Kathleen Rettinger: 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: Round Lake Beach, ILWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake Villa Library Board (6-year Terms)Age: 56Family: MarriedOccupation: Clinical Social WorkerEducation: Bachelor of Arts in History, Crown College Master of Social Work, Aurora University, 1988Civic involvement: Lake County Chapter of Compassionate Friends, Chicago Botanic GardenElected 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 think it is important for the Lake Villa District Library to maintain the level of service that it provides. In this increasingly technological era it is important to keep libraries relevant.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 am running for this office because I believe in the mission of libraries to provide communities with free access to information. I do not want to see the role of libraries diminished due to changes in technology and a slow economy. It would be a privilege to be a part of leading my local library into the future. Libraries support literacy, free thought and democracy. The Lake Villa District Library is a vibrant, busy place. When I am there I am sometimes surprised to observe how many people are there using the resources. It offers access to information through books, computers/internet, CD's, DVD's, classes, presentations, electronics, etc. There are services for the homebound, visually impaired and disabled. The many meetings, book discussions, and classes provide social interaction that some members of the community count on.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 grew up with a brother who was visually impaired. We moved often and lived in several states. The 'talking books' that were always available at the library were a crucial resource not only for his education but mine, as well. I think I can bring a sensitivity to the needs of special populations. In addition, I did not grow up with the idea that a book is only something that you hold in your hands and read with your eyes. The use of technology for reading is not a new concept to me and, therefore, I think I may have a more modern perspective than some people my age.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?My family lived in several states while I was growing up. The library was always one of the first places we visited in a new community. I have had a library card since I was a child. I have had a library card for Lake Villa District Library since moving to the township in 2000. I used it this 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 believe that it is important to manage the current space and collections as efficiently as possible. We must be good stewards of the resources we already have. Technology has and continues to change the way that information is stored and shared. Nevertheless, expanding the physical plant may also become a consideration. No one wants higher taxes. Consequently, a decision may have to made between expanding the physical plant or re-evaluating the services and materials provided. Some books retain their reading value on an electronic device. Others, such as art books, do not. Also, everyone in the community does not have access to the same technology.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?I believe that the poor economy has made libraries more important to communities. Our local library provides a computer lab with free internet access which is invaluable to residents who cannot afford a computer. The books, music, education and other resources provided by libraries are even more important when individuals and families cannot afford to purchase them. I think that a library remains relevant by being aware of the needs of a community and being responsive. It is important to consider information gathered from needs assessments and /or customer feedback. Its' role may change as demographics, income levels, technology and other factors change over time.