Newberg library advisory board adopts revised interview prompts for adult and student commissioners

The Newberg Library Advisory Board on a voice vote adopted revised interview questions for both adult and student commissioner applicants after members debated wording referencing the library’s strategic plan and the concepts of inclusion and advocacy.

The adopted adult question opens with language drawn from library documents: “The Newberg Library is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment. As identified in the library's strategic plan, the library strives to be a welcoming and accessible space that reflects the cultural diversity of the community it serves.” The question then asks applicants to “show how you would advocate for all our current and potential library patrons, describe how you have done this in your professional or personal activities.” Board members read that wording aloud during the meeting and moved to adopt it as the adult interview prompt.

A separate motion to revise the student commissioner question passed later in the meeting. The student question uses the same two opening sentences from the library documents and then asks applicants how they would “reach a decision that included perspectives different from your own.” The board confirmed that younger applicants (for example, high school or college students) are eligible to apply and that the student commissioner is intended to provide a younger-perspective voice on the advisory board.

Board members discussed four possible phrasings and used a ranked, nonbinding scoring exercise to narrow preferences before a formal motion. Several members said they supported keeping language that references the strategic plan to show the questions are tied to the library’s stated values; others said the words “advocacy” and “inclusion” can be sensitive in the current local context and favored softer wording. Sherry Adkins submitted suggested wording by email ahead of the meeting, and board members agreed to combine her first two sentences with Julia Kitely’s suggested question phrasing for the final adult prompt.

Library Director Corey Burkel noted that candidates must receive the interview questions in advance because the interviews are a public meeting process. The board scheduled interviews for November 20 at 6 p.m. and Rachel (staff) was assigned to close the application period (staff indicated a closing date around November 2–3).