Candidates for IHLS Board of Directors Election
Voting for the IHLS Board of Directors is done via an online survey/ballot. The link to that survey will be distributed via the IHLS Announce listserv around April 15, 2012. EACH MEMBER LIBRARY RECEIVES JUST ONE VOTE. This is a preview ballot for viewing the candidates prior to voting. Please consult with your board, branches, or others as needed prior to voting. One designated person should then vote on behalf of the entire member library using the link distributed on the IHLS Announce listserv.
VOTING DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, MAY 15, 2012
Public Library Trustee Slate (choose 1):
Susan Mendelsohn, Incumbant IHLS Board Member
Glen Carbon Centennial Library, Glen Carbon, IL 62034. Board of Trustees Vice President
I have served five plus years on the Glen Carbon Centennial Library Board as a Trustee; two years as Treasurer and two years as Vice President. Currently, I am the Chairman of the Personnel Committee. I have also served two years on the Lewis and Clark Library Board; the last year as Secretary. I am a graduate of SIUE Edwardsville where I obtained an undergraduate degree in Accounting and two Master in the area of Finance (MBA) and Information Technology (MS MIS). I have worked in the Accounting field for over thirty years. In June, I will have completed a one year term as an IHLS Board Trustee. I am seeking a second term. Presently, I am serving on the IHLS Finance Committee and have been instrumental in the re-write of the System's Financial Policies and Procedures and in initiating a review of IHLS current lease obligations. The Finance Committee will soon be focusing on upcoming budget issues. IHLS will once again be facing budget restrictions. I would like to continue working as a member of the Finance Committee in the future. I have both the desire and the time to devote to IHLS issues. I am proud to have served on the IHLS Board this past year. I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election. Thank you. Susan Mendelsohn
Andrew Vincent Wolkiewicz
Morrison-Talbott Library, Waterloo, IL 62298. Board of Trustees Vice President
My name is Andrew V. Wolkiewicz and I am currently Vice-President of the Morrison-Talbott Library Board in Waterloo, Illinois. I received my undergraduate history degree from the University of Notre Dame in 2005 and my law degree from Saint Louis University in 2008. I am presently an associate with the law firm of Thompson Coburn, LLP and work out of the Belleville, Illinois office. As a student of the arts and letters and the law, and now as a practicing attorney, I know the importance of having access to libraries with significant collections and resources. Without access to strong libraries throughout my life, I would not have achieved the high academic goals I have set for myself, nor have already scored significant success in my current occupation. Of course, libraries also offer the opportunity to escape reality and enter new and exciting worlds of adventure, fantasy, and make-believe. I have benefited from libraries in countless ways over the years and believe I would be a strong proponent of Illinois libraries as they face the challenges of incorporating modern technology and succeeding in an economic downturn.
Public Library Trustee Slate (choose 1):
Susan Justice, Incumbant IHLS Board Member
Eldorado Memorial Public Library, Eldorado, IL 62930. Board of Trustees Secretary
My name is Susan Justice. I am currently serving on the Illinois Heartland Library System Board of Trustees. I have been on the Board of Trustees of the Eldorado Public Library District since the district was formed in 1988. I was an active member of the committee which campaigned to form the Eldorado library district. Immediately after the district was enacted and I was elected to the board, we began a successful campaign to fund a new library building. I have served the board as Treasurer and have been the Secretary for several terms. I also served two terms on the board of the Shawnee Library System and one year as its president. I am a retired high school and college guidance counselor.
