An investigation into the head of the Lincoln County library system will not result in disciplinary action. Allegations against Lincoln County Library Director Jennifer Sackett were unfounded, according to County Manager Tracy Jackson.
“This issue has been thoroughly examined by many people, and we are moving beyond what has been a difficult and trying time for all involved,” he said in an emailed statement.
Jackson launched the investigation after hearing rumblings from library employees about shoddy leadership. A human resources consultant on retainer with the county conducted the inquiry.
In late September library employees were asked to fill out anonymous surveys about working at the library. Lincoln County’s three libraries employ 16 full-time and three part-time people. Fourteen employees sent back their surveys.
Sackett’s name appeared on more than half of them. Employees said problems at the library have chased away 32 employees in four years. One suggested Sackett was unfair to young and foreign-born staffers. Another employee said the stress level is unbearable.
Another employee accused Sackett of using business credit cards for personal use. Jackson said the accusations didn’t hold up under scrutiny.
“The allegations put forth about Jennifer Sackett, library director, appeared to be unsupported, and there were no grounds for disciplinary action or further investigation,” Jackson wrote in the press release.
Sackett has been the library director for more than four years and has been commended by administrators for bringing in grant money after the Gaston and Lincoln library systems split. She has never faced disciplinary action during her time at the library.
Sackett was hired in 2008 and makes a salary of $75,628. She said in an email that she is ready to move forward. “The past few months have been difficult for library staff as well as management. The investigation into the allegations was a long process which is now behind us,” she said.
You can reach Diane Turbyfill at 704-869-1817 and twitter.com/GazetteDiane.