For the Dowagiac District Library, 2015 will mark the beginning of not just the calendar year, but also of a new era of leadership.

The downtown library is currently in the process of finding a new director of operations, as current Director Jacob Munford will be leaving the position by the end of the season.

Munford announced his decision to the library board of directors during their meeting last month, citing health reasons for his departure, he said.

“The board was 100 percent supportive of my decision,” Munford said. “The initial impression I got them was ‘go and take care of yourself.’”

Munford and the board put together a list of qualifications for his potential successor, which include a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited university and previous supervisor experience in a public or university library.

The director also said that candidates should also have good communication skills and be comfortable representing the library in the community.

“They should also have a strong sales sense,” Munford said. “We do a lot of good things at the library, and it’s our responsibility to make sure people know about them. That takes some sales and marketing skills.”

According to the online job posting, applicants have until Jan. 5 to apply.

The current director has been in charge of the administration and operations of the library since February of 2013. During his stint with the library, he has overseen a number of projects to improve some longstanding issues with the organization, including revamping their website, hiring new staff, organizing the library’s records and improving their financial standing, running a budget surplus the previous two years.

“I don’t think I’ve done too much, but I set up someone else to do great things,” Munford said.

He also thanked his staff for their support during his run.

“They kept everything going,” Munford said. “I just made sure the lights stayed on.”

Munford said that he hopes his successor maintains the success his administration has had in maintaining the “invisible work,” the basic tasks that keep the building up and running, while building on the programs and content available for local patrons.

“Libraries are cultural institutions, and a lot of that can get lost if you’re worried about the roofing or record keeping,” Munford said. “If that’s all taken care of, the staff can focus more on what that community wants.”