CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2020 ELECTION)

I N D IANA L I B R ARY FEDER ATIO N

Mike Williams has spent his library career with the Indianapolis Public Library, where he is currently the Area Resource Manager (ARM) for Central Library in downtown Indianapolis. He began his library work in 1982 as a circulation clerk at Central Library and from there

became a clerical supervisor at the Shelby Branch Library. After obtaining his MLS from IU in 1989 he moved on to the Business, Science and Technology Division of Central Library. After managing a series of Indy PL branches and opening the new Irvington Branch in 2001, he became an ARM for six branches on Marion County’s southeast side. He returned to head Central Library as the ARM in 2014.

A long time ILF member Mike has served on the Publications Committee, where he helped hand code ILF’s first generation website. Serving on the Annual Conference Planning Committee, and ultimately as head of Local Arrangements for a number of years, he was honored with the 1995 ILF Association Leadership Award. More recent service includes work on the ILF Communications Committee and the ILF Board as Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer for which he was again honored with the ILF Leadership Award. He has also served as an officer of the Indianapolis Public Library Staff Association for which he was honored with the Laura Bramble Staff Association Distinguished Service Award. He is also a recipient of the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation’s Beth Tindel award. He is a frequent speaker at conferences with special expertise in eBooks and emerging trends including social work in the public library. He and his wife Debbie live in Indianapolis.

Statement:

“Libraries are a lot more than just books.” That was a tagline on a promo at the beginning of 16mm films my teachers borrowed from the Indianapolis Public Library when I was in elementary school. It was true then and it remains true to this day. It’s one of the many reasons I chose to pursue library work rather than the field of radio and television for which I earned my B.S. degree. While attending Butler, I worked part time at Central Library in the Circulation Department and when graduation time came I chose to apply for a full time position with the library. I worked full time while obtaining my MLS from IU with classes in Indianapolis, and began helping ILF at the same time at the urging of Steve Schmidt. Working in the Business, Science and Technology division at Central Library taught me the art of reference and speed in those pre-Google days when three librarians worked at handling nine telephone calls while also assisting patrons at the desk using clunky daisy-chained CD–rom drives to complete primitive database searches. That time also marked my initiation into the brave new world of personal digital assistants as I waited and waited for the opportunity to purchase the ultimate harbinger product, the Apple Newton. Even more than Google Glass, the Newton was ahead of its time, but clearly pointed the way to the tablets and pocket computers we use today that also happen to make the occasional telephone call. Along the way I headed up a team to explore the eBook and we all know how popular that new format has ultimately become. Now in a world where information access is everything and the ability to download or stream it is critical, the library continues to serve as a gateway to the world of information no matter how it’s packaged. I started library work behind a desk circulating books and phonograph records. I’ve outlasted the cassette era and am now watching the spinning silver disc era come to a close. The formats do change, but the spirit of service remains the same. I look forward to continuing to help the Indiana Library Federation, and more importantly all Indiana libraries, especially the people who work within them, and most importantly the people who benefit from them.

MIKE WILLIAMS, VICE PRESIDENT

Lynn Hobbs got her start in public libraries as a grade school volunteer and was hired as a Page when she was only 14 years old. That began her passion for working in public libraries, and she often sites her success in finding the “average annual yogurt consumption” for a patron as the moment when she latched onto reference work.

Lynn attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth where she earned her B.A. in Philosophy, with a minor in flute performance. She went on to complete graduate school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and obtained her Master’s in Library and Information Studies in 1996, at the age of 22.

Lynn’s first professional job was at the Indianapolis -Marion County Public Library (currently IPL) where she worked for almost ten years, primarily serving as the Popular Music Librarian. While in Indianapolis, she was the President of the Staff Association, worked as the Page Supervisor, and started the Cheese of the Month Club! She also served on the Safety Team and chaired a committee tasked with streamlining the entire process of acquisitions, cataloging, and processing.

In 2005, Lynn was hired as the Director of the Pendleton Community Public Library where she has enjoyed the support of a community that appreciates her non-traditional approach to librarianship. Lynn is a firm believer in leveraging the “friendly clout” of the public library to create partnerships and fill community needs. In Pendleton, she started a community garden and a weekly outreach initiative that offers the combined services of a bookmobile and mobile food pantry.

Lynn has shown dedication to the Indiana Library Federation through her years of service on various teams such Professional Development and Management, as well as the former District 8 and SAMS. She enjoys public speaking and providing training opportunities for the ILF and the Indiana State Library. She has met lots of terrific colleagues and has forged positive relationships through her work around the state, and locally.

