advertisement

Doris M. Benes: Candidate Profile

Algonquin Area library

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: Lake in the HillsWebsite: http://NoneOffice sought: Algonquin Area libraryAge: 64Family: Married, three children, five grandchildrenOccupation: Currently Retired. Former Facility Manager for 50 Physican Clinic. Former Medical Laboratory Manager. Former Library Circulation Clerk.Education: BS Medical TechnologyCollege of St. Francis, Joliet, ILCivic involvement: * PTA Officer* Religious Education Teacher for 12 years* Chaired Religioius Education Board for 3 years* Former volunteer at area hospital and library* Former volunteer at the Contra Costa County Library in CAElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I would like to initiate more programs to address the current economic challenges to the growth of the library and to patrons' personal lives. We can tap the many resources of our senior citizen population for education, support and more.Key Issue 2 I would like to be involved with personnel issues and solutions.Key Issue 3 I would like to be involved with any physical improvements to our facilities.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 running for this office largely because I enjoy working with a dedicated group of individuals for the betterment of a very worthwhile organization. Working as a team, setting goals, and communication are strengths that I enjoy using. Coming from within this organization has provided me with additional insight which I feel can be helpful.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.As a library user, volunteer and former employee, I feel that I bring a varied viewpoint as well as ""behind the scenes"" knowledge of the complex workings of a library. My experience in large facility expansion and remodeling could be helpful in future building planning.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. Lifelong. 0-2 times weeklySpace 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.Space is definitely an issue but not all current users are technologically savvy enough nor does the organization have the technical resources to allow for an extreme solution at this time. We need to physically expand the space to accommodate all levels of patrons, both in the short term and in the long term.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?In the last several years this library has been impacted by economic and technological changes. State funding has been cut back or lost altogether. I have seen and read about the steps that have been taken by our Board and Library Leadership to not allow these setbacks to affect our services. We need to use our extensive patron database to advertise programs and services. We need to develop a way to reach residents who do not have library cards through greater community presence. This Board faces many new challenges. They have done an outstanding job in the past and I would be honored to be a part of their future solutions.