Francine McGuire-Popeck: 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: BataviaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Batavia Library Board (4-year Terms)Age: 61Family: Married to Robert Popeck, 2 Step-Sons-Robert, Jr. and Kevin; 2 Granddaughters; 6 SiblingsOccupation: Currently seeking employment.Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Development, Penn State University; Nuclear Medicine Certification, College of DuPage; Radiation Therapy Certification, College of DuPageCivic involvement: Batavia Historical Society, Access, Congregational Church of Batavia committees, Batavia Food Pantry, Batavia Clothes ClosetElected offices held: N/AHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Determine community's priorities for current and future programs and services the Batavia Public Library should offer and what changes in hours of operation and funding are needed to accomplish this, preferably within budget.Key Issue 2 With pending expiration of building bonds, identify and implement ways to fund future building improvements, maintenance and services.Key Issue 3 Resolve lawsuit between Geneva and Batavia library districts.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?Libraries have always played an important role in my education as their collections and services reinforce and deepen what is taught in schools and provide an avenue to learn about the history, art and culture of the rest of our world. I want to keep Batavia's library a strong part of the learning and growing of 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?I have had a library card for many years and have ussed the library's resources to take out books and DVD's, study, attend programs, hold meetings, view artwork and historical artifacts, and learn about Batavia history via the website.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.My recommendation would be to examine current and future collections to determine what can, in part or entirety, be digitally stored and accessed at the library or via the library's website. This, along with examination of current space utilization within the library, may enable the library to remain in its current footprint for extended years.What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?Libraries are challenged to meet the needs of the community who are both technologically savvy as well as those who are not. As more information is available via computer the demand for computer access at the library will increase until the cost of devices becomes affordable for most people. As news and information sources struggle to meet their own costs and charge for access to this information, the library may be relied upon to provide access to information that is only available through a subscription cost. Through periodic community surveys, the library can obtain updates on what its role in the community should be, what programs and services to offer, and how it can remain relevant in its service to the community.