For more than four decades, BMA has partnered with libraries to provide exceptional executive search strategies. We continue to evolve our process to meet the challenges of a changing library landscape.
BMA was founded on a clear belief: leadership shapes the direction and stability of every library. For several decades, our firm has worked alongside boards, municipalities, and institutions to recruit leaders who match organizational needs, culture, and community expectations.
Our careers have been shaped by the evolution of the library. As libraries have evolved- from card catalogs to digital, from quiet spaces into essential community hubs, BMA has remained focused on helping organizations select leaders with confidence.
In 2020, BMA transitioned to new leadership, but with a familiar face. As our team grows, we continue to be committed to the profession while strengthening our internal systems and evaluation tools.
We have modernized key aspects of our recruitment methodology and integrated structured leadership assessment tools, like Hogan Assessments. Now, we are expanding our consulting capabilities– while maintaining the personalized service our clients expect.
Values aren’t just words on a page for us: they guide us as we evaluate candidates and counsel every board. While our tools have evolved, our measures of success remain the same: a successful placement is one when both the leader and the library are positioned to thrive.
Our work is grounded in three core commitments:
We understand the unique governance structures of library boards and the complexities of search committees. Our process respects the specific needs of government institutions and supports informed, equitable decision-making.
We don’t just fill seats. We build lasting relationships, offering support and guidance after the contract is signed to ensure the new leader—and the library—thrives.
We use contemporary recruitment tools, broad professional networks, and structured but personalized metrics to ensure our clients see the full spectrum of available talent in the field. We intentionally reduce reliance on outdated hiring tropes and informal evaluation practices. Our approach draws on current research, structured assessment tools, and defined scoring criteria — ensuring decisions are based on evidence, not impressions.
Our team is comprised of librarians first, recruiters second; we are former library professionals and administrators. We know from experience what skills, abilities, and attributes are needed to successfully lead a library.
