2010 Vice President/President-elect

Lynn Elam, Hinsdale Public Library

Experience: Executive Director, Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale, IL 2006 – present; Director, Messenger Public Library, North Aurora, IL 2001-2006; Grants and Development Coordinator, Naperville Public Libraries, Naperville, IL 2000-2001; Director of Program Services, DuPage Library System, Geneva, IL 1996-2000; Assistant Library Director, Packer Engineering, Naperville, IL 1994-1996; Librarian, Waubonsee Community College 1989-1994; Intern, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, IL 1988-1989

Selected Professional Activities: • ALA/PLA Polaris Innovation in Technology John Lliff Award Committee 2009-2011 • ALA/LAMA/SASS Technical Services and Systems Committee 2009-2011 • ALA/PLA Conference Presenter 2010 • ILA Conference Presenter 2010, 2011 • Nominee 2nd Vice President League of Women Voters Central Kane County 2010 • Member Kane County Website Redevelopment Task Force 2009 - • League of Women Voters Central Kane County Merger Team 2008- • President, Batavia Public Library Foundation 2008- • Treasurer, Batavia League of Women Voters 2008- • Treasurer, Batavia Public Library Batavia, IL 2003-2007 • Trustee, Batavia Public Library, Batavia, IL 1999-2007 • Chair Referendum Speakers Committee Batavia Public Library 1998

Education: • M.A. Library and Information Studies Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL; B.A. DePaul University, Chicago, IL Professional Education: • Northern Illinois Civic Leadership Academy, DeKalb, IL; Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative, Springfield, IL Most Recent Publication: • How to Get Nearly 1,000 Teens into Your Library in Five Days or Less: Finals Week at Hinsdale Public Library – VOYA October 2009

Statement of Concern: People come to libraries because it’s a life’s work worth doing. There is nothing else like it and no more democratic an institution than a Library. No matter who we are or where we came from, the Library has, through its many collections and services, the power to elevate all of us. We recognize that in this place, whether it is physical or virtual and regardless of format or packaging, we can expand someone’s world.

Libraries are interconnected and inter-dependent through vast networks both machine made and human made. Our networks allow us to reach around the globe or just next door to bring that difference-making thing right where it’s needed and when it’s needed.

Our responsibilities are great. We are the caretakers of our culture, of our records of all that we know and all that we imagine things could be. We are the force that refuses to limit someone’s ability to discover, to learn, to grow. All of what we have is available to all whom we serve. We fight for that and will continue to fight for it because it is ingrained in our ideas of service.

Whether our service community is a town, a school, a college or a corporation, we are its stewards and we take seriously our role of educating, enriching and enlightening. Big words. Big job.

Today’s economic climate is not the first or will it be the last time Libraries find themselves financially challenged. By the mechanism in which we are funded, we are last in and last out of economic downturns. We know that these times provide our best opportunities to think about things in new ways. To acknowledge that service models may need to change and to find the means to make those changes while keeping our service levels high. By blending the wisdom and experience of our library veterans with the fresh eyes of those newly arrived to our practice, we will not only prevail through this economic re-set, but we will ensure that Libraries and those who come to our profession have a strong legacy upon which to continue their own service.

 

I believe the responsibility of Illinois Library Leadership is to clear a pathway for people to engage with each other, to lower the barriers of participation so that all have a voice. To thrive, we need to incubate and grow our talent and we must commit to executing on ideas that will strengthen relationships among all Libraries so that our institutions remain strong and vital. Capitalizing on opportunities in challenging times is the hallmark of successful professions. We are that profession, we have that vision and throughout my career I have seen over and over how all types of libraries succeed on initiative, attitude and determination.

A life’s work worth doing. Challenging times. Opportunities to do things differently. All of us reaching out to one another to make great things happen. Can we do it? You know the answer – Yes!

 

Sheree Kozel-La Ha, Homer Township Public Library District

Experience: 25+ years of library experience; currently Library Director of the Homer Township Public Library District, Homer Glen, IL, 2000-present; UIC External Education, Instructor, 2008; Library Services Consultant, SLS (now MLS), Burr Ridge, IL, 1997-2000; Director, Bedford Park Public Library District, 1990-1997; Youth Services Director,1987-1989; Public Services Librarian, 1986-1987.

Education: MLIS, Dominican University, River Forest, IL, 1986; BA in Psychology, Counseling Major, Governors State University, 1984

Professional Activities: Illinois Library Association, Director-at-Large; Finance Committee; Best Practices Committee; 2009-present American Library Association, Member; Illinois State Library, ILLINET Network Advisory Council (INAC), 2007-present; Illinois State Library, E-RICH (Illinois Electronic Resource Services) Subcommittee, 2008; Illinois State Library, LSTA Grants Review Committee, 2007; 2009 Illinois State Library, Synergy: Illinois Library Leadership Initiative, 2003; Illinois Library Employee Benefit Plan (ILEBP), Secretary, 2005-present; Homer Township Chamber of Commerce, President 2005, Trustee 2002-2008; Homer Glen Community and Nature Foundation, Trustee 2004-present; Lions Club International, Gooding’s Grove Chapter, Trustee 2005-present; UIC External Education, Course Instructor: Grant Writing for Research, 2007-2008; Village of Homer Glen, Intergovernmental Planning Consortium, 2007-present

Awards: Heritage Area Library System (now PALS), Innovation Award, 2003; Homer Township Chamber of Commerce, President Recognition Award, 2006 Homer Township Chamber of Commerce, Business of the Year Award, 2006, Village of Homer Glen, Community and Nature in Harmony Award, 2002.

Synergistic Librarian Blog

Director’s Blog

Statement of Concern:

This is a challenging time for today’s libraries. Proper funding, fiscal constraints, system changes, technology shifts, and other issues are each of great concern. The vibrancy of our services and value to the community we each serve must continue to be advocated front and center. We need to spotlight how relevant and essential libraries are in supporting Illinois residents at every stage - and age - in their lives. We need to mentor library colleagues and communicate with both our community of users and elected leaders to promote effective library advocates and - even more so - library champions. ILA provides strong leadership and addresses the many challenges today’s libraries face. As your ILA Vice-President/President-Elect, I would listen thoughtfully, work hard, and strive to provide a positive voice to encourage leadership, relevancy and support. As a proud member of our profession I would be honored to serve as part of ILA’s partnership with Illinois libraries. Our collective vision can make a difference.