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David P. Brown
Why
I want to be elected a trustee.
 | Have
served as trustee for 5 years and want to see positive initiatives continue. |
| Transition
to an independent library crucial to its future. Have experience,
understanding commitment to make
it happen effectively. |
| Library
enhances Quality of Life in
Albany
|
Own a homer in
downtown
Own a business in
downtown
| Recognize
Library importance to
Albany
economic development as well as lifestyle |
| Professional
experience/expertise can make a significant contribution |
…small business
owner
…marketing
communications/public affairs professional
…contacts with
opinion-leaders, organizations, funding sources
| Extensive
community involvement would help networking |
| Seek
to change image (library is NOT a city agency), increase visibility |
Self-serving
| Regular
patron of Main Branch, local history aficionado – want a good library |
| Lure
daughter back to
Albany
with good institutions, Quality of Life |
Qualifications
| 5
years on board, headed key committees; know how libraries work and
particular challenges of APL |
| CEO
of a professional services firm (staff of 30)
specializing in public relations/public affairs/marketing |
…Counseled hundreds of CEOs, heads of institutions, government
officials
…Familiar with making a
payroll, living within a budget, finances of small
operation, business-like approach to management and planning
…Work with media, business,
organizations; build coalitions, public-private partnerships, networking – can
do for the Library.
| Former
journalist/editor (executive news editor of the Times Union and editor of
the Sunday Times Union) |
| Active
on numerous community boards in health and education, economic development,
arts and history …. Park Playhouse, CEG, Homeless and Travelers Aid, Red
Cross, |
| Leadership
(president or VP) on community and professional organizations |
| Antiquarian
book collector (many on local and NY history, literature) |
| Write
on local history |
| Believer
in importance of neighborhood and neighborhood-based libraries |
Goals
Short-term
| Establish
an independent library, apart from City Hall |
| Assure
a smooth transition |
| Begin
collaboration on organizing a strategic long-term plan |
| Develop
partnerships with neighborhood associations, educational and arts groups,
businesses, youth and seniors organizations (Input into strategic planning) |
| Assess
needs/wants of the community…of the neighborhoods….where to have
branches, size and scope of services, attitudes and ideas about the Library |
| Educate
the public about the role of an urban library in the 21st
century, programs and services (e.g., On-line Homework Help). |
Long-term
| Create
a comprehensive, long-term strategic plan, possibly linked to long-term
planning of public schools. Input from all constituencies. Include
timelines, budget considerations. |
| Develop
new funding sources – foundations, corporations, various levels of
government |
| Explore
a larger, broad-based Community Advisory Board to consult on
policy and planning. Look for other vehicles for community input. |
| Make
Library branches key community centers |
| Help
the Library become more business-like in its marketing, management and
finances |
| Develop
a strong professional staff, compensate them appropriately, provide
professional training, reduce turnover |
| Continuous
improvement, particularly community outreach (e.g., cybermobile) |
| Enhance
role in Upper Hudson Library Services, positioning among the City’s
insitutions |
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