Susan D. Shivers: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: GenevaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Geneva libraryAge: 52Family: Two daughters (both Geneva High School graduates): Courtney 22 (Senior at University of Illinois, graduating in May) Kelsey 20 (Sophomore at ISU/Dean's List, studying for the semester at University of Leicester in London)Occupation: Attorney and Family Law Mediator (Law practice located in Geneva)Education: Bachelor of Arts (English and Psychology majors), Miami University, 1980Juris Doctor (with Honors), John Marshall Law School, 1986Civic involvement: Geneva Rotary Club, Board of Directors 2007-2008International Cultural Exchange Committee 2007-presentTri-City Family Services, Board of Directors 2009-presentEpilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago Area, Community Advisory Board 2010-presentElected offices held: Board of Education Member, Geneva Community School District 304 (3 terms/12 years: 1997-2001, 2001-2005, 2005-2009)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I do not have a particular campaign issue. However, I do believe that some of the issues that the Library is facing include space in its current location, funding from public and private sources, potentially building a new facility and moving to it, and staffing.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?I am passionate about reading, education, and literacy and I frequent our library on a regular and continuing basis! I believe that a library is an integral part of having an educated and literate community. These are my primary motivations in seeking to serve as a Trustee of the Geneva Public Library. Additionally, during the time that I was a member of the Geneva School Board, residents vocalized their thoughts and concerns, budgets were reviewed, staffing concerns were addressed, schools were built and ""buildings"" were moved. As the library moves forward in this initiative, my experience will prove useful to the other Trustees and beneficial to the community as a whole.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are a non-incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.N/ADo you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, since 1986 when I moved to Geneva. On average, I use it a couple of times per week.Space is usually an issue at libraries. If that's the case at your library, would your solution be to expand the physical plant or make room by doing away with parts of the collection that technology has made less critical? Explain.I believe that a library's role is to serve the information needs of its entire community and, in doing so, all ages and abilities of its community must be considered and addressed. Video games, ebooks, audiobooks, and the like, enhance its collection of materials, however, these enhancements should not necessarily serve as replacements for other parts of its collection. Part of the American Library Association's ethical commitment is that ""no one shall be denied information because he or she cannot afford the cost of a book or a periodical, have access to the internet, or information in any of its various formats"". Therefore, what may be less critical to one group of the population, may be very critical to another group.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?A primary impact is felt in the sources of funding and community usage. When economic times are tough, residents tend to take more advantage of the free materials and services that the library offers. A library remains relevant by being accessible to its community members and by meeting their information and entertainment needs. Therefore, the services and materials that a library offers must adapt to, and meet, its patrons technological needs...keeping in mind the value of the printed book...which will remain vital, at least, through the forseeable future.