Carole Medal: Candidate Profile

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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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Arlington Heights Library Board Age: 65Family: Single No childrenOccupation: Public Library Executive DirectorEducation: Bachelor of Music-Millikin University Master of Music -University of Illinois Master of Library Science-Indiana UniversityCivic involvement: Rotary Club of Elgin Education Alignment of Elgin Illinois Library Association Public Library Association American Library AssociationElected offices held: President-Illinois Library Association President-Library Administrators Conference President-Cooperative Computer Services President-Rotary Club of Rolling MeadowsQuestions 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?Is is important that the Arlington Heights Memorial Library has a strong and capable board. When I learned that there were not enough candidates running, I felt I needed to step up and participate. My qualifications and experience with public libraries is strong and my record speaks for itself.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 contributions you would make.AHML had achieved the national ranking of 5 stars for many years. I want to see that continue. Our community deserves a nationally recognized library, one that not only provides its residents with relevant and timely services, but is also a 21st century model. I have over 25 years of experience working with libraries and their boards. I am well-versed in library operations as well as library law. My contributions would be meaningful and helpful.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. I got my AHML card when I moved to Arlington Heights. I use it on a regular basis.Space is an issue at many 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.After a recent remodeling, AHML is certainly a model for 21st century library service. But, it is always important to continually evaluate space needs and how technology plays a critical role. Materials collections at today's public libraries should be relevant, popular and actively used. As technology continues to provide new ways of accessing what formerly has been in a physical format, libraries need to determine what are the best ways for delivering that information to their customers. Physical collections will continue to shrink at a slow but steady pace as e-book usage and streaming continue to grow. However, the space that has been devoted to shelving can be re-purposed for the needs of today's and tomorrow's library customers. Those needs include meeting room space, study rooms, collaborative work areas (with and without technology), social interaction space, and areas for exhibits.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?So much has changed in the 21st century library. Certainly technology has played a critical role with regards to collections and access to information but it has also changed the way libraries work. Greater efficiency has been realized which has led to an expansion of services relevant to our community. Today's libraries must be at the center of their communities and to achieve this they must develop sustainable partnerships within their communities. Libraries should be "at the table" for community discussions. To be relevant to their customers and communities, the public library needs to be part of the solution. That means developing programs and services that support the issues and needs of their communities.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The library's role in early literacy and helping to prepare children to read.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Senator Mark Kirk who has overcome what appeared to be insurmountable challenges to continue as a U.S. Senator.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?PatienceIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Music. I constantly use the skills that music performace has given me, such as practice, presentation, timing, confidence, poise, and command of a situation.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Have confidence in yourself and this will help you to do your best.