Vicki Burger: 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: Lake ZurichWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Ela Area Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 59Family: Jeff - Husband Katie - Daughter Bagel - 14 year old Cockapoo!Occupation: Implementation Consultant, Maritz, inc.Education: BS University of IllinoisCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I will work to support our public library's continual relevance to our patrons and business community. Access to technology and learning opportunities is essential to a vital economy - whether local or national!Key Issue 2 Ela Library has always done an exceptional job of responding to changes in technology. One very visible example is our mobile app for smart phones. It lets patrons search the catalog, check their holds, download e-books and more. I intend to continue to advocate for a continuation of this type of responsiveness to technology that ensures our patrons can access the resources they are paying for in the ways that are relevant.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 believe in public access to information and technology for all residents of our communities. I have supported and worked with numerous libraries and library organizations over the past 20 years and want to continue to be an advocate for the mission of libraries and their goal of universal access.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.Treasurer - 4 years Strong advocate for the continual "re-inventing" of our library's services, facilities and technology including, reconfiguration of our first floor public areas; addition of "Media Labs", for film transfer, audio and video recording, etc., on the second floor.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. Since I moved into the District in 1996. I use the online databases extensively. I am also a big "virtual" user of our library - doing on-line materials searches / placing holds and and picking up items at our convenient drive thru!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.We are fortunate to have staff and trustees that have supported reallocation of our space in creative ways - making room for more technology, new types of media and community gathering areas. We are currently compiling responses from our community survey and will use this feedback as we consider any future space configuration.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?With the economic downturn, all libraries have seen an increase in usage as residents often reduce purchases of books, subscriptions and audio/visual materials. I'm so proud of Ela Library staff and their respond to the increase in demand for materials, training and technology. In addition, we see an increase in job seekers using library services. Our professional librarians help patrons in accessing online resources, job skills training and more. We need to continue to reassess how we can market these services to ensure all residents know of their availability. We also need to consider community collaborations that can help us maximize our contributions.