Edward Kogan: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Vernon Area Library Board (6-year Terms)Age: 42Family: Married, two childrenOccupation: ChemoinformaticistEducation: B.A. Chemistry, University of Chicago, 1993 M.S. Computer Science, Northeastern Illinois University, 2000Civic involvement: School District 103 PTO Cultural Fine Arts Coordinator School District 103 Library Aide Misericordia Candy DaysElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Expand use of the library through increasing awareness in the district of its programs for all ages.Key Issue 2 Ensure the library continues to evolve as new demands and technological changes occur and its longevity as a community center.Key Issue 3 Support the library staff in their efforts to continue providing knowledgeable and warm personal service.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?As a patron, my family and I have enjoyed many of the Vernon Area Library's offerings; from early literacy programs, author visits, games, to ebooks. I want to share and ensure that these services and the helpful staff can continue to be provided to the entire district.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 joined the Library Board as an appointee in July, 2012 and have been learning my role as a Trustee. I've actively participated in the monthly meetings and discussions and I have been part of the review of monies spent and signing of checks.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 over 30 years. I got my Vernon Area Library card as soon as we moved into the district and have used it,on average, four times a 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 would work towards a solution where "check-out" statistics would be used to justify removal of parts of the collection that are available through electronic means.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?It is important to me to see the library continue playing a role as a community meeting place, beyond its traditional book repository roll. It's used for study spaces, language programs, and simply surrounding children with books and their art. I don't want to see the above roll changed. As technology changes, so must the library's environment, such as the addition of Wi-Fi routers, tablets, etc. for the patrons to continue using it for their meeting needs. However, the mission should stay the same. With the economic recession that we have hopefully left behind, luckily our library was not very much affected, but it did reinforce the charge of the trustees to handle the taxpayers' funds with great scrutiny.