James D. Matthews
Mahomet Public Library ,Mahomet IL 61853. Board of Trustees
I was born in Detroit MIchigan and moved to Illinois in 1986 when I began teaching at Illinois Wesleyan University where I am completing my 26th year of service as an Associate Professor of French, and where I have also served 7 1/2 years as Dean of Students during which I managed a multi-million dollar budget. I volunteered to complete a term of service on the Board of Trustees for the Mahomet Public Library in 2007 as a way to give back to the community following the death of our 16-year old son in 2006. John had special needs and the public library was one of the few public spaces in which he could function as well as his non-delayed peers. I was elected to a full term on the Board in 2010. I have participated in two ballot referendums, the second of which secured funding for a new library in Mahomet. I was actively involved in the planning and construction of the our new facility that opened in August 2010. In my work as a college professor, I have come to understand that deficiencies in information literacy are among the greatest weaknesses students bring with them to higher education, and I have worked with librarians at IWU and in Mahomet to assist students and patrons in learning how to obtain the best information available. In an era of continuing economic challenge, the cultivation of human resources in library staff and directors must remain a high priority; contrary to popular belief, quality information does not retrieve itself. I very much enjoy serving as a trustee and would look forward to serving the people of Illinois.
School Library Slate (choose 1):
Karen Bounds, Incumbant IHLS Board President
Centralia High School Dist. #200, Centralia, IL 62801. Library Media Specialist
I am running for reelection as a school representative. When we drew for the number of years to serve on the new Illinois Heartland Library System board of directors last year, I drew only one year and I am eligible for another full three year term. As President of the Board of Trustees this year, I have been privileged to serve this new system with some very fine board members representing all of our multi-type libraries and with a wonderful group of dedicated Illinois Heartland Library System staff members. We chose a new executive director and selected a new platform for our LLSAPs with the help of our member libraries to truly become one system. We have many decisions yet to make and I would like to continue to represent the schools of our system for another three years. I strongly believe in the power of libraries in the lives of our students and the adults they will become. I will continue to ensure ILHS recognizes the importance of school libraries as a part of the team of libraries that brings an invaluable service to the citizens of Illinois. Thank you.
Donna Cameron
9th Grade Academy, East St. Louis, IL 62204. Librarian
She is a certified librarian at the 9th Grade Academy in East St. Louis. She has been in education since 1996; at East St. Louis since 1998. She has taught every grade K through 9. She has two Master’s Degrees and is working on her doctorate in education.
Alayna Davies-Smith
O'Fallon District 90, Carriel Junior High School, O'Fallon, IL 62269. District Media Specialist
Certified teacher, Master's in Library and Information Science, course work in Educational Administration, currently working on a Reading Teacher endorsement, presently serving as a District Media Specialist in a K-8 school district with over 3,000 students in seven buildings.Over 30 years experience as a librarian in a variety of settings, the last 13 years in school libraries. Always an advocate for school librarians, understanding the unique perspective and skills the job of serving a school population entails. Proactive in communicating the special needs of the school library to those who may not be aware of the challenges faced by school librarians every day. I believe that the IHLS has the potential to be an important part of school libraries and thus school children in the southern part of the state and would like to be more involved in order to improve and expand the role of the school library in education.
School Library Slate (choose 1):
Jacob Roskovensky, Incumbant IHLS Board Member
Shiloh Community Unit School District #1, Hume, IL 61932. District Library Media Specialist
Jacob Roskovensky, Library Media Specialist for the Shiloh Community Unit School District #1, earned his bachelor’s degree in Library Media Services K-12 from Indiana State University in 2006 and his master’s degree in Educational Instructional Media from Wilkes University in 2010. He has been on the Illinois Heartland Library System Board for the past year and LINC Policy Council for the past three years. Jacob is a member of the Shiloh Education Association, Shiloh PTO, Newman G.O.A.L., and ISLMA. Jacob truly believes that powerful libraries do make powerful learners. He feels that each library in the multi-type system has a vital role, and should be a contributing member. Jacob appreciates all of the libraries; he works in a building with 310 students, but has served a building as large as 1,800 students. While he is proficient in the use of technology, he still sees the importance of social interaction and would enjoy hearing from anyone.
