Staff Report

Head Librarian Emily Burton at the Batesville Public Library has been promoted to the position of Library Materials Selector for the five county First Regional Library system, effective Oct. 15.

“This is a new position within the First Regional Library administration,” said First Regional Director Meredith Wickham. “The Library Material Selector will work with our fourteen branches in a thoughtful, strategic way to select and order materials for each branch.“

“It is my hope that this move will help us more effectively get the hottest, most in-demand titles into our patrons’ hands all year round, while also making sure those materials that may be less popular, but still essential, are in our collections,” she said.

Wickham said that while she is thrilled that Burton was the top applicant during the job search, she’s also aware that finding a replacement for the Batesville position won’t be easy.

“Since joining the FRL team as Batesville Head Librarian in August of 2018, Emily has been a great leader, innovator, and community partner,” she said.

“The qualities she has exhibited while in Batesville, plus her past work experience ordering and selecting for large library systems, will serve her well in this new position. We are currently seeking applications for a new head librarian in Batesville, and we are committed to finding someone who will excel in the role, and be a great fit for the community.”

As for Burton, she says this move is a little bittersweet. “In the last year, I’ve gotten to know and appreciate the people of Batesville and I’ve enjoyed working with such a fantastic staff.” she said.

“While I will definitely miss being in Batesville every day, the opportunity to now work with all fourteen branches of the First Regional system is very exciting. I’ll be finding out what each community wants and needs, and also helping to shape this brand new position and how it fits into the First Regional Library administration.”

Prior to joining the First Regional Library team, Burton worked at public libraries in Virginia, Alaska, Colorado, and Indiana. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University in Detroit.

She may be reached at eburton@firstregional.org.