Candidates for President: Allan M. Kleiman and Susan O’Neal
Allan M. Kleiman
Biography
Allan began his professional career in 1974 at the Brooklyn (NY) Public Library working at various branch libraries and as a Science
Reference Librarian at the Central Library before becoming the Chief of Service to the Aging in 1981. Allan followed-up his
experience at the Brooklyn Public Library as the Coordinator of Adult Services for the Queens (NY) Public Library before moving to
New Jersey. Since then his full-time positions have included: Director of the Cranbury and Irvington Public Libraries; Consultant for
Automation and Technical Services for LSSI at the Jersey City Public Library; Head of Reference at the Westfield Memorial Library;
and Assistant Library Director at the Old Bridge Public Library. It was at Old Bridge that he created the “senior spaces” concept being
adopted by libraries all over the United States. Currently Allan is the Interim Library Director at the Montville Township Public
Library, consultant for INFOLINK on their “Senior Spaces” projects and Adjunct Instructor at Rutgers SC&I.
He is a frequent speaker at NJLA and other conferences around the country on library services to the baby boomers, Gen x,
collection development, and older adults. Allan was awarded the Margaret Monroe Award for Adults Services from the American
Library Association in 2006. He is the past Chair of INFOLINK’s Diversity Committee; past president of NJLA’s Special Population
Section; past Chair and member of ALA’s Library Service to an Aging Population Committee and has been active in NJLA’s Reference
Services Section.
Statement
Once again, Libraries of all types face challenges. This time it is not just challenges dealing with intellectual freedom we have
become a target for but challenges to our total existence as an intuition in New Jersey today and in the future. It is as if someone has
taken a bull’s-eye and aimed their dart straight at Libraries. But this time they cannot and will not drive us apart--not by type of
library not by our geography! This time we WILL be united together to face these challenges head-on! NJLA can provide the
message for us but it up to each and every one of us to deliver that message directly with local success stories to our trustees,
friends, library customers, school districts, senior centers, nursery schools, township committees, freeholders, and state and federal
legislators. The message must continue to be loud and clear. Libraries are the best example of cost effectiveness in NJ. Libraries are
the best example of sharing resources in NJ. Libraries are the best example of what’s possible in NJ. And we all know that each
Library cannot do it on its own. We need to fight together for the existence of the New Jersey State Library, the Regional Library
cooperatives, local public libraries, school libraries, special libraries and academic/college libraries. The New Jersey Library
community cannot give up this fight. It is not just our own existence that we are fighting for but for everyone in the state of New
Jersey who visits our libraries every day, once a week, once a month, or maybe once a year. I have spent most of my library career
being an advocate for those who often do not have a voice in libraries. I understand how to get the message out! It is my pledge if
elected to work with NJLA staff, the NJLA Board, and membership to ensure that our story is told across the Garden State each and
every day of the value of our libraries, our library staffs and how we truly make a difference and change people’s lives each and
every day.
Susan O’Neal
Biography
M.S.L.S. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Director, Middletown Township Public Library, 2000 –
Director, Franklin Lakes Public Library, 1988 – 2000; Director, Information Center, Catalyst [NYC], 1987; Manager, Information
Center, National Association of Purchasing Management [Oradell, NJ], 1984-1986; Director, Lee Memorial Library [Allendale, NJ],
1981-1984; Head Acquisitions Department & Reference Librarian, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg Cty, 1973-1978.
American Library Association. [Member for many yrs] PLA & LLAMA. Active in BES & MAES Section/Discussion Groups. Loleta Fyan
Award for Franklin Lakes Library,1990.
NJLA. Executive Board [two terms]; Public Policy Committee, 2008-; Administration Section Chair, 2000 . Speaker: Conference
Programs: Intellectual Freedom [1997?]; Technology/Open Source, April 2010; Fundraising Fair, June 2009.
Speaker, Computers in Libraries Conference, April 2010.
BCCLS, President, 1994.
Statement
If reason was the root of public policy, libraries in New Jersey would not be in the path of a steamroller. We’ve waved the flags of
collaboration and been ignored. We’re playing the history card now but political partisanship aims to have the trump card. Libraries
are facing the most intense funding threats ever. So why, you might ask, would someone want to run for NJLA president?
