Karolyn Nance, Director at Large Candidate

Karolyn Nance, Bartlett Public Library

Statement of Concern 

Illinois residents are facing challenging times.  Government mistrust is widespread. Social Media is creating pathways for fake news and intellectual freedom is going by the wayside. As one of the most crucial professions, we have an obligation as well as the ability to continue to fight for our libraries to remain as essential parts of our communities. Having served on the Public Policy Committee, I have seen firsthand how the Illinois Library Association has proven they are committed to advocating for libraries by being on top of legislative matters that impact all of us and by partnering with libraries on key local issues.

As an ILA member, I have watched the association leadership provide a wealth of opportunities for its members to better serve their patrons and students. Time and time again, ILA has proven to be integral to the growth and sustainability of public, academic, school, and special libraries within the state of Illinois. I would be honored to have a seat on its Executive Board where I will fully commit to advocating for all of the Illinois libraries, as well as stressing the importance of a diverse and inclusive culture for all types of libraries.

With over thirty years in the library profession, I have seen many changes, so I am excited about the future of libraries and believe that ILA will continue to be an influential voice through these trying times. It would be an honor to work with ILA as we face numerous challenges together, as well as celebrate our pivotal victories. We are all one diverse library unit, and it is only with each other that we can thrive.

Experience 

Bartlett Public Library District
     Library Director, 2012-Present

Fox River Grove Memorial Library
     Library Director, 2007-2012

Fremont Public Library District
     Youth Services Manager, 2003-2007

Prospect Heights Public Library District
     Youth Services Part-Time Librarian, 2000-2006

Indian Trails Public Library District
     Program and School Services Coordinator, 2000-2003

Indian Trails Public Library District
     Senior Services Coordinator, 1994-2000

Indian Trails Public Library District
     Circulation Clerk-Overdue Specialist, 1991-1994

Indian Trails Public Library District
     Page, 1987-1991

Education

Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Northern Illinois University, 2011
Masters of Library Science (MLS), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 2000
Bachelor of Science in Family Development (Emphasis on Gerontology), Northern Illinois University, 1995

Professional Memberships and Activities

Illinois Library Association, Member
     Public Policy Committee (2019-2021), (2006-2009)
     Advocacy Task Force Committee (2007-2009)
     Conference Presenter 2017, 2019

Dale Carnegie Institute for Leadership Management Graduate (2014)

Library Administrators Conference of Northern Illinois (LACONI), Member
     President, (2011) Conference Presenter, (2000)

Illinois State Library Synergy Leadership Institute Graduate, Class of 2007

Small Public Library Management Institute Graduate (2007)

North Suburban Library System, Pass recipient for National Advocacy Day, (2006) Washington, D.C

American Library Association, Member
     Pass recipient for the International Book Fair, (2002) Guadalajara, Mexico
     Conference Student Scholarship Award Winner (2000)

iREAD Summer Reading Programs

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