Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. As for how often I use my cards - let's just say they are arguably the most used cards in my wallet. We actually chose our house because it was walking distance to the library and at the time my two sons were young and I knew we would be spending quite a bit of time there. I have had my Cary card since we moved to the area in July of 2007. In fact, I have two! Cary is my home library, but I work at another local library, and as a staff member, I have the opportunity to have a card there as well. Q: Do you have a library card? How long have you had it? How often do you use it?Ī: I do have a library card. If elected, I look forward to taking part in that process. As Diane prepares to retire, the board will be tasked with recruiting, interviewing, and ultimately choosing the best candidate for the leadership position of the library. The library has been well served by the current director, Diane McNulty, for many years. We recently approved revisions to the Policy Manual and are getting ready to hire a new Executive Director. If you are a non-incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.Ī: I was only recently appointed as a trustee in August of 2022, so I have spent the past few months getting to know the sitting board and staff, as well as asking questions and learning more about the inside workings of the library. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. Q: If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. MakerSpaces are very popular in libraries across the country and provide cardholders with opportunities to use things such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and Cricut machines. All of these spaces are available for cardholders to book with their library cards.Īn opportunity that the library might consider in the future, if resources and space are available, is to add a dedicated MakerSpace. In addition to the meeting room, they recently finished an interior renovation adding study rooms as well as a conference room. The Cary Area Library is well prepared for meeting that role. Providing access to physical and digital resources is also important, as well as providing high interest programming for people of all ages. 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?Ī: Libraries continue to play an important role in society by providing common spaces for their communities where folks can get together, have meetings, and collaborate on projects. The library has done a great job promoting these collections via social media posts, and by way of their website which has its own tab for digital resources (Digital Branch). There's something for everyone if they are interested. In addition, the library has many wonderful digital database resources such as Consumer Reports, Chiltons Auto Repair, Mango Languages, Niche Academy, Fold 3, (in-library use only), and Novelist among many others. The Cary Library has multiple platforms for users to access these items such as Libby, Hoopla, and Axis360. Q: Has your library seen a significant shift in the use of online materials? Has it adequately bolstered and promoted its online collection?Ī: Looking back at the usage and collection statistics, it appears that there has been a steady increase in both the number of digital collection items available and the usage of digital materials including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eMusic. I feel that libraries and their trustees should fully challenge censorship. Seeing the recent rise in book ban requests in Illinois and across the country is very alarming to me! I wholeheartedly support the Library Bill of Rights ensuring citizens the right to access information presenting all points of view. Libraries are essential to democracy and the greater good by providing access to information and technology, and promoting intellectual freedom and lifelong learning. I spent nearly twenty years as an elementary school teacher, teaching in California and Minnesota before moving to Cary. As I grew, literacy and access to books continued to be important to me. Money may have been tight, but the library provided access to thousands of books, new worlds, and different perspectives. 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?Ī: Many of my fondest childhood memories involve visiting the public library with my grandmother. Previous offices held: Cary Area Library Trustee, appointed 2022 Q&A
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |