Herbert Gross: 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: ElginWebsite: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Herb-Gross-Library-Trustee/146461688707606Office sought: Gail Borden libraryAge: 74Family: Married, 2 childrenOccupation: Psychologist, Retired since 1999Education: Bachelor of Liberal Arts, University of Chicago 1958MS, Educational Psychology, Northern Illinois University 1993Civic involvement: U-46 Citizens Advisory CouncilCity of Elgin Cultural Arts CommissionFormer President, Local 26, A.F.S.C.M.E.Executive Board Member, Elgin Mental Health Center Credit UnionExecutive Board Kiwanis Club of ElginPresident, Elgin Theatre CompanyHead, Friends of Gail Borden LibraryElected offices held: Trustee Gail Borden Public Library DistrictPresident A.F.S.C.M.E. Local 26Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To continue the present state of the Library, serving it's patrons well and having award winning programs while staying within it's budget.Key Issue 2 Not raising taxes.Key Issue 3 Expanding digital services as shelf space for physical books and materials will always be limited.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 want the Library to continue on it's present path. I do not want to see programs or services curtailed due to false economies. The Library has won prestigious awards and serves all age and ethnic groups extremely well. It has developed programs to aid in reemployment. It has developed centers to encourage creativity in kids, teens and adults. All this while staying in budget and without raising taxes.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.I have voted to have the Rakow branch use geothermal technology which has won awards and will save on utilities.I have helped raise money from book sales as Head of the Friends of the Library.I have suggested changes such as one way traffic in the parking lot, DVD dispensers, simpler signage and more emphasis on digital materials, all which were implemented.I have volunteered as a Greeter and Photographer about 8 - 10 hours per week for the last 6 years.I voted for the new Teen Center.I voted for yearly budgets, which increased efficiency and services, without costing taxpayers more money.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I have had a Gail Borden Library card for over 40 years. I check out about 2 to 3 books 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 have voted for changing the way space is used to provide for the new Teen Center. I favor increased use of digital materials to replace some current duplicates of physical books. When there are novels in high demand I favor renting books as opposed to buying the number of duplicate copies needed as well as obtaining digital rights to the books so they can be distributed with minimal use of shelf space. Currently, the Library computers are highly used for reference and other work. Librarians and technicians are available to assist patrons. It is rare to see many computers free.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Economic changes have caused some libraries to close and others to sharply curtail services. Locally, inter-library loans were about to be eliminated and were only saved by some needed restructuring. Technological changes have resulted in increased use of computers for reference, reading digital materials and also new media such as videotaping for the internet. Libraries have really not changed their mission. While the first libraries stored scrolls, they have always been a center for passing on information, education and culture. Nowadays we use computers and videos, and we reach out via the internet, BUT the library is still a center for information, education and culture. It's role in the community has really only changed in the use of newer technology to carry out these functions and finding new ways to serve a wider variety of patrons.