Kelly Dittmann: 2023 candidate for Barrington Area Public Library Board, 2-year term
Bio
Town: North Barrington
Age on Election Day: 45
Occupation: Business head, Energy and Sustainability
Employer: Hitachi America Ltd., International Trade
Previous offices held: Commission member, village of North Barrington
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: Sharing my experience and abilities for the benefit of the community has been a passion of mine for last 20+ years. Running for Barrington Area Library trustee is a great opportunity to utilize my past board experience(s) to make our community a better place for all, while strengthen the library experience for patrons. As market trends shift, I look forward to advocating for a fresh perspective on innovation and investment for the next-generation patrons and our library's future.
Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?
A: Yes, leveraging digital and online materials is key to providing an environment that enhances patron experience across all ages. Barrington Area Library has provided online access, applications, programming that reflects interest of our community from 'STEM Classes to Virtual Story Time and Online Music Series,' etc. As long-range planning continues, enhancing our online offerings that reflect community interests will be a priority.
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: Barrington Area Library has done an exceptional job advancing investment to promote and create an environment of online learning for all ages. As we to continue exploring ways to innovate, creating a 'Library
of the Future' connected with smart devices, creating a platform for intellectual literary and imaginative minds across the region and the globe.
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 strategist and business leader, I look forward to leveraging my knowledge in investment, finance and board strategy to enhance our Library's long-range planning and community assets. As a trustee, I look forward to developing key priorities that align to our mission, patron interests and to ensure investment is reflective community value.
Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?
A: Yes, our family has library membership. We researched upon moving back to Illinois in 2019.
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: As past board member, working on committees and in a collaborative manner is key to developing consensus and alignment in advancing policy, procedures and priorities. My style is to work in holistic, partnership model to ensure all voices are heard, key scenarios are reviewed and prioritized to achieve desired outcomes best for our library and the community our library serves.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am committed to our community and have a passion for education, health, sustainability and science. As a library enthusiast, I will be an advocate for the mission, bringing my expertise in business, board strategy and community to shape our library's future.