Reason #1: This profession of librarianship is in my blood. I will fight these funding threats and lead others to do the same. Together
we will take our message to the people.
Reason #2: I believe we must be proactive and give our libraries the legal framework for consolidation beyond the options currently
available, and before some libraries may be forced to close. As president-elect, I would ask the Executive Board to approve a special
task force under my leadership, to study the operation of regional libraries in other states and bring concrete proposals to NJLA
within six months.
Reason # 3: The library’s place is at the crossroad of every community it serves whether that community is a municipality, county,
campus, school, city, hospital, or corporation. The wisdom of the multi-type cooperative, now on the brink of extinction, must be
upheld within the state, some way, some how. NJLA must be poised to accept new responsibilities, new directions, new
collaborations. The next leaders of NJLA are brimming with fresh ideas and tremendous talent. I welcome the challenge and
opportunity to work with all on a common agenda – save our New Jersey libraries!
Candidate for Treasurer
Brett Bonfield
Biography
Brett Bonfield has been director of the Collingswood Public Library since May 2008. His prior work experience includes part-time
positions in the libraries at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Saint Joseph's University. He graduated in
September 2007 from Drexel's library school and, in September 2010, he will begin part-time work on his PhD in library science at
Rutgers University.
For NJLA, Brett chairs the Finance and the New Home committees, and he served on the 2009 Fundraising Fair committee. He is also
an at-large board member for the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative and co-chairs the Affiliate/Comparable Professional
Organizations Assessment Subcommittee for ALA's Young Librarians Working Group. Brett's writing has appeared in Library Journal,
Reference and User Services Quarterly, ACRLog, and PLA Blog, and he is a founder, editor, and regular contributor to In the Library
with the Lead Pipe, where he mostly writes about the intersections between librarianship and technology or finance.
Statement
Given the political and economic challenges facing New Jersey libraries, library users and librarians need a strong NJLA, perhaps
more now than ever before. As an organization, we need to make
rational, educated decisions. We need to understand what library users and librarians around the state value. And we need to think
opportunistically and creatively, balancing short-term challenges with
long-term sustainability. I am committed to ensuring that NJLA has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission, both now and in the
future.
Candidate for Secretary
Karen Topham
Biography
Education: MLS, Rutgers University; BA, Glassboro State College (Rowan University)
Employment Experience: Professor, Bankier Library, Brookdale Community College. I have worked in the library at Brookdale
Community College since 1972. Prior to 1995, I was a staff member in the circulation department; since 1995, I have been a faculty
member in the librarians’ department.
Professional Activities:
Member: ALA/NJLA/ACRL-NJ; Monmouth Librarians
President, NJLA CUS/ACRL-NJ Chapter, 2007-2008
Member, Executive Board, CJRLC, 2003-2008
Member, CUS User Education Committee, 2002-2010
Statement
I am seeking the secretary’s position on the NJLA Executive Board. I have been a member of ALA for twenty-one years and a
member of NJLA for almost as long. Before becoming an MLS-degreed librarian, I worked for 20+ years in the circulation
department in the library at Brookdale Community College’s library.
This is a difficult time for all libraries in New Jersey. But we can remain strong and viable by working together through our sections
and our committees and by continuing to support our patrons’ needs. Our libraries will pull through and survive; NJLA is the anchor
that helps us to pull together.
Candidates for Member-at-Large: Jayne Beline, Trevor Dawes, Linda Devlin, Elizabeth Kanouse, Len LoPinto,
Judy Macaluso, Eileen M. Palmer, Anne Wodnick
(Vote for four. Three candidates will be elected to three-year terms. One candidate will be elected to a one-year term.)
Jayne Beline
Biography
MSIS from Drexel University 1979
Head of Children’s Services, Osterhout Free Library, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Adjunct Professor, Children’s Literature ,College Misericordia,
Dallas,PA ; District Consultant, Scranton Public Library, Scranton, PA, Director Parsippany Public Library from 1990 to present.
