Gina Meyers: 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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Glen EllynWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Glen Ellyn Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 52Family: Married. 3 Children. 2 daughters in college. Son at Glenbard West High School.Occupation: I am an independent learning technology and training consultant and have been working in the business educational field for over 30 years.Education: Bachelors degree in Translation Business French from Northern Illinois University, 1982 Master's degree in Adult, Higher Continuing Education from the University of Illinois, 1993Civic involvement: Current Board President of Friends of the Glen Ellyn Library, Former Fundraising Chair for Friends of the Glen Ellyn Library, Glenbard West Advocacy for Character through Service (ACTS) committee, League of Women Voters, Girl Scout Leader 6 years, Former Ben Franklin PTA Board/ Fundraising ChairElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I believe the biggest challenge facing libraries today--both operationally and in the types of collections and services provided?is how to strike a balance between keeping up with emerging trends towards virtual and digital formats while still providing physical materials and services that continue to meet the needs of ALL patrons.Key Issue 2 Ensure that our tax dollars are spent in the way that enables the library to provide services and programming within the operating budget by supporting initiatives that explore other alternative revenue streams --such as partnering with groups within the public and private sectors and charging for certain programs and events.Key Issue 3 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?Passionate about the library and the integral role it plays in our community, I would like to provide the leadership needed to ensure that the library continues to be a center for knowledge, ideas, books, programs that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our 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.N/ADo you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Yes. Owned one since moving to Glen Ellyn in 1987. I use it weekly. I am also at the library often as a volunteer for the bi-monthly used book sales in the Library basement.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.Instead of increasing physical space, careful analysis of collections usage and age must be done on a regular (and more frequent) basis to purge outdated and/or unused material and make room for newer collections and/or space for more education/program opportunities. For example, the library just recently created a "technology bar" which features different types of computerized devices to educate patrons on digital information formats --such as e-readers, MP3 players, tablets, and cell phones.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Due to the recession and financial instability of Illinois at this time, libraries have (and will continue) to face decreases in Federal and State grants and other funding sources which put a strain on budgets and makes strategic planning more difficult---at at time when costs rise due to the demand for multiple formats. The library had adapted well to these changing forces and continues to find ways to serve the community as a center for enrichment, education, entertainment, and empowerment for every individual in our community through its services and programming.