The search for a new executive director at the American Library Association is on hold, while members vote on whether the next leader must have a specialized degree.

The ALA Council had voted in November to make the degree preferred rather than required, after an unsuccessful initial search, reported American Libraries magazine, an ALA publication. The association had required a candidate to have either an ALA-accredited master's degree or a master's degree, with a specialty in school library media, accredited by the Council for the Association of Educator Preparation. None of the 17 qualified applicants was considered a viable candidate.

As a result of a successful member-led petition, all ALA members may vote on a resolution to overturn the Council decision. Voting on the 2018 general election ballot will begin March 12 and close April 4. To overturn a Council action, at least 25 percent of ALA's voting membership (about 11,975) must cast a ballot, and a majority of votes will decide the outcome.

The hunt for a new executive director began in May—with the assistance of search firm Isaacson, Miller—after Keith Fiels announced his plans to step down in July after 15 years. The search is expected to resume in May 2018 or later. Mary Ghikas will continue as ALA's interim executive director. http://bit.ly/2lQtJwd

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