Lynn DeSmidt: 2023 candidate for Bartlett Public Library Board

Bio

Town: Bartlett

Age on Election Day: 65

Occupation: Business Consultant - MPA, RN-BSN

Employer: Business Consultant, Currently volunteering in the Community

Previous offices held: Trustee Bartlett Public Library 2015-2021, Ethics Officer Advisor 2017-2021, ILA Trustee Forum Executive Board 2017-2021, Director on Foundation Board presently, ILA Fundraising Committee 2021-present, Served 4 years CAC (Citizens Advisory Council)

Q&A

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

A: I am running for Trustee on the Library Board because I believe in lifelong learning and technology. I also want to continue to ensure the community has availability of all the services offered through the library. I would like to see a strong fiscal policy and strategic plan followed by the Trustees. Our library offers the ability to seek, discover, create, enrich and enhance our lives. I would like to continue participating in my community and make a difference serving on this governing board to keep this library moving forward for the benefit of all, representing the diverse economic and cultural backgrounds. Residing in Bartlett for 36 years, I am vested in how our tax dollars are spent for the library services. I look towards providing a leading edge in learning and technology in our Library community.

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 library noticed an increase in online materials during Covid. Patrons are notified with programs and services through the website, Facebook, library print guides, onsite training with offerings of electronic media services that continue to grow with the needs of patrons.

The downloading of books and magazines (Hoopla, Overdrive, Libby, Flipster) has gained momentum, with an increase in audio and E books to meet patron requests. Freegal music and Tumblebooks have also gained in popularity. The library has offered a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, in which patrons can check out and utilize this access point at no cost.

This has been an ongoing, positive "New Shift" to continue in the delivery of library services to the community.

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: Libraries have grown and expanded their data bases and digital resources. The E-Library is the digital age, through licensure the digital content is made accessible to patrons. At present the Bartlett Library offers data base subscriptions: World News, Ancestry, Consumer Reports, Creative bug, and EBSCO (an intuitive online research platform). Along with in house print: The Herald, Sun-times, USA Today and the Examiner are found online through the library data base.

The Bartlett Library has implemented EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), which allows the DVD's, Cd's, Books, and Audio to process through the catalog, allowing staff and patrons to identify material to reserve, promoting a wait list when items are ordered.

Ongoing innovation and new trends, staying relevant to the community and patron needs through new technologies, open concept gathering areas for the community and Artificial Intelligence are considerations for the future.

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: I am a strong advocate for my Library. Involved in the ILA since 2015, served on the ILA Trustee Forum Exec. Board, Bartlett Library Trustee 2015-21, and actively serving on the ILA Fundraising Comm. and Director on the Foundation Board. Contributions are Trustee education, and networking with libraries and trustees. I have a strong belief in advocacy for the library, community, local and state elected officials. Involved with State Representative's and legislative meetups, encouraging their involvement in our library needs. I introduced an Authors event in 2018 sharing the idea and organizing the program for a future date. I have presented fiscal accountability with library expenditures through the budgetary process, ending the previous library deficit. I feel ongoing community and ILA involvement, attending board meetings and listening to patrons, promoting Trustee education and supporting a positive momentum and growth in the library system are beneficial for success.

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

A: I have been a library card holder at 5 years of age, and over 30 years in Bartlett. I am a frequent visitor to the library for pleasure, attending library events through Zoom and onsite, and with my grandchildren.

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: During my 6 years on the Bartlett Library Board, 2015-2021, I came prepared to listen and discuss the board agenda and action items. I researched and consulted on any issue or if clarifications were needed. I worked well with other trustees, staff, and management. Although there are times the board may not agree, I feel I showed respect. Communication is important and plays a significant role on how a board functions. I feel the board chair needs to be equally fair when communicating to the board on certain matters of concern. I also served 4 years on the CAC (Citizens Advisory Council), setting pathways of learning for all age groups. I feel open discussion allows for expression of views to produce effective actions and decisions.

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

A: I am committed to devote the required time to do the job of trustee. Actively involved, I served 6 years on the board. I am a strong advocate for my library, and passionate about serving as a trustee. I am visible in my community and library. I also network with other libraries and trustees. I participate with the ILA and continued trustee education and have been active in legislative meetups. I have proven fiscal responsibility. I am committed to a transparent philosophy. I support the advocacy of the diverse economic and cultural backgrounds in the community through traditional and virtual programs, collections, and digital materials. I feel my knowledge and experience are an asset for success.