Jim Larson: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Jim Larson

City: Libertyville

Office Sought: Trustee, Cook Memorial Library District

Age: 59

Family: Son, 22

Occupation: Engineer

Education: Masters, MBA

Civic Involvement: Library Trustee, Church Minister

Previous elected office held: None

Incumbent? Yes, 2015

Website: None

Facebook: None

Twitter: None

Issue questions

What is the most important issue facing your library district and how do you intend to address that?

The most important issue currently facing the library district is the expansion at the Aspen Drive branch. We need to diligently monitor the progress of both the construction and financial situations in order to provide a successful delivery of that project to the library patrons and to the taxpayers.

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?

I am running to ensure that our libraries remain a key public access point of current information and knowledge to the community. I want to ensure that the library continues to be relevant in the internet age while still listening to its patrons.

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?

I am currently the secretary of the board and at most every board meeting ensure that the library can act on patron issues and continue to be fiscally responsible. I am also on several committees that oversee the deployment of new technology in the libraries and that write the operating policies used in the libraries.

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 ever since moving into the community almost 9 years ago. I generally visit the libraries about twice a week to see what new materials are available and to see how the libraries are running and serving the patrons.

What impact have economic and technological changes had on libraries? How does a library remain relevant? How should its role in the community change?

Our library has utilized tags (RFID) that can be scanned to allow for convenient self-service checkout. The library has also instituted an E-Books program, which allows patrons to "download" books for limited amounts of time giving greater public access to materials.