Longshots: Library-Related Commentary and Interviews

Sarah talks with Marilyn Johnson, author of The Book is Overdue: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All. Johnson describes what motivated her to write this tribute to the new librarians that have guided her into the digital age. The book features librarians that are taking the profession out into the virtual and real communities they serve, including the Connecticut librarians that challenged the Patriot Act, the librarian that created Radical Reference, and the creators of Second Life.

Sarah talks with Deborah Schwarz, president and CEO, Library Associates Companies (LAC). Contrary to reports, Schwarz sees a strong job market for librarians, as long as one is interested in less traditional library jobs, and LAC actually has more job listings than applicants. Scharwz stresses the positives on temporary positions for getting a foot in the door at libraries of all types.

In this episode, Sarah talks with David Heinemeier Hansson, creator of Ruby on Rails, co-founder of 37signals, and co-author of Rework. They discuss how Rework can help organizations of all types rethink their work, the importance of working on an inspiration before the motivation fades, keeping policies fresh and updated, doing away with meetings, making small decisions and moving on rather than getting mired down in big decisions, and how ideas in the book can translate to non-profits and libraries.

Sarah talks with Nader Qaimari, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Gale-Cengage, about what they offer to the library world. Nader talks about some new products Gale has introduced, such as Powerspeak Languages, a tool that employs innovative methods to help users acquire a new language, and AccessMyLibrary, an iPhone app that identifies libraries in a user's area and connects them to the library's Gale resources. They also talk about Gale's award-winning offerings GREENR, Encyclopedia.com, and Grzimek.

Sarah talks with Sean Reinhart, director of the Hayward (CA) Public Library, about the launch of Hayward's Fines-Free Library Loan program. Based on the Netflix model, for a low monthly fee, library users have the benefit of unlimited loan periods and no fines. Reinhart believes that like the private sector, libraries must be responsive to changing expectations to ensure continued use and customer satisfaction.

Sarah talks with Peter Lor, Visiting Professor, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, about international librarianship. They discuss the importance of collaboration and the work of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). They also talk about the inception of MARC records and the delicacy of today's trend toward making our historical documents digital. Lor makes recommendations for preserving our history for future generations.

Sarah talks with Ian Baaske, Web Applications Developer at North Suburban Library System and contractor with Innovation Experts, about social media tools and why libraries might want to take advantage of this easy way to reach your community. Innovation Experts can help you implement social networking tools at your library, as well as a variety of other products and services for Illinois libraries. Visit www.innovationexperts.com for more details.

Sarah talks with Kip Kolkmeier, Illinois Library Association Lobbyist, about Illinois Library Day on April 16. Kip discusses the importance of visiting legislators and offers advice for those new to Illinois Library Day. He also advises on the key topics to cover: preserving funding for libraries without further budget cuts, supporting HB6780, the success of Illinois Library Snapshot Day, and the important services provided by regional library systems. After your visit, be sure to visit Save Illinois Libraries to complete the feedback form.

Sarah talks with Denise Raleigh, Director of Marketing, Development, and Communications at Gail Borden Public Library District, about her many marketing successes. The library has been recognized nationally for their marketing efforts. Denise offers some marketing tips, such as taking well-planned risks, planning for big photo opportunities, and thinking big.

Sarah talks with JoAnn Sampson, Special Services Department Head at the Orange County Library System in Orlando, FL, about their MAYL -- Materials Access from Your Library -- service. The service, which started in 1974, offers home delivery of patrons' requested materials. JoAnn talks about the benefits to the library of offering this service, as well as how it provides better service to their patrons.