John Caporale: 2023 candidate for Schaumburg Township District Library Board

Bio

Town: Schaumburg

Age on Election Day: 54

Occupation: MFT Audit Services Unit Chief

Employer: Illinois Department of Transportation

Previous offices held: Schaumburg Township Trustee

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for the library board, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I am running for the library board for the first time because of my dedication to the Schaumburg community (Note: I have served on numerous Schaumburg commissions, and I am former Schaumburg Township Trustee). Also, I am determined to ensure that the Schaumburg Township Library continues to provide quality resources, programs, and services to meet the needs of our Schaumburg community now and in the future. With my internal audit background, I would be a dependable trustee who would continue to review how the library can add value and improve its organizational operations for its library patrons. I would like to see Schaumburg Township Library continue to play a central role in our community for both information and ideas as an educational and cultural resource.

Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?

A: The Schaumburg Township District Library offers a variety of digital databases as well as electronic media to fulfill multiple needs. The library's online catalog contains digital resources for patrons such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, online magazines, as well as music and movies online. These resources reflect the significant shift to online materials. These resources are promoted through information in the library, email communications, and the mailed library program. With the significant shift in the use of online materials, the Schaumburg Township Library needs to continually increase the visibility of online materials. Online materials provide library patrons both convenience and a flexible resource.

Q: What do you see as the future of role of libraries in the electronic age? How well prepared is your library for meeting that role? What new steps must the library begin taking?

A: The way we access and consume information has changed dramatically in the 21st century, and this presents major challenges and opportunities for public library systems. The advancement of new technologies has changed some of our reading habits. But our need for shared, community-centered spaces to find information and connect with others is unlikely to change any time soon. To survive in the digital age and stay relevant, Schaumburg Township Library needs to continue to be innovative. They must embrace both the physical and virtual library setting by providing reliable information for all its citizens. This includes vital information about health, safety, nutrition and public services, but also opportunities to develop a patron's literacy, learning skills for employability, and take part in collective educational and cultural activities. Today, Schaumburg Township Library continues to play a central role in our community in providing both open and free access to information and ideas.

Q: 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.

A: As a non-incumbent, I have experience on the Village of Schaumburg commissions in debating and discussions issues relevant to the community. My public sector auditing experience will ensure the smooth operations of the library and compliance with laws and regulations. I would be an impartial/objective watchdog, continuously making sure the library is in compliance with laws and regulations, as well as working to ensure that departments and employees follow proper procedures. I would address this position from a risk management perspective to minimize any risks of fraud and legal exposure due to internal policy lapses and mismanagement. As a trustee with an internal auditor background, I will continuously check the internal accounting procedures and operating systems to understand library business processes and offer objective advice for improving financial reporting and internal controls to maximize performance and efficiency so that the needs of the library patron are meet.

Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?

A: I have a library card and I have had it since I moved to Schaumburg Township 25 years ago. I have used my library card extensively with my own studies (working on my Master's in Public Administration) and helping my own kids on school projects and assignments. I remember the days when my Mom would take us to the local library and we would use the card catalog in the library for doing research in grade school! A lot has changed since those days! As a Schaumburg Township, I continue to use my library card at least a few times a month to check out books, use the library meeting rooms, and borrow DVD's for use in my own personal educational/entertainment enrichment. To me, Schaumburg Township Library is a treasure to our community for its variety of materials and programs that it offers. Schaumburg Township Library is an important cornerstone of our healthy community by allowing the community to continue to grow and prosper from an educational and cultural awareness perspective.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your library board.

A: In determining policy, I have found that there needs to be true collaboration amongst the group (board members) in reaching agreement. This involves group creativity, full-team participation and working towards consensus. I feel that I am collaborative group member. I am willing to collect the thoughts and ideas of the entire team in order to get to the outcome, rather than relying primarily on my own opinion. I think the collaborative approach allows for engagement of stakeholders from across the organization in co-creating the output. In a group setting, I think it is important to foster and maintain strong partnership relationships, based on trust, respect, and professional competence, as opposed to a sense of authority. I think this will be effective in addressing the needs of the library by looking for the active contribution of every group member, harnessing their diversity of creative thought and inspiring the group to apply their collective energy to produce something of value.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I feel that I am the best person for this job because of my public sector auditing and community involvement experience. My election to this board will be beneficial in focusing on how to bring efficiencies to the library by ensuring effective operation in meeting the library patron's expectations. With my public sector auditing experience and collaborating with my fellow board members, the library operations will be reviewed to make meaningful recommendations on how continually improve the library. This improvement will involve consistently advancing and institutionalizing quality and tailoring the library operations to optimize processes, foresee risks and explore new possibilities. The focus will be on providing direction through strategic planning and team-based project management in problem solving. This team-based management activities demand the involvement and commitment of a member of the community that has participated in commissions and has had board responsibilities.