Atlanta-Fulton PL Director Keeps Job

Following the recommendation of a consultant (see News, LJ 3/1/04 , p. 17), the board of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS) has ordered Director Mary Kaye Hooker to attend management and sensitivity training.

In the equal employment opportunity audit, staffers complained that Hooker has a tendency "to lead through fear, threats, and intimidation," among other criticisms.

The director also will be given increased responsibility for hiring—another change urged by the consultant. Board member and Fulton County commissioner Bob Fulton told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the board could finally evaluate her leadership. However, board member Clint Johnson said that the need for training raised a question: "If you are dissatisfied to that extent, you are dissatisfied to the point to change directors."

Critical staffers at the web site AFPLWatch reacted scornfully, arguing that, given that Hooker was a defendant in a recently settled $18 million discrimination suit, the county has a double standard for dealing with such violations: rank-and-file employees get fired, but managers like Hooker get training.

The site authors urged library trustees who want to dissociate themselves from the board's action to resign in protest. A further posting on AFPLWatch cited a range of infrastructure problems blamed on Hooker, including a two-plus-week disruption in library email, missed courier service, partial processing of some incoming materials, and breakdowns in computers and microfilm reader/printers.