Nancy M. Conradt: 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: West ChicagoWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: West Chicago libraryAge: 64Family: Married, two childrenOccupation: Retired Professor of History at College of Du PageEducation: Ph.D. University of Wisconsin--MadisonM.A. University of Wisconsin--MadisonB.A. Fordham University, Bronx, New YorkCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: President, Faculty Senate, College of Du PageSenator, Faculty Senate, College of Du PageHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I want to ensure that our Library serves its diverse community through free access to information, technology, and entertainment.Key Issue 2 I want to support the Library's educational mission through its programs for early literacy, and programs for children and young adults. Through these programs, the library promotes the successful academic careers and ultimately the professional lives of the young people of West Chicago.Key Issue 3 I want to ensure that the library continue to be a fiscally responsible asset to the community.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 because I believe that libraries are key to maintaining a well-informed populace. I believe that my educational background and experience make me an asset to the educational mission of the West Chicago Public Library.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 led the initiative to revise the library's Bylaws (Constitution) for a more efficient functioning of the Board of Trustees. I have led an initiative to revise the evaluation process for the Administrative Librarian. I am an active member of the Board's Policy Committee.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have had a library card for the West Chicago Library since 1973. I use the card on a weekly basis.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.Our library is small with respect to our population and library usage, in all aspects, has increased heavily in the past two years. Physical expansion is probably not likely any time soon. Reorganization of physical space for maximum efficiency is key. Our computers with web access and software are close to maximum usage. This area needs expansion through creative use of the space we have. In spite of the availability of web access, our population's use of reference librarians, books, and movies, and down-loadable books and music are also expanding.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Although the methods of access may change, making information available for all remains the mission of libraries. Economic changes (the Great Recession) have increased our library usage by double digits in many cases. Many people have discovered that the library offers free access on their doorsteps to technology, information, and entertainment. Libraries also make literacy fun for children and young people, and offer technology literacy classes for all. Literacy makes people more employable and better citizens. Free access to the Internet, free down-loadable books, music and e-audio books are available at the library.