Lynn also enjoys serving on the ILF’s Budget Tactical Team and presenting the annual Budget Preparation Workshop. She is a strong advocate for responsible budgeting practices in public libraries and is proactive

in trying to help new library directors fully understand the budgeting process.

In her spare time, Lynn plays the bass flute in several performance ensembles around the Indianapolis area. She also enjoys dogs and travel and has traveled to locations such as Russia, Cambodia, and Turkey. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Thomas, and their dog, Val.

Stephanie Murphy has been the Director of the New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library since 2017. She began her career as a clerk at La Porte County Public Library (LPCPL), where she found her passion. Her undergraduate degree is in English Literature and she earned her MLS online at

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She went on to serve LPCPL as a youth librarian, branch supervisor, and the Public Service Manager at the Main Library. She is a member of ILF, ALA, and PLA.

As the director of a small, rural library, she has gained experience in all areas of librarianship, including finance, ILS management, policy writing, human resources, technology, staff development, community engagement, and facilities management. Stephanie has managed staff and buildings during two separate library building projects. She managed the current project in New Carlisle from getting bond to nearing completion and includes a makerspace, a reading garden, and nature play area. She has been a strong advocate for library funding.

Stephanie currently serves as the coordinator for the Indiana Digital Download Overdrive Consortium. She is the Secretary for the New Carlisle Business and Community Association. She has presented at ILF conferences on school/library collaborations and continues to find creative ways to work with the local school. When St. Joseph County attempted to re-distribute LIT dollars away from townships, towns, and libraries, she participated in a county-wide collaboration of libraries in a successful bid to stop the re-distribution.

She also serves on the Hoosier Star Committee, which supports the La Porte Symphony Orchestra and, in pre-COVID times, she and her family actively participated in La Porte Little Theatre.

STEPHANIE MURPHY, PUBLIC LIBRARY REPRESENTATIVE (IPLA)

LYNN HOBBS, ASST. TREASURER

Statement:Libraries, of all types, are critical to thriving, equitable, and diverse communities. Strong partnerships, both with other libraries and with community stakeholders, are the key to building strong libraries. As a member of the ILF board, I would look forward to the opportunities to build those partnerships for long term sustainability of libraries.

Chad Heck is the school librarian at Pike High School’s fresh-man campus. He has served as a school librarian for the last decade. Prior to librarianship, Chad was a technology integration specialist and a classroom teacher teaching mathematics and computer science. Chad is passionate about intellectual freedom and the role of libraries in a democratic society. He was called to librarianship in high school after experiencing the talents of an awesome school librarian. In fact, he started reading Eliot Rosewater book nominees as a high school student around the time the program began.

Chad completed his BS and teaching certification at Manchester College (now Manchester University) with majors in mathematics and computer science. He later completed his MLS and school library certification from Indiana University and his JD and graduate certificate in intellectual property law from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in state and federal courts in Indiana. He holds a certificate in educational technology leadership from the Consortium of School Networking.

Chad has served on multiple committees within ILF including Advocacy, Intellectual Freedom, Racial Justice and Inclusion, and the Annual Conference Committee. He has presented many times at Annual Conference on topics from library ethics, intellectual freedom, and copyright and fair use.

Statement: As a board member, I will continue to push forward on ILF’s school library advocacy. I will advocate for strong school library programs led by a licensed teacher with education and training in librarianship. I believe that librarians and the library community are strongest when we hold ourselves to our professional values including access, professionalism and intellectual freedom.

Darren Mills graduated from Ball State University (BSU) in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in public history and from IUPUI in 2011 with a Masters in Library Science. He has been the Information Services Supervisor at BSU in Muncie, Indiana since 2004. Darren absolutely loves supervising the student employees and has done so for the last 16 years! In 2018 the

library changed the structure of their student employee positions under the title of Peer Reference Assistants. Redeveloping the student positions has allowed Darren to restructure just about every aspect of the position, including developing a more rigorous training program to better reflect the student’s employees’ new roles as well as creating a mentoring program. The mentoring program, called Weekly Huddles, partners experienced PRA’s with new hires to allow the students opportunities for professional development with communication and leadership skills.

Prior to joining the staff at Ball State University, Darren worked with Partnered with Paws, Inc., where he actually created their first ever internship program during their 25th anniversary year. Darren’s internship grew very quickly in size and scope and ultimately led to the creation of his first professional position as the archivist in charge of creating an archives of over 25 years’ worth of Garfield memorabilia, daily and Sunday comic strips, and original book art.