NJLA
Second vice-president, 2009-2010
Scholarship Trust Committee, treasurer
Chairperson, Administrative Section
Chairperson, Membership Committee
Conference Program committee member
Secretary, NJLA Board
Other Professional Activities
MAIN planning council
HRLC regional library board member
HRLC vice president; board treasurer;secretary
Pennsylvania Library Association, Certificate of Merit
Other
Member, Parsippany Mayor’s Wellness Committee
Rotary, Dean Gallo Vocational Award, 2009 (Service to the Community through one’s profession)
Kiwanian of the Year, 2001
President, Kiwanis Club 1999-2000
Good Scout Award (Service to the Community)
Member Senator Robert Martin’s Education Advisory Committee
Trevor A. Dawes
Biography
Circulation Services Director, Princeton University Library, 2004 – present
MLS, SCILS, Rutgers University
Ed.M., Teachers College, Columbia University
NJLA activities:
Member at Large, Executive Board, 2009-2010
President, College and University Section, 2009-2010
Secretary, College and University Section, 2008-2009
Member, Professional Development Committee, 2004-2007
Selected recent ALA and ACRL activities:
Councilor at Large, ALA, 2008-2011
Vice Chair/Chair Elect, ACRL Racial and Ethnic Diversity Committee, 2009-2011
Member, ACRL Scholarships Committee, 2010-2011
Statement
The association’s leadership has encouraged its members to be advocates for libraries. NJLA keeps the public informed about the
outstanding services provided by New Jersey libraries. Through NJLA local librarians are informed about the current trends in library
service and find opportunities for networking. Advocacy and networking are essential especially now when library funding has been
targeted for reductions and the public is depending even more on the services libraries provide. As a member at large, I will work to
support these and other initiatives of the association.
This past year has been extremely challenging for libraries across the country, and especially here in New Jersey. The New Jersey
Library Association, as the voice of NJ libraries and librarians, is perfectly poised to represent the needs of libraries to ensure that we
are able to meet the needs of our LIRBARY USERS. Advocating for libraries and library services is a long tradition of NJLA – working
on challenges to patrons’ rights to privacy, free speech, and access to information are just some of the other areas in which NJLA has
been involved. NJLA must – and will – continue to work for the NJ public’s right to access information, and I look forward to being a
part of the efforts. I believe my experience gained through activities within NJLA, ALA, ACRL and other organizations will allow me to
do so effectively.
Linda Devlin
Biography
Director, Camden County Library System, 2007 to present
Associate Director, Camden County Library System, 2004-2007
Head of Reference Services, Camden County Library System, 2001-2004
Assistant Supervisor, Reference Services, Camden County Library System, 1998-2001
Senior Librarian, Reference, Camden County Library System, 1995-1998
Reference Librarian, Westfield Memorial Library, 1994-1995
Library Assistant, Bound Brook Memorial Library, 1987-1995
2007 Library Journal Mover and Shaker
New Jersey Academy of Library Leadership, 2002
MLS, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 1993
NJLA Public Relations Committee, 2008-09
Statement
It can be difficult to focus on the big picture when challenged by difficult times. Advocacy is critical as we react to our current
funding crisis, but as we react to this challenge we must not forget to also remain focused on our reason for being here—serving our
customers and meeting their needs. After this current crisis is over, libraries will be needed more than ever and we must focus on
the bigger picture of how to work together to ensure that library services continue to evolve to meet changing needs and
expectations so libraries will remain vital and relevant to those we serve.
This can be accomplished by prioritizing and working together, and by continuing to advocate and demonstrate the value of the
services that we provide. We need to tell our stories and raise awareness of the positive impact that libraries have on people’s
lives.
I am honored to be considered for a position on the NJLA Board. If selected, I will use my passion and vision for superior library
services to help libraries and librarians navigate through these difficult times so we can continue to be vital and relevant and most
importantly, continue to make a difference in the lives of those that we serve.
Elizabeth Kanouse
Biography
Director, Denville Public Library, 1999 to present
MLS, Rutgers University
M.A.I.N., Inc., President, 2008; Treasurer, 2001-2003
Essex County Library Directors, Secretary, 1996
Publication: Library Personnel News, September-October 1991, “Strategies Outlined on Pay Equity”
Statement
New Jersey libraries are facing their toughest challenges yet. Recent attempts to cut funding at State and local levels make it
essential that library boards, staff and supporters remain active and vocal in their fight for our libraries. NJLA must be at the
forefront of this movement: to keep its members informed so that they may speak with knowledge and authority in the upcoming
months.