Laura J. Naugle
Southwestern School District #9 (all 5 libraries), Piasa, IL 62079. District Librarian
Though this is my first year as a Librarian; I have worked in a library for over 15 years. I first worked as a high school student in the library for all four of my high school years. Next, I worked in the public library in Carlinville, IL. Then I returned to the school libraries working in Carlinville High School, Intermediate and Elemenatary schools as a Library Media Aide. Now, after getting my teaching degree, and library media specialist endorsement; I am working my first year as a librarian. Library has been my life. I love books and reading so it comes natural to me. I would love to be a part of the Board, so that I can help to improve reading in our children; and to promote libraries for our communities.
Public Library Slate (choose 1):
Joan B. Rhoades, Incumbant IHLS Board Vice President
Vespasian Warner Public Library, Clinton, IL 61727. Co-Director Majority
I believe I am a strong asset to the Illinois Heartland Library System Board (IHLS). Even though I wasn't on the Transition Board, I attended all but one of their meetings. It was important to me to know the changes that were happening, how they would affect the Illinois library community, and the processes that were used to implement the changes. Attending those meetings allowed me to know the history of how and why certain decisions were reached. I have been vice president of the IHLS Board for one year. There is still much to be done. The Transition Board had an enormous workload to finish in a very limited amount of time. Many decisions were made knowing that they would be refined or changed at a later date when time restraints were less of a factor. I have the advantage of knowing that this took place. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University and was a deputy sheriff for 6 1/2 years. I have a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Illinois. I have worked at the Vespasian Warner Public Library in Clinton for 23 years. I have been a majority Co-Director with Tom Rudasill for the past 11 years. Having a co-director allows me to spend time away from my library to attend the many meetings that are scheduled with an active board like the IHLS board. I am a founding member and past president of Chromosome Deletion Outreach, a non-profit organization. I am also currently on the board of the DeWitt County Human Resource Center. I have enjoyed serving the libraries of IHLS for the past year and hope to be elected to continue serving the members of IHLS.
Richard Lee Eiche
Tuscola Public Library, Tuscola, IL 61953. Assistant Librarian
I have been employed with the Tuscola Library for the last 6 years. I have an accounting degree from Rhoades State College in Ohio. I am interested in serving on the IHLS board to be more involved and to help form the policies and procedures for the new IHLS library system. Although my background is not as extensive as some I believe my interest and dedication would be an asset.
Marsha Grove
Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL 61821. Library Director
As the Director of the Champaign Public Library, which serves a diverse population of over 81,000 and one of the larger public libraries within IHLS, I have had the opportunity to be involved with instituting technology such as RFID self check out, automated materials handling, and this past year migrating to Polaris Library Systems. Working in public libraries for 36 years in three different states has given me an opportunity to experience different public library governance systems and sizes of libraries. These included everything from a tiny branch library in a very rural southern town to larger municipal libraries. Spending the first 17 years of my life on a farm in Fayette County, Illinois, and later having lived in both Effingham and Decatur makes me familiar with many of the towns and areas in Illinois Heartland Library System. I am committed to making public libraries the best they can be.
Victoria A. Hart
Tri-Township Public Library District 209, Troy, IL 62294. Library Director
Since moving to Illinois, I have served as a public library director for the past six years. During that time, I have been actively involved in GateNet LLSAP business, serving on the Advisory Council, and as Chair of the directors’ group. I have current nonprofit board experience, sitting on the board of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob Chamber of Commerce. I also have local academic experience, working as a part-time Reference Librarian at Southwestern Illinois College. Having worked in different types of libraries as well as in libraries outside of Illinois, I believe I bring a unique perspective to discussions about policies and procedures. I am excited about the opportunity to help the IHLS move forward in its goals for the future.
