Rob Schuler: Candidate Profile

Back to Cook Memorial Library Board 4-year terms

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: LibertyvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Cook Memorial Library Board 4-year terms Age: 45Family: I have been married over 19 wonderful years to my wife, Liz. We have two daughters Emily, 17, and Hannah, 13.Occupation: National Training Manager for Johnson JohnsonEducation: Bachelor's of Fine Art from University of Missouri (Mizzou) Currently enrolled in the MBA program at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management (Feb 2016 expected graduation)Civic involvement: This represents my first attempt at elective office within my community.Elected offices held: No previous offices held.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 was motivated to run for Library Board to contribute to my community, first and foremost. My entire family utilizes our library, and I feel it is an institution to be be proud of. I want to help keep it strong, keep it serving Libertyville's current needs, and help usher it into the future.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.As a non-incumbant, I plan to play a strong role with the library's overall long-term vision. I will keep asking the tough quesions of how we be can get even better at serving our community? Are we well prepared for the rapidly changing technologies that are impacting all of us? I will also be a vigilant steward of taxpayer money, and help continue fiscal responsibility.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 many years. It varies how often I visit and use the card. Since I have my own technology at home, I do not utilize our library for that purpose. I have found the library a great place to relax, usually over the weekend between family obligations.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.I would advocate to make the most efficient use of the existing space, and only support physical expansion as a last resort. Even though it is critical that we keep pace with technological advances, it is also important to preserve some space to slow down a bit and enjoy a book, magazine, or quietly reflect. With that in mind, I want to ensure the hard copy collections we have on hand are of relevant interest to our patrons. The physical space is at a premium, so any materials that have not been utilized should be removed in favor of what best serves our community.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Technology is moving at the "speed of light", and libraries have been significatntly impacted as a result. A library can remain relevant by maintaining staff positions and hiring personnel who focus on keeping pace with the changes. These individuals can play a valuable role advising on how our institution can best utilize these rapid changes to serve the community. Our online offerings should be best in class. I would work to ensure our website is a valuable resource to our patrons, and ensure our eBook virtual selections are strong.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?It is important that I help my community and give back after many years of enjoying what Libertyville has to offer. I selected this opportunity not as a reaction to current policies or direction, or for any personal gain, but to help provide strong leadership for current and future community needs.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.No political leaders currently "inspire" me. The medical personnel who helped treat the recent ebola patients have most inspired me of late.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Perserverance. My father left when I was very young. My Mom finished raising seven kids and beat the odds. She taught me to perservere.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Any missed opportunity to spend time with my family. That time is precious.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?American History. I still spend any spare minute reading about our great country. Knowing history helped me understand and respect different viewpoints and perspectives.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be a good person. To yourself, your friends, your family, and anyone who needs a helping hand. Spread good kharma and pay it forward.