Christopher Crawford: 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: Glen EllynWebsite: http://civicbetterment.com/Office sought: Glen Ellyn Library Board Age: 49Family: Wife, Therese. Sons Will (19, U of I) and Owen (16, Glenbard West). Daughters Nina (13, Hadley Jr. High) and Ava (10, Forest Glen Elementary).Occupation: Information Technology Executive at AccentureEducation: BS ('88) and MS ('90) in General Engineering from University of Illinois, Champaign.Civic involvement: Various Cub Scout and youth sporting league coaching positions.Elected offices held: None to date.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?Since moving to Glen Ellyn in 2000, my family and I have been frequent and enthusiastic users of the library. During that time, the library has changed for the better: Its space is increasingly being used for collaboration and group learning. The collection includes many new digital assets. There are new opportunities to use and learn about technology. This evolution keeps the library relevant to a population that has access to the worldâ#128;™s information on their smart phones. This shift requires new skills to effectively oversee and guide the libraryâ#128;™s direction. My experience in information technology planning, delivery, and budgeting fills an important need in the current library board. I will bring a necessary perspective in keeping the library a vital part of Glen Ellynâ#128;™s information and learning needs.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.Candidate did not respond.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?I've held a library card since Kindergarten, and have had my Glen Ellyn card ever since moving here in 2000. I visit the library "digitally" at least once per week, and physically about twice a month.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.Glen Ellyn is fortunate to have a relatively new building with the space necessary to serve the community's needs. The current Board and Library leadership have recently configured the second-floor space to match the requirements of today's patrons. In the coming years, the children's area on the first floor should undergo similar transformation. The Library's physical collections will remain the cornerstone of what the community expects of the Library. Reconfiguring the available area to meet changing needs is a constant process.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 current generation of always-connected devices has diminished the reference role of the library, but it has opened up new opportunities. The library's expanded mission includes offering digital collections, restricted-access sources, and subscription-only databases not available on the wider internet. The library is also an important spot to get Internet connectivity. Not every member of our community has access at home, but increasingly it's essential for students and job-seekers.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Aside from the normal responsibilities of reviewing budgets, evaluating the leadership, and promoting the library, my top priority will be to efficiently review and guide the libraryâ#128;™s technology agenda, especially evaluating use and spend on our growing digital collection. We need to make sure these new capabilities are available to long-time patrons of the library and relevant to the next generation of users.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bill Gates for his ability to reinvent himself and devote his time and resources to changing the health of the world.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You are responsible for your own education...if you are interested in something, pursue it!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I've got no regrets; I'm a fortunate man with a great family and fulfilling career.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I've been fascinated with computers since elementary school, and to my delight, my entire career has been computer-related.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?One piece? "You alone are responsible for your own success and happiness in life."