Andrew Deitchman: 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:BioQA Bio City: BataviaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Batavia Library Board (2-year Term)Age: 45Family: Married, two children.Occupation: Environmental EngineerEducation: Master of Engineering in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Texas AM University, 1994 Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Minor in History, Southern Methodist University, 1991Civic involvement: Engineers Without BordersElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions 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 have been looking for a way to get involved in the community. I am an active user of the library system and I believe that being on the board would provide me an opportunity to support the community.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 will bring a willingness to work with the library staff and board to maintain the high standards of the Batavia Public Library and their dedication to learning and community outreach.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I've had a library card since I moved to Batavia 11 years ago. My family and I use the library regularly and we usually have at least one book, movie, or game checked out from the library.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 the library should continue to grow its e-book collection while maintaining its commitment to paper books. The library should continue to purchase copies of some new books in digital formats, however the paper book should always be the staple of the library.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?The library can remain relevant by continuing to focus on its mission of lifelong learning, early literacy and early learning, and being a comfortable destination for library services and community members. Examples of ways the Library is doing an excellent job in these areas include online foreign language classes and tutoring help to support lifelong learning and the Born To Read Program to support early literacy. The Library Reading Room is a great place to relax with a book and the Community Rooms offer meeting space for community organizations. During this economic downturn, the free services offed by the library provide needed support to the community. The library should continue with its outreach programs and continue to support lifelong learning opportunities for all of Batavia's residents.