Questions for the board candidates: Nancy Smith

NANCY SMITH has been a school library media specialist in the Bethlehem Central School District since 1986. She has been an active member of the Elsmere PTA for 22 years, served on many district curriculum committees, and advocated for the district’s school libraries. In 2006 she served on the library’s Plan of Service committee. She is a 20-year resident of the town.

 

Experience and goals

What do you consider your most meaningful career accomplishment?

Without a doubt, my most meaningful career accomplishment has been bringing children of all abilities to where they can see themselves as readers and communicators, guiding their learning, nourishing their interest, and encouraging their life-long library use.

What skills would you bring to your tenure on the board?

I bring knowledge and experience in the use of information technology, and familiarity with the needs of learners in our community. Throughout my 30-year career in the teaching/library profession, I’ve focused on positively interacting with people.

What goals would you set as a library board member?

I hope to be an active member of the library Friends, ensure the continuance of past staff efforts and excellence, and help find new and creative funding opportunities for the library.

Views about libraries

How does a library best serve its community?

The community is best served by identifying the learning needs and social issues in our community through personal and professional relationships. Library services need to be further promoted at community events and venues such as clubs, concerts, speaking engagements, and in local businesses and schools.

What are the most important issues facing public libraries today?

Challenges include reaching a frenetic society composed of divergent populations, coping with the state of our economy, and maintaining the funds for essential collection development and technology.

How are public libraries changing? How can a library board expedite these changes?

The recent ALA Public Library Conference offerings reveal current concerns and trends for public libraries, for example: exploring interactive technologies for early literacy, expanding library access to at-home patrons, assisting in community problem-solving, supporting ESOL learners (English for Speakers of Other Languages), creating teen library spaces, reaching disconnected library patrons.

How have libraries influenced your life?

Bethlehem Public Library continues to be a fully integrated and essential resource in my life, in raising my children, feeding my curiosity, assisting in my quest as a reader, and supporting my professional needs. The library ensures checks and balances by providing a range of materials on current issues and areas of national concern.

Views about Bethlehem Public Library

What do you like best about Bethlehem Public Library?

I value the excellence and dedication of all the staff. I hold in high esteem the warmth and welcoming atmosphere, the diverse resources, and the library’s efforts to meet community needs.

What is your vision for the future of this library?

I hope to help ensure the maintenance of excellence, support an increased effort to advertise a wide range of services for all ages, pursue the feasibility of more public face-to-face interactions and web-based forums, and look for community input on how best to reach disadvantaged or infrequent users and our youth in an increasingly busy community.

5.2.08                                                              -30-