Michael Keepper
Herrin City Library, Herrin IL 62948. Library Director
I am a native of Illinois born in Hillsboro in Montogomery County and graduated from Arcola High School in Douglas County. I received my Bachelor of Science in Education Degree in 1972 from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston IL. I majored in History with minors in Social Science and Library Science. I was a Teacher/Librarian from 1972-1974 at North Clay Community School in Louisville IL. I was hired as Head Librarian at the Shelbyville Public Library in August 1974. I worked there until May 1981 when I was hired as the Administrative Librarian at the C.E.Brehm Memorial Public Library I begin work there at Mt.Vernon IL in June 1981. A Million Dollar Building Expansion was launched that Summer at Mt.Vernon which more than doubled the size of the original Carnegie Library (1905). I left Mt.Vernon in May 1990 to pursue my Masters Degree in Library Science. I received my MLS at Rosary College at River Forest IL in August 1991. I returned to my hometown Arcola IL and set up a computer Patient Records system for an Arcola doctor. I was hired as Library Director at the Herrin City Library at Herrin IL and begin work there in September 1992. I have been in Herrin ever since. In 2000, we launched a Library Remodeling & Expansion program which resulted in more than doubling the size of the library from 5,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet. The original building was built in 1959 for $150,000 total. The new facility was dedicated in August 2002 and cost $1,250,000 total. $500,000 was raised from the community and $500,000 was raised in City Building Bonds and the remaining $250,000 was supplied by a Building Grant from the Illinois State Library. In my time at the Herrin City Library, we have moved from old 19th Century technology to the Information Superhighway computer technology. We joined the Shawnee Library System's Automation system. We purchased and installed computers for public use.. We received grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. I would like to represent Herrin and Southern Illinois as a Public Library representative on the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Heartland Library System. I would like to provide a voice for our area on the board.
Susan McKinney
St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library, St. Joseph, IL 61873. Librarian
I have been Librarian at the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library for 21 1/2 years. In that time, I brought the library online with the legacy LTLS system which was CLSI. I have seen my library service population go from 4234 to 5876 in those years. I know what it is like to be a Librarian serving in many duties: reference to children's librarian to cataloging librarian to programs coordinator. I have served on numerous committees in the LTLS system over the years. I was on the fee structure committee for determining the price structure for the online system in the early 1990s. I was a member of the LTLS Board 1999-2005 and was a member of the finance committee and membership committee. After leaving the board, I have served on the Linc Policy Council committee; serving as Vice-Chair for the last 2 years. I have a lot of technical experience and believe that I would bring a unique perspective to the IHLS Board, if elected to serve. In my community, I have been Treasurer of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for 12 years and served as President for 2 years before that. I am a member of the Iota Sigma Chapter, Psi Iota Xi Sorority which is a philanthropic sorority that promotes art, literature and music. I am a past member and treasurer of the SJO Music Boosters. I am currently the head of a statewide non-profit organization that's main charity is a cure for diabetes.
Lois M. Morse
Lincoln Library, Springfield, IL 62701. Assistant Director
I began my career at Lincoln Library in 1983 as a Youth Services Assistant. In 1995, I entered the School of Library Science at the University Of Illinois – Champaign completing my MLIS in 1998. After an additional two years of service in the Youth Services Department as a librarian, I was promoted to the position of Assistant Director. Duties have included: writing grants, RFP’s and library policies, compiling statistics and preparing reports, supervision of other department managers, the automation department, circulation, extension, periodicals, readers’ and technical services, as well as staffing public services desk or answering telephones. The variety of roles played over this period of time provides a perspective of all library services and how they work together. I understand what it takes in a public library from the bottom up to deliver the best service to a community and what is needed from supporting organizations to assist when they can. Our drastic reduction in funding and staff provided first-hand experience in working with other library administrators to come up with the most efficient and cost-effective methods for maintaining quality services on a shoe-string budget. My goal as an Illinois Heartland Library System Board Member would be to offer a complete public library perspective in order to provide support to libraries and communities of all economic levels with the funds available.
Leander Spearman
Belleville Public Library, Belleville, IL 62220. Director
I have nearly 20 years of experience working in both Public and Academic libraries. My experience includes Reference Services, Youth Services, Human Resources, Recruiting, Grant Writing, Volunteer Coordination and Adult Education. My relevant experience outside the library world includes Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Engineering. I feel I have a great deal to contribute to the Board.