Chase Heidner: 2023 candidate for Barrington Area Public Library Board, 6-year term

Bio

Town: Barrington

Age on Election Day: 27

Occupation: Business manager

Employer: Heidner Properties, Inc.

Previous offices held: N/A

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: The library should be the center of any strong community. I'm running for library board because I believe in the potential our library has. Currently, our Barrington Area Library is underutilized and is in need of a clear strategic long-term plan. I want to promote growth and engagement with our community as well as provide much needed transparency. The library is, after all, funded by the taxpayers of this community. I am going to make sure that the library uses its resources in a way that is aligned with the wants and values of our community. Additionally, I want our community to have access to every resource available to encourage research and education. Research has always been incredibly important to me. I want to make sure every citizen in Barrington knows that no matter your age or what topic you're interested in, the library will be the center of research and knowledge moving forward.

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 use of online materials at our library has been slowly but steadily increasing in the digital age. The Barrington Area Library has a multitude of great online resources, from newspapers to audio books, and even foreign language applications. There is always room for improvement and when it comes to online resources, we are never limited to physical space in the library. The problem is that many people in our community, especially those that are still in school, aren't even aware of these online resources. If we can expand these resources while at the same time find new and creative ways to promote them to the community, we'll be laying the groundwork for the people of Barrington for generations to come.

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: Just like schools, hospitals, and even roads, libraries will always be an essential part of the community. My opinion is that there is no replacement for the feel of a physical book in your hands. But demand for digital content has obviously exploded over the last few decades and that demand will continue to grow. Our library must be able to adapt to a new generation of readers and researchers. Resources need to be allocated for expanding the libraries online collection as well as keeping the most up-to-date equipment to streamline the experience for its patrons. The library also needs to be vigilant in reaching out to the community as well as collecting usage data for particular apps and online services. That way we can advocate for the resources that are most in demand and serve the community best. Libraries are no longer bound to the physical limitations of books and shelf space. For libraries, the sky is the limit in the electronic age.

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: This is an exciting question for me. After attending the library board meetings over the past several months, I know that I can have positive impacts on the library almost immediately. I was part of two very strategic research programs at DePaul University. I studied the necessary components for effective teamwork and allocation of tasks and resources. With the right strategies in place, and with proper, encouraging engagement with each member of the board, we can create an extremely productive environment. This will benefit not only the board and the library staff, but the entire community as well.

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

A: I am a proud holder of a Barrington Area Library card. It will be one of my duties to ensure more Barrington residents get theirs as well. I've had mine since I was in elementary school and I currently use it almost every day to read newspapers such as the Daily Herald and the Chicago Tribune. One of my favorite apps on BAL's website is the Libby app. When a friend recommends a book, I can pull it up and borrow it with just a few taps on my phone.

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: The performance of any team is largely dependent on how the team is structured. Team Effectiveness is an area I spent a significant amount of time studying. Throughout my academic career, I was able to create multiple team charters revolving around the decision making and problem-solving strategies of members within a given team. These strategies led to the creation of well-functioning and communicative teams. The two research labs I worked in gave me the experience and understanding of what variables constitute an effective and efficient team. By identifying the knowledge, skills, and abilities of each team member, we can create a team-based environment where each member is in the perfect position to maximize their individual contributions to the collective goal.

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

A: I believe that the library should be the central hub of information and learning in our community. Whether you're reading fiction or nonfiction, browsing through magazines, or just borrowing a movie for the night, those experiences create a more knowledgeable and more experienced community. Zora Neal Hurston said, "Research is formalized curiosity. It is prying with a purpose." I want our library to be our very best resource for educational, recreational, and independent learning and I want the residents of Barrington to know that making that happen will be my purpose. By bringing new energy to the board and outlining clear, purposedriven goals, I know that our library can do more for this community than it ever has in the past.