Podcasts

Longshots #227: Tips for Making Illinois Library Day Successful
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.

Longshots #205: Creating a Balanced Approach to Illinois' Budget Crisis
Sarah talks with John Bouman, president of the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law and one of the conveners of the Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC). Listen as they discuss HB 174, which creates revenue to provide a more balanced approach to fixing crisis while reforming the system and includes provisions to insulate the lower end of the income tax-paying public. They also talk about what the RBC is doing to help during the impasse, as well as what Illinois citizens can do.

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.

Longshots #174 ILA President Advocates for Advocacy
Sarah and new Illinois Library Association President Carole Medal discuss Carole's commitment to expanding advocacy training for libraries throughout Illinois. She also shares insights into the advocacy success of the Gail Borden Public Library District, where she serves as executive director.

Longshots #171 - New ALA President Ready to Build an Army of Advocates
Sarah talks with Dr. Camila Alire, Dean Emeritus of University of New Mexico and Colorado State University, and incoming president of the American Library Association. Dr. Alire shares the foci of her presidential year: advocacy tools for frontline staff; advocacy for literacy in minority communities; and a fundraising initiative for the Spectrum scholarship program.

Longshots #154 - A Passionate Advocate Fills School Libraries with Books
What motivates Wauconda CUSD 118 Assistant Superintendent Laura Beltchenko to fight for top level funding for school libraries? Find out in Sarah's interview with the 2009 NSLS Advocate of the Year.

Longshots #130 - Emily Sheketoff
Sarah talks with Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association's Washington Office.

Longshots #128 - Cathy DeRosa and Jenny Johnson
Sarah talks with Cathy DeRosa, vice president for the Americas and global vice president of marketing for OCLC, and Jenny Johnson, executive director of Branding and Marketing Services for OCLC.

Longshots #97 - Jamie LaRue
Sarah talks with Jamie LaRue, director of the Douglas County Libraries and upcoming speaker at NSLS "Embracing Change: Transforming Libraries and Communities" Symposium

Longshots #83 - Thom Clark on Where Advocacy and Communications Meet
Thom Clark, founder and president of the Community Media Workshop, discusses advocacy strategies for non-profits.