may notify the attorney general of a state
entity's potential violation of section 19.2. The attorney
general may bring an action against a state entity for a writ
of mandamus to compel the state entity to comply with section
19.2.
2.A student enrolled in a public school, an alumnus of
a public school, or an employee of a state entity alleging
a violation of section 19.2 may bring a civil action for
injunctive relief against the state entity to prohibit the
Agenda Item 4B-10
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House File 856, p. 5
state entity from continuing such violation.
3.An action brought under this section may be brought in
any of the following:
a.The county in which all or a substantial part of the
events or omissions giving rise to the action occurred.
b.The county in which the principal office of the state
entity is located.
c.The county in which the claimant resides, if the claimant
is an individual and resides in this state.
d.The county in which a defendant resides, if the defendant
is an individual and resides in this state.
Sec. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This division of this Act, being
deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
DIVISION II
COMMUNITY COLLEGES -DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED
Sec. 5. Section 261J.l, subsection 2, paragraph a, as
enacted by 2024 Iowa Acts, chapter 1152, section 31, is amended
to read as follows:
a. ill Aft With respect to an institution of higher
learning governed by the state board of regents, an office
staffed exclusively by licensed attorneys and paralegal and
secretarial support for the licensed attorneys, and certified
by the attorney general as operating with the sole and
exclusive mission of ensuring legal compliance with the public
institution of higher education's obligations under Tit. IX of
the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681
et seq., as amended, the federal Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq., as amended, the federal
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. §621 et
seq., as amended, the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, Pub,
L.No. 88-352, as amended, or any other applicable federal or
state law or a court order.
(2)With respect to a community college, an office ensuring
legal compliance.
Sec. 6. Section 261J.l, subsection 3, as enacted by 2024
Iowa Acts, chapter 1152, section 31, is amended to read as
follows:
3.''Fublic institution of higher education N means an
Agenda Item 4B-11
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House File 856, p. 6
institution of higher learning governed by the state board of
regents or a community college.
Sec. 7. Section 261J.4, as enacted by 2024 Iowa Acts,
chapter 1152, section 34, is amended to read as follows:
261J.4 Reporting.
Each public institution of higher education governed by
the state board of regents shall, on or before December l of
each year, submit an annual report to the general assembly and
the governor that certifies the public institution of higher
education's institution's compliance with this chapter.
Sec. 8. 2024 Iowa Acts, chapter 1152, section 36, is amended
to read as follows:
SEC. 36. FY 2025-2026 APPROPRIATIONS -REALLOCATION. At
the close of the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, all
unexpended moneys appropriated by the general assembly for the
fiscal year that would have been expended by an institution
of higher learning governed by the state board of regents on
diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or diversity, equity,
and inclusion officers on or after the effective date of this
division of this Act are reallocated to the Iowa workforce
grant and incentive program fund established pursuant to
section 256,230, subsection 8.
PA� AMY SINC
Speaker of the House President of the Senate
I hereby certify that this bill originated in the House and
is known as House File 856, Ninety-first General Assembly.
ouse
Approved M"-1 2,l P..,,2025
Governor
Agenda Item 4B-12
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