ImagineIF Libraries director search underway as state loosens requirements for the position

Chair David Ingram told fellow ImagineIF Libraries trustees Thursday that the state Library Commission’s decision to loosen hiring requirements for directors at Montana’s largest libraries gives them “something to consider” as they search for a replacement for Ashley Cummins.

The ImagineIF board had petitioned the commission earlier this year to change the education requirements — directors formerly were expected to hold a master’s degree — and several trustees lobbied the state organization during a month-long comment period on the change. 

ImagineIF Trustee Carmen Cuthbertson sits on the state library commission — Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed her to the state board earlier this year — and publicly backed the proposal.