Longshots Podcast
 Sarah Long's podcast, "Longshots," explores the world of libraries through interviews with key library figures and commentary on issues that matter to libraries.
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| March |
| 03.18.2010 |
Longshots #223: Bringing Change to the Huntley Library
In an interview recorded in December 2009, Sarah talks with Patrick McDonald, new director at the Huntley (IL) Area Public Library District, about what led him to library work and the opportunities that changes in Huntley's population are bringing to the library. Patrick also talks about his plans to help shape the library's image in the community beyond just being a source of books. [ Length: 17:06]
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| 03.17.2010 |
Longshots #222: From solitary to social: creating an academic library for the whole student
Sarah talks with Brian Mathews, assistant university librarian, University of California-Santa Barbara, about making academic libraries more user-sensitive. Brian's work explores the way academic libraries can adapt services to serve the whole student versus just their current projects. He discusses the seven categories that describe the spectrum of student needs: academic, social, entertainment and recreational, service, personal, travel, and rejuvenation. [ Length: 17:29]
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| 03.16.2010 |
Longshots #221: Future Plans for Indian Trails Public Library District
Sarah talks with Tom Simiele, new director at Indian Trails Public Library District about his background as an attorney, how he came to a career in libraries, and his family's connection to libraries. He goes on to share his plan for the future of Indian Trails Public Library District and how it's influenced by Trader Joe's model of service. [ Length: 17:08]
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| 03.11.2010 |
Longshots #220: Taking Charge at Dundee Library
In an interview recorded in November 2009, Sarah talks with Roxane Bennett, the new director of the Dundee Library in Dundee, IL, about the road that led her to Dundee. Roxane talks about her background as a children's librarian, and how she's using that to pursue a model of experiential learning for children at her library. She also talks about the differences she's seen in libraries across the country, and how Illinois' libraries compare to the ones she's worked for in other states. [ Length: 17:05]
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| 03.10.2010 |
Longshots #219: Leading the Library Down a New Path
Sarah talks with Cynthia Fuerst, library director at the Vernon Area Public Library District in Libertyville, IL. Cynthia was only recently appointed to the position, and talks about the direction that she sees her library going in since her arrival. She talks about the importance of keeping up with social media and making it fit in the existing library structure, while making sure the library doesn't leave behind its users who aren't immediately receptive to the new technology. She also talks about advocating for library issues, and the importance of making your voice heard. [ Length: 17:27]
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| 03.09.2010 |
Longshots #218: Pushing Information Literacy to the Cutting Edge
Sarah talks with Diane Mirvis, university librarian, Associate Vice President – Information Technology, and CIO at the University of Bridgeport (CT), about their innovations at the forefront of electronic library usability. Diane explains how the university took a mandate to maintain information literacy in its students as the inspiration to upgrade to a suite of cutting-edge library technology that delivers more intelligent and more widely accessible research capabilities to the library's users. [ Length: 16:20]
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| 03.04.2010 |
Longshots #217: The Future of Innovation is In the Clouds
Sarah talks with Rob Zschernitz, System Engineer at the North Suburban Library System and contractor with Innovation Experts, about what cloud computing is and why libraries might want to take advantage of this rapidly growing trend. Innovation Experts can help you implement cloud computing at your library, as well as a variety of other products and services for Illinois libraries. Visit www.innovationexperts.com for more details. [ Length: 16:23]
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| 03.03.2010 |
Longshots #216: Bringing Graphic Novels to the Library
Sarah talks with Robin Brenner, creator and editor of the "No Flying, No Tights" graphic novel blog and librarian at the Brookline (MA) Public Library, about graphic novels in the library. Robin and Sarah discuss the history of graphic novels, how the perception of them has changed over time, and the role they can play in the community. Robin also gives tips on how to build a graphic novel collection at a library, and gives her insights into what's popular in the genre now. [ Length: 16:32]
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| February |
| 02.25.2010 |
Longshots #215 Can This Library Save the Planet?
Sarah talks with Leora Siegel, library director for the Chicago Botanic Garden. Leora discusses the new Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center and its critically important conservation initiative: Save the Plants. Save the Planet. Leora talks about the special library services for scientists at the new research center, and the long-standing public-access library that had 14,000 visitors last year looking for assistance with plant research or to view the exquisite rare book exhibits.