Len LoPinto
Biography
Len LoPinto received his MLS degree from Pratt Institute. He began his public library career in 1978 at the Brooklyn Public Library.
Len was Director of the Westwood Public Library from 1989-2000. He was appointed Director of the Paramus Public Library in
November, 2000. Len has served on the BCCLS Collection Development, By Laws, Scholarship, Administration and Library
Management and ESL committees as well as the BCCLS Executive Board.
Statement
In these particularly difficult economic times NJLA’s role as the leading voice for library funding, and stressing how essential libraries
and librarians are for every citizen is more vital than ever before.
As a member of the NJLA Board I pledge to work to help facilitate NJLA’s mission to make sure that it is understood that in order for
libraries to meet their mission they must be properly funded, and that certified librarians are essential to the continuing success of
libraries.
Judy Macaluso
Biography
Employment
Ocean County Library - Supervising Librarian, Branch Services
Ocean County Library – Teen Services Coordinator
Lakewood Public Library – Teen Services Librarian
Ocean County College – Adjunct Reference Librarian
3/2010
2000-2010
1997
1996-1997
Education
M.L.S. Rutgers University
B.A. Humanities Georgian Court University
State of NJ Certified Public Manager Course
1996
1993
2009
Professional Membership and Activities
ALA/YALSA (YALSA - Teen Advisory Group Committee Chair 2008-09)
NJLA (YA - Section – President in 2004)
Presenter: NJASL, NJLA, NJLA Urban Libraries,
Somerset County Staff Day, SJRLC, Burlington County Staff Day
1997-present
1996-present
Statement
While the majority of my career has been establishing a vibrant Teen Services Program at the Ocean County Library, I also have
experience working in academic libraries. I have recently moved into an Administrative position. I am now a Supervising Librarian of
Branch Services at OCL.
The challenge for all NJ libraries is to manage change more efficiently and effectively. Change is the one constant we can count on.
Our customers are changing with the forecast that our country and our state will be more diverse than ever in the coming years.
Our collections are changing becoming more digital than physical. And the funding landscape is also changing dramatically. We
need to anticipate and embrace these critical changes to ensure that we create the future of libraries. The New Jersey Library
Association has always proved to be a vital support and resource to the library community in New Jersey. I am eager to contribute
to the future of NJLA and NJ Libraries as a member at large.
Eileen M. Palmer
Biography
Executive Director, Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium
Education
Master of Science in Library Science, Villanova University, 1983
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Dayton, 1981
Association Activities:
NJLA
2010 recipient of the NJLA President’s Award
Public Policy Committee Chair 2008-2010
Public Policy Committee Member 2007Member 2006Michigan Library Association 1993-2006
ALA Chapter Councilor, 2004 -2006
Chair, Public Policy Committee, 2004
Member, Public Policy Committee, 2003 – 2004
Award of Excellence, 2002
Chair, Technology Policy Committee, 1998 - 1999
Member, Technology Policy Committee, 1994 - 1999
Chair, Library Technologies Division, 1997
Member, Library Technologies Division Board, 1995 - 1998
NII Task Force Member, 1993 - 1994
American Library Association 1982E-Rate Task Force, 2000 - 2004
Pennsylvania Library Association
Member 1982 - 1990
Co-Chair, Legislative Day, 1985, 1987
Chair, Legislative Committee, 1986
Treasurer, Southeast Chapter, 1985 – 1987
Statement
I am a firm believer in library associations and the important role they play in our profession. There are many challenges facing us
today and things will likely get worse for many libraries before they get better. In chairing the Public Policy Committee I have relied
on input from the membership and tried to communicate often and effectively about the issues faced by libraries. In 2008 we did a
statewide survey on the priority of services funded and we sponsored a series of forums statewide to seek input from the
membership. I would bring the same sense of collaboration and communication to my position on the Board if elected. I believe
that NJLA must maintain and build on its leadership position in the profession during this most difficult of times. We need to be
willing to take risks and consider all alternatives as we advocate for library service in New Jersey. Our voice must be heard and we
must make sure NJLA is a part of the larger statewide discussion about the future of education and public services in our state.