Darren has served on the Awards and Honors Committee since 2016, chairing the committee in 2018, and is currently a member of the new Ad Hoc Committee for Racial Justice and Inclusion.

Statement: Libraries build stronger communities by assisting users with developing their information literacy skills to promote lifelong learning, develop independent thought, and ultimately the creation of their own unique voice. This is the guiding principle that I strive to achieve every day while working with library users, serving on ILF committees, and supervising and mentoring student employees. I believe Indiana libraries as a whole have a responsibility to support users with developing these skills through individual interactions, educational opportunities, and leading by example to create a better society for the next generation.

DARREN MILLS, ACADEMIC LIBRARY REPRESENTATIVE (IALA)

CHAD HECK, SCHOOL LIBRARY REPRESENTATIVE (AISLE)

Sheleita Miller is a certified public accountant and business owner. She was born in Gary and still resides in her hometown. Sheleita has a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting and a Master’s degree in Accountancy. Sheleita’s professional background includes working with nonprofits, governmental agencies, businesses, and the State Board of Accounts. She also has a community organization, which seeks to keep residents informed about community issues. Sheleita hosts a monthly radio show on WLTH, which assists residents with 311, or local government issues. In her free time, she loves volunteering with young people.

Statement: While some people question the relevance of libraries considering the technological changes over the last couple of decades, I believe it is a great time for community libraries to challenge and help mold communities’ perception of libraries. Typically, you think of books when the word library is spoken. Libraries will need to continue to adjust with the changes in technology and also find new ways for residents to educate themselves. Libraries are also places where people can receive needed assistance/ information, learn new things, and meet new people. Lastly, libraries can cultivate culture, the arts, and community relationships. Sometimes, as a society, we do not appreciate culture, the arts, and community until they are no longer available. For example, having schools closed in my community has shown me that schools allowed neighbors to easily connect. Without a community school, that connection is lost and changes the dynamic of that community. Going through the process of seeing schools closed in my community has affirmed my belief in the importance of libraries. I know that having libraries which offer services and/or programs add to residents’ quality of life. Believing in the importance of libraries is what encouraged me to join my local board. Now, I would like to continue my advocacy for libraries by serving as a board member with the Indiana Library Federation Board of Directors.

Quote: “Libraries are barometers of civility.” - Author Unknown”

Faith Brautigam has been the Director of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library for the past eight years. Growing up in rural New York State, she discovered the magic of public libraries as a 9-year-old in a single visit to a library during a trip to Indiana.

She believes every library can continue to reinvent the ways in which it works to improve and enrich its community. Faith admits to having a professional crush on Anythink Libraries. One of the favorite parts of her job is when KHCPL employees propose innovative services or partner-ships. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Howard County CASA and on the Advisory Board for Purdue Extension Howard County.

Prior to moving to Kokomo, Faith administered youth services in public libraries in North Carolina, Ohio, and Illinois. Among her most memorable experiences were serving on the 2001 Newbery Committee and producing a video that has been used widely in Every Child Ready to Read training. Having co-workers who could produce crafts, games, and early literacy activities with next to nothing was great preparation for being a library director in lean times.

Faith holds a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, so is honor-bound to say snarky things about Duke University and Coach K. Her B.A., with majors in Philosophy and Humanities, is from Houghton College, Houghton, NY.

As a certified foster parent in both Ohio and Illinois, Faith fostered school-aged children. She and two of those children became a forever family and now she is Grandma Faith to her grandsons, who live in Oklahoma.

Statement: I am a strong supporter of ILF’s focus on ensuring that libraries continue to thrive in the decades ahead and, as a board member, am committed to helping libraries connect with and learn from each other. In this time of great technological and societal change, it is even more important for libraries to come together, benefit from each other’s strengths, and inspire each other to do hard and valuable work in our own communities.

FAITH BRAUTIGAM, AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVE

SHELEITA MILLER, TRUSTEE / SUPPORTER (ILSTA)

Jos N. Holman began his library career as a Branch Manager and Children’s Librarian. Jos has served Indiana libraries for nearly 25 years, since 2002 as the Tippecanoe County Librarian. Jos served as Alexandrian Public Library (Mt. Vernon) director 1996-2002. He was a founding member and officer of the Indiana Black Librarians Network in 2001. Jos has been a champion for cost-efficient resource- sharing, having served as president of INCOLSA and on the committee that imagined and launched INSPIRE in 1998. In his own community, Jos has expanded library services with the construction of new branches and innovative collaborations. He currently serves as the president of the City of Lafayette Redevelopment Commission.