[ Length: 18:16]
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| 02.18.2010 |
Longshots #214 Building Cross-Cultural Bridges in Diverse Communities
Sarah talks with Catherine Popowits, founder and president of Diversity Training & Consulting, Inc. Catherine explains how growing up with immigrant grandparents, as well as living and working in many different countries, provided her with a greater understanding of the challenges of immigrants. She has found a substantial interest on the part of library staff to learn about the needs of the many cultural communities they serve. Catherine's training provides the fundamentals for building cross-cultural skills and developing cross-cultural networks for effective outreach and service. [ Length: 17:20]
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| 02.17.2010 |
Longshots #213 YA Books: Exciting, Contemporary, and Exploding in Popularity
Sarah talks with Kathleen Odean, youth librarian and author of the The Great Books series for children. Kathleen shares her enthusiasm for the Young Adult (YA) genre, and how it has been embraced by not only teens, but adults of all ages. Kathleen talks about how the focus on story and the tackling of contemporary issues, help make YA literature both exciting and satisfying. [ Length: 17:40]
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| 02.11.2010 |
Longshots #212 An Introvert Explains the Quiet(er) Path to Success
Sarah talks with Nancy Ancowitz, business communication coach and author of Self-Promotion for Introverts® ("Best Books 2009" - Publishers Weekly). Nancy knows from experience that self-promotion is just a skill that can be learned. She explains the importance for introverts of pinpointing your unique and special qualities, and then practice how you will communicate that in both personal and professional situations. Nancy notes that it is key to know your audience and their preferred communication style. It is also important to have a strong verbal presence - so be sure to speak up! [ Length: 16:52]
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| 02.04.2010 |
Longshots #211 The Future of Libraries Begins with the User Experience
Sarah talks with Tom Sloan, Executive Director at the DuPage Library System, headquartered in Geneva, Illinois. Tom brings to Illinois successful models of library and library system cooperation from his previous director positions at the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) and the State Library of Delaware. Tom explains why the future success of libraries is dependent on a solid examination of the full user experience at the library versus the more limited focus on the collection. Tom also explains why libraries must perform as community centers that supply the tools for creative energy, not just places to provide meeting rooms and a place to study.
[ Length: 17:15]
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| 02.01.2010 |
Longshots #210 Why Working Together is the Key to Survival
Sarah talks with Michael Piper, Executive Director for the Prairie Area Library System, which covers a service area of 10,000 square miles in northern Illinois. Through years working in the arena of multi-type library cooperation in Kansas, Texas, Michigan, and Indiana, Michael is convinced that the sustainability of libraries and library systems is dependent on cooperation and consortia. And as "bartenders of knowledge," cooperative efforts will support us in what we do best – help people transform and grow. [ Length: 17:52]
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| January |
| 01.26.2010 |
Longshots #209: Building a Green Library
Sarah talks with Doug Skinner, an architect at Engberg Anderson, about their completion of the Rakow branch of the Gail Borden Public Library District. The building features environmentally sustainable elements and is registered as a LEED project. They also discuss new features of the library, such as the ability to check out DVDs 24/7. [ Length: 17:50]
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| 01.25.2010 |
Longshots #208: Future Plans for Purdue University Calumet Academic Library
Sarah speaks with Frank Cervone, Vice Chancellor for Information Services at Purdue University Calumet, about his position at the university and the importance of technology in the academic library. They also discuss his plans for the library, including being more proactive within the university, making it more of a social center for students, and digitizing their special collections. [ Length: 18:36]
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| 01.21.2010 |
Longshots #207: Helping Others Cope with the Challenges of Job Loss
Sarah speaks with Diane Shelton, MA, LCPC, and founder of Follow Your Instinct about the "Helping Others Cope with the Challenges of Job Loss Amid Economic Crisis" program she's presenting at North Suburban Library System. They cover ways librarians can build skills in empathetic listening, maintain physical and emotional boundaries, and how to disengage from patrons they are not able to help. Additonally, tips are given for librarians looking for a new job themselves. [ Length: 16:45]
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| 01.21.2010 |
Longshots #206: Libraries Are Mirrors of the Community
Sarah talks with Liz McGettigan, Library and Information Services Manager for the City of Edinburgh Council in Scotland about their virtual library project. They also discuss the Tales of One City blog, how they are applying Web 2.0 strategies in reinventing their website, their new branding plan, how they work to mirror the community, and a conference they put together each year featuring products and best practices. [ Length: 16:40]
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| 01.14.2010 |
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| 01.11.2010 |
Longshots #204 Coalition in Action to Solve Illinois' Budget Crisis
Sarah talks with Kathy Ryg, president of Voices for Illinois Children, and former State Representative for the 59th Legislative District. Kathy explains the platform for the Responsible Budget Coalition, a statewide coalition of over 100 organizations committed to building the support needed to solve Illinois' budget crisis. She explains how a modernized tax system is the key to revenue growth for Illinois, and recommends that citizens learn more about the HB 174. [ Length: 17:04]
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| 01.06.2010 |
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| 01.05.2010 |
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