Jill Clouse: 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: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Glen Ellyn Library Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: I am married to Michael Clouse and we have elementary school aged children.Occupation: Career Development CoachEducation: Master of Science in Higher Education Policy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL Bachelor of Arts in History, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, INCivic involvement: I have been involved in various volunteer opportunities through my children's elementary school. Through my church, I've been involved in leading two different small groups.Elected offices held: 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?In these times of swift change and immediate information, libraries are more important than ever. The content and resources housed in the physical space and in cyber space of a public library are a valuable treasure that when put to use can affect dramatic change. The Glen Ellyn Public Library is no exception and provides our community with so many resources, services and events. I want to help the library address different demographic needs, strike a balance between digital and traditional resources, continue assess the needs of the physical space and respond to the communityâ#128;™s expectations for service. Above all, Iâ#128;™d like to steward the libraryâ#128;™s resources well and help carry out the libraryâ#128;™s mission to "serve the community as a vibrant center for information, learning and discovery."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.Actively listening to the communityâ#128;™s desires for the library is essential. Through my work on my Alumnae Association Board of Directors, as a Career Coach, a church small group leader, and most importantly, as a mom, Iâ#128;™ve honed my skills at listening to the needs of those I serve, identifying themes and proposing actions to improve. Through actively listening, I will better understand different demographic needs, how to strike the balance between digital and traditional resources, what the needs are for the physical space, and better understand the communityâ#128;™s expectations for service. Improvement comes by having a thoughtful strategy that aligns with the organizationâ#128;™s mission. Understanding the big picture as well as thinking through creative solutions to execute strategy is something Iâ#128;™ve done frequently as part of my work at Northwesternâ#128;™s Kellogg School of Management. Services for wide demographics, digital resources and the physical library space arenâ#128;™t discrete issues that can be handled quickly, but rather need to be met with strategic thinking to ultimately allow for success when implemented. Successful implementation of the big picture strategy can only happen if those in the position to execute on a day to day basis have the resources and support they need. Through my previous Board experience, I understand how to partner effectively with those working in the organization to empower them to carry out operations. Collaborating with the library staff on how to engage the community, particularly children and families is something I would thoroughly enjoy.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Upon moving to Glen Ellyn three and a half years ago, one of the first things I did was obtain a library card, and my family soon did the same. As a parent of two young children, I greatly appreciate all that is at my fingertips to help indulge the current interests of each of my children (which change frequently). We are at the library at least once a week (sometimes more!) I also appreciate the technology the library has embraced in order to facilitate digital reading. As one of those people who always has to have a book on hand, I love that my library books are as close as a swipe to unlock my phone and open my Kindle, iBooks, or other e-reader app. Yet, at the end of a full day, I find myself turning to the stack of books on my nightstand and the comfort of flipping through actual pages. As an avid reader, I would be honored to serve on the Library Board of Trustees.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.Thankfully, the Glen Ellyn Public Library has done a great job at keeping on top of the physical plant. During the last several years, the Library Board and Library Staff have done an amazing job of fixing critical issues with the building, managing through a crisis with flood damage and still be able to orchestrate the first phase of a renovation. I am excited to be part of the Board as the Library continues to update its space on the first floor and think strategically about the relationship between the physical space, traditional collections and technological resources.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 think technological changes have helped libraries remain relevant as the source of information available to the public. Libraries can be a great equalizer and provide resources to all no matter what their socioeconomic status. The community looks to libraries to provide necessary information residents need and the Glen Ellyn Public Library does a great job meeting the needs of the wide demographic it serves through programs, services and resources.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?My desire to serve comes from a genuine place of wanting to give back to the Library and the community which has personally provided me and my family so much. Helping the Library meet the challenges of different demographic needs, particularly as it relates to young families, of striking the balance between digital and traditional resources, and thinking through what the needs are for the physical space, is something Iâ#128;™d thoroughly enjoy. As a volunteer, professional and, wife and mother, and with the skills I outlined earlier and most importantly, as a complete book lover, I believe I would be an effective Trustee with a lot to contribute.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Iâ#128;™m currently inspired by my childrenâ#128;™s teachers. I greatly appreciate the wisdom, dedication and leadership they bring to their work and model for my kids.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I have a lot to thank my parents for, but among them, the lesson to treat others the way Iâ#128;™d like to be treated.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Nothing, as Iâ#128;™ve learned much from my mistakes.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History taught me to contemplate, analyze, and communicate complexity of the past. It has provided a context to comprehend the issues we face today.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?To honor God and show respect, be obedient and try your hardest, speak kindly, always tell the truth, and live with courage, gratitude and joy.