Linda Szramiak: 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: BloomingdaleWebsite: http://NoneOffice sought: Bloomingdale Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 59Family: Married with one daughterOccupation: Candidate did not respond.Education: Bachelor of Science University of Illinois Champaign, Urbana MAT National Louis UniversityCivic involvement: LINC trustee (Library Integrated Network Consortium) Lake Park High School - awarded Golden Lancer Award for service with Marching Band Auxiliary (served as President), service with LPPE -Lake Park Partners in Education as Market Day Chair Ryder Cup Volunteer to support Lake Park High SchoolElected offices held: Served as previous Presidents to both Bloomingdale Library Board and LINCHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To continue meeting the needs of our library patrons of all ages ; educating our patrons so that they are aware of all the services and materials in the library. Similar to the business world, we are constantly changing, our collection is adapting. 76% of our Bloomingdale population holds a library card. Comparing that to other libraries, that's an amazing statistic. That reflects well on our staff and the programming/materials we offer to our patrons.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 want to be a part of all the changes. The library offers so much: literally a wealth of information- computers, research databases, eBooks, print materials, DVD's, meeting rooms, programming and events for all ages.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 special contributions you could make.I am actively involved with the library, serving on both the personnel and building/grounds committees. I also attend BIG (Bloomingdale Intergovernmental Meetings) which is a great tool for learning how our community cooperates. in addition, Bloomingdale Public Library is a member of a consortium of 9 libraries, LINC. I am currently serve as a trustee on that board.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Your question made me laugh. Yes, I hold a library card. I am frequently at the library. I feel that it''s an important part of my job seeing how the library operates on a regular basis and to know the staff as well. I've had a library card since moving to Bloomingdale when the library was housed in a trailer. I use my library card all the time, either utilizing services via my home computer, using an app on my iPhone or checking out materials at the library itself.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 agree that it's crucial to utilize space in the best way possible. As a Board we pay attention to trends and the needs of our patrons. We are not looking to expand the physical space of the library. We look at the space we have and see what changes we can make in the most economical way possible. For example, downstairs in youth services we listened to patrons concerns that the noise level from downstairs was an issue so we re-configured the space. Literally the space was flip-flopped, moving the "noisier" area to the opposite end away from the stairs. Now the children enjoy more natural lighting by the windows and the noise is contained away from the stairwell. The book shelves that had been in that area were moved to make room for the new play area. Another effective use of space was recently re-designed upstairs in the adult area. Trends indicated that the print reference collection was not being utilized so the book cases holding the collection were downsized/removed and the older tables and chairs were removed. The furniture no longer needed was donated. The area was opened up and now it is utilized as an adult quiet work zone. There is now comfortable new seating with more electrical outlets so our patrons can use their laptops and other e devices.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Of course both economic and technological changes have impacted the library. In order to meet the needs of our patrons we're a full service library offering computer training with a variety of classes and offering help with e devices (iPad, nook, kindle). You have to learn to embrace new technology which changes daily. From 2011 to 2012 the circulation of our eBook collection is up 325%. You have to look at trends and changes in order to meet the needs of patrons of all ages. We have a full time staff person whose job it is to communicate with all of the elementary/middle school/high school districts that serve our district. Youth Services has classes/programs reaching our Bloomingdale community from birth. Adult services has outreach programs dealing with seniors and adults of all ages. Our community is always changing so the library has to embrace that, changing to meet the needs of all it's patrons.