Betsy Adamowski

Experience: Director, Itasca Community Library, Itasca, IL 2001-present; Youth Services Department Head, Itasca Community Library, Itasca, IL 1989-2001; Adult Business Reference Librarian, Oak Lawn Public Library, Oak Lawn, IL 1988-1989.

Education: MLS, Northern Illinois University, 1988; BS, Illinois State University, 1986.

Professional Activities: ILA member, 1989-present; ALA member, 1989-present; Illinois State Library Advisory Committee (ISLAC) 2007-present; ILA Nominating Committee, 2007-present; ILA Website Sub-committee, 2007-present; Standards for Illinois Public Libraries sub-committee, 2007-present; Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI), 2007; ILA Best Practices Committee Chairperson, 2006; ILA Best Practices Committee, 2004-2006; DuPage Library System Scholarship Committee, 2002-2007; Illinois State Library Synergy, 2005; DuPage Library System Long Range Planning Team, 2002-2004; DuPage Library System Legislative Committee, 2002-2004; LACONI Administrator’s Section Secretary, 2001-2002; Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Right to Read Project Committee, 1998; ILA IREAD Committee, 1994-1997; LACONI Youth Section President, 1997; ILA IREAD Showcase Chairperson, 1996; ILA IREAD Manual Chairperson, 1995; DLS Special Interest Group for Youth Services Board Member, 1990-1992; Prairie State Story League, 1991-1996.

Statement of Concern:
The ILA Executive Board and Director have a tremendous responsibility to work with different types of libraries. While each of these libraries serves a varied clientele, they all face the same challenges of funding, advocacy, intellectual freedom, privacy concerns, public awareness, and staff development. ILA is committed to addressing all of these issues and as their mission states, it is the voice for Illinois libraries and the millions who depend on them. The mission and goals of ILA are ambitious and strong and if it is to continue its goal in addressing the needs and concerns of its members it must effectively market its value to its members. Membership participation must increase so that the association can continue to grow and remain strong. It would be a high honor for me to be a part of such a vital organization and assist in achieving the goals put forth by ILA.

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