Allan Appel File Photo
As longtime head librarian Jim Welbourne prepares to retire, the city has hired an Ohioan to replace him.
Welbourne, who has been the city’s librarian for just over 10 years, plans to retire on Oct. 1 due to “medical reasons,” he said through a spokeswoman Friday.
The new city librarian, Christopher J. Korenowsky, will start Oct. 4 with a salary of $98,921, according to the city.
In a statement, Mayor John DeStefano praised Welbourne for his years of service and welcomed his replacement.
A release from city spokeswoman Jessica Mayorga detailed Korenowsky’s qualifications:
“A graduate of Kent State University where he received his Masters of Library and Informational Sciences, Korenowsky arrives in New Haven with more than 20 years of public library experience gained through his work in the Columbus Metropolitan Library system. From direct public services to managerial positions, Korenowsky has played a vital role in shaping the first class library system that Columbus is today.
“For the past year and a half, Korenowsky has been the Director of Professional Development for the Ohio Library Council, a state-wide membership organization that advocates for 251 public libraries in Ohio. He is a frequent reviewer in Library Journal and has published articles in Public Library Quarterly and Technical Services Quarterly. He has developed curricula for library instruction and is a member of American Library Association being named by member vote to the Learning Roundtable Board in July 2010.”
Contributed Photo
Korenowsky (pictured) promised to focus on “enhancements to technology, information access, online resources and reaching out into the community.”
President of the Library Board of Directors Elsie Chapman said Korenowsky was hired for his experience in “long range planning, policy development, instructional design and development, branding, fundraising and capital campaigns”
Kudos to Jim Welbourne! He will be missed.
Now - why can't the city ever hire from within?!!! We continue to go outside NH and the state for every important position from police chief to economic development. You can't tell me there is no person in the NHFPL or in the state who can fill this job! The track record of out-of-state hires is abysmal. They come for a year or two, make 100 grand a year and leave! Will the city ever learn?!!