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Berkeley library chief resigns after books discarded

The director of library services for the Berkeley Public Library announced Monday he is resigning from his position following a controversy over how the library weeded books from its collection.

Jeff Scott will officially resign from his position on Sept. 8. Scott said in a statement Monday:

“It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as the Director of Library Services of the Berkeley Public Library. … I have enjoyed my work here at the library, and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish.”

Scott came under criticism last month by community members who complained that tens of thousands of books had been discarded and that Scott did not respond to a public records request for information on what books were taken out of the collection.

Berkeley City Councilmember Kriss Worthington joined retired librarians, booklovers and other community members at an Aug. 12 news conference to discuss the issue, where some residents called for Scott to be disciplined.

Scott has served as the director of library services for the Berkeley Public Library since November 2014.

The library’s board will meet on Sept. 9 to discuss the details for the search for a new director. In the interim, acting deputy director Sarah Dentan will serve as the director, library officials said.

Last modified September 4, 2015 2:51 pm

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