Harold "Hal" Dvorin: 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: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine Library Board Age: 77Family: Wife: Sarah JaneOccupation: Retired Financial IT Executive/ManagerEducation: BS in ManagementMaster of Accounting SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignCivic involvement: President, Kenilwicke Homeowner's Association (1989-1993)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?I have a strong interest in libraries. I previously was a candidate for Library Board Trustee but was not elected. I am a an active Univ. of Illinois Friends of the Library member with a strong interest in the preservation of historical material. I am interested in the evolution of the library from a book depository to a community center. I also am interested in expanding the availability of library resources to online users.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.At this point it is difficult to point to any specific contributions without some familiarity with the specific tasks the Board is involved in.Our library seems to be well run on a day-to-day basis. I would like to hear what other board members and the administration are doing to plan for the future, and deal with any current problems. At that point I would feel more comfortable voicing my opinions.Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes, I have had a library card for over 20 years.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.Expanding the physical plant is not a likely solution. The present building is the third Palatine Library building since we have lived in the community and expanding or replacing it would be very costly and unnecessary.Doing away with parts of the collection that technology has made less critical is a possible approach. Also storing some of the collection "off site" is another possible approach.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Technological changes have made it possible for libraries to expand their resources without having to expand their physical plants, and without having to purchase these additional resources for their sole use.Over the past 15-20 years, libraries have become a type of community center by offering programs not specifically oriented toward the traditional offering of books and other publications publications. Libraries have remained relevant by taking on new roles such as offering meeting space, computers, classes, lectures, age related programs, less commercial films films, and movie "rentals."Libraries will remain relevant as long as they continue to meet the needs of their communities.LibrariesWhat other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As someone with a background in finance and accounting, I hope to be able to add that perspective to the budgeting and planning process.By my definition, the role of a Trustee is the preservation of the tangible and intangible assets of the library for the best use of the district's residents whatever they may be currently or in the future. I think the Board should welcome community input as far as expansion of services or reductions to existing collections.I do not believe in any form of censorship or "banning" of materials.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Former president Barack Obama. I didn't always agree with him, but he is someone I can respect as a human being.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Education is the key to success. You never stop learning.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would travel more at a younger age.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?The subject which helped me the most in later life was English. It is important to be able to communicate well.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be true to your ideals and follow your dreams.