Anne Wodnick
Biography
Anne Wodnick was appointed Director of the Gloucester County Library System, Mullica Hill, NJ on January 1, 2010. Prior to her
appointment as Director, Anne served as Branch Manager of the GCLS Logan Township Library. She is a member of the Board of
Directors of the LOGIN Consortium (Libraries of Gloucester/Salem Information Network). She serves as the Treasurer of the South
Jersey Regional Library Cooperative and is a member of the SJRLC Advocacy Team. Anne also served on the NJ State Library
“Libraries Transform Lives” Advocacy Task Force. She is currently Chair of the NJLA Member Services Committee, having served on
the committee since 2006.
Education
Master of Library Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NJ
BA in Organizational Management, Cabrini College, Radnor, PA
Statement
I have been a member of NJLA since 1992 when I joined as library support staff. I believed then, and I believe now, that membership
in NJLA is essential for everyone who is concerned about the future of libraries in NJ. The current economic conditions have shown
the need for librarians, support staff, and trustees to all be part of a strong advocacy organization such as NJLA, and the need to
build an expanded network of support for libraries. As a member-at-large, I look forward to exploring ways to encourage more
involvement in the association by all our members and building pathways for increased membership among all who serve in
libraries.
Candidate for Member-at-Large, College University
Gary M. Schmidt
Biography
Education
MLIS, Rutgers University, School of Communication & Information Studies
Professional Experience
Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Librarian, Reference & Integrated Library Systems management
2007-present
West Milford Township Library, West Milford, NJ
Librarian, Reference Services
2006-2007
Professional Activities
NJLA Public Policy Subcommittee on Intellectual Freedom (2007-2009)
NJ Chapter of the American Society of Information Science & Technology (2007 – present; Chair, 2008-2009)
Information Literacy Progression Standards Task Force (2008 – present)
VALE Users’ Conference Planning Committee (2009)
Central New Jersey Academic Reference Librarians Group (2007 – present; Chair, 2008-present)
NJLA Emerging Leaders program participant (2006)
NJ Train the Trainer program participant (2010)
Statement
Our collections are different. The users we serve might prioritize their needs differently. Even the governing structures in which we
operate are different. The list of differences between academic and public libraries is long, but so is the one highlighting our
commonalities. While representing the needs of New Jersey’s academic libraries as the College & University Section representative,
these synergies and divergences must be kept foremost in our thoughts; it is the richness our diversity that nourishes our thoughts
and maintains our strength.
Candidate for American Library Association Chapter Councilor
Cynthia Czesak
Biography
Employment
2000 – present
1986 – 2000
1979 – 1986
Library Director, Paterson Public Library, Paterson, NJ
Library Director, Clifton Public Library, Clifton, NJ
Children’s Librarian, Clifton Public Library
Professional Involvement
New Jersey Library Association – President, 1998-1999. Served on Executive Board for 8 years, in various positions. Held presidency
of Administration Section and Urban Library Section. Librarian of the Year 2003-2004. Annual Conference Co-Chair 2006-2007,
2007-2008 and 2008-2009. ALA Councilor 2008-2010
Highlands Regional Library Cooperative Board for two terms, with two years as President.
PALS Plus: the consortium of the Passaic Area – served two terms on the Board and was reelected after a hiatus. Currently serving a
second term as President.
PALINET (now known as Lyrasis)– Served on Executive Board for two three year terms, with one year as President. Served on OCLC
Members Council as a PALINET representative from 2007 - 2010; Members Council structure changed so that am currently serving as
Americas Regional Council Representative and Global Council representative
American Library Association and Public Library Association. – ALA Chapter Councilor from 2007 – 2009.
Education
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ; M.L.S., 1979.
Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ; B.A., Philosophy, 1977.
Statement
I have spent most of my professional life involved in some committee or responsibility within the New Jersey Library Association and
have grown professionally from this involvement. Several years ago, the opportunity to run for the ALA Councilor came up and I
decided that perhaps I was now prepared to represent the needs of NJLA as a chapter of the American Library Association. The
membership agreed and I am now at the end of my first term.
I am seeking a second term because, after a lengthy learning process, I feel I am ready to move forward in truly advancing the role of
chapters in the association. Working with the Chapter Councilors from other states, we are trying to communicate to the national
organization how the chapters can help advance the progress of ALA and how ALA can help the chapters.