Jos is a native Texan who has also lived in Rhode Island and Ohio. Before entering library work, Jos earned a BFA in Theater. He is a natural storyteller and has presented public performances for 40 years, including Oral Interpretations of Black Poetry and as an actor/performer in two local theater productions.

Jos Holman brings extensive service (and awards) from both the Indiana Library Federation and American Library Association, including ILF’s Outstanding Librarian Award. Many in Indiana know him from his leadership and chairmanship of the ILF Legislative/Advocacy Committee, where he facilitated meetings, fall forum and statehouse day events, and advanced library policies. His service within ALA includes many roles, including having served as the past president of the Black Caucus of the ALA (BCALA), and on Newbery and Caldecott juries. During this period of challenging transition for ALA, Jos Holman will be an effective voice for Indiana’s libraries as the ALA Councilor.

Duane Hoak Ed.D., brings years of experience from education and civic involvement to ILF. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and Ohio National Guard, Duane joined the teacher education faculty of Anderson University. Holding many teaching and administrative positions, he finished his tenure as the Chair of the School of Education. Throughout his career

and in retirement, Duane Hoak remained active in community and statewide organizations. Duane has collected numerous awards for his civic involvement, including with United Way of Madison County, Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers, and the Madison County Bar Association. The Sagamore of the Wabash and the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Service Award illustrate public recognition of his extraordinary service.

Duane currently volunteers with Aspire Indiana Health, Indiana United Ways, and Park Place Community Center Food Pantry. His dedication to his community of Anderson and Madison County extends to his trusteeship on the Anderson Public Library Board. Duane Hoak will serve in the trustee/supporter role on the board, while also reflecting his experience in academia.

Duane is filling an unexpired term created by a board vacancy and would be subject to re-election in 2021.

JOS N. HOLMAN, ALA COUNCILOR DUANE HOAK, TRUSTEE / SUPPORTER (ILSTA)

Indiana Library Federation 941 E. 86th St., Suite 260 Indianapolis, IN 46240 ILFonline.org

2021 ILF Board of DirectorsSubject to election, the full ILF Board for 2021 will include the following Members.

Executive OfficersPresident – Latrice Booker, Indiana University Northwest, 2020-2022 Past President – Leslie Sutherlin, South Dearborn Schools, 2019-2021Vice President – Mike Williams, Indianapolis Public Library, 2021-2023Treasurer - June Kruer, Charlestown Clark County Public Library, 2021-2022Assistant Treasurer – Lynn Hobbs, Pendleton Community Public Library, 2021-2022Secretary – Kristi Howe, Vigo County Public Library, 2020-2021

ALA CouncilorJos N. Holman, Tippecanoe County Public Library, 2021-2023

At-large representativesBeka Lemons, Huntington City Township Public Library, 2020-2021 Faith Brautigam, Kokomo-Howard County Public Library, 2021-2022

School library representatives (AISLE)

Diane Rogers, Ben Davis 9th Grade Center, 2020-2021Chad Heck, Pike High School Freshman Center, 2021-2022

Academic library representatives (IALA)Christopher Proctor, Indiana University Southeast, 2020-2021 Darren Mills, Ball State University, 2021-2022

Public library representatives (IPLA)

Ingrid Norris, Lake County Public Library, 2020-2021 Stephanie Murphy, New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library, 2021-2022

Trustee / Supporter representatives (ILTSA)Duane Hoak, Anderson Public Library, 2021 Sheleita Miller, Gary Public Library, 2021-2022

Ex-officio representativesLucinda Nord, Indiana Library Federation Executive DirectorJake Speer, Indiana State Library State LibrarianLaurel Setser, Indiana Library Historical Board, Avon Washington Township Public Library

The Indiana Library Federation (ILF) is a robust membership organization with over 2,360 personal, trustee, affiliate, and institutional members. ILF is governed by a 20-person Board of Directors, elected by the members. The Board meets bi-monthly throughout the year to guide the strategic direction and provide oversight to all aspects of the organization. Members may access Board minutes and member-only documents.

Are you interested in serving in leadership with Indiana Library Federation? Active ILF Members may volunteer to serve in leadership in Divisions, Affiliations, Committees, and Special Projects. Contact us to explore the best match to your skills, interests and goals. Appointments are made both annually and throughout the year.

The map above represents the geographic distribution of ILF Board members, as ILF seeks to ensure the board reflects its statewide membership.