Member Spotlight - Cassandra Thompson
October 31, 2022
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This week's member spotlight is on Cassandra Thompson. Cassandra is the director of SHARE, the largest automation consortium in North America. She is a member of the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee and a former member of the 2022 ILA Conference Program Committee. We asked Cassandra to tell us a little about herself and answer a few professional and amusing questions. Continue reading to find out more about Cassandra.
A little background on Cassandra
I am the director of SHARE, the largest automation consortium in North America! In late 2017, we decided to move to Illinois and almost immediately found my dream job at Illinois Heartland Library System. Do you ever have the feeling when things just fall into place? I have worked in small rural libraries and large urban libraries, but no matter where I work, my philosophy is the same: the library is the hub of a community, where people can share ideas, build social capital, and enjoy lifelong learning. Every day, I take all of my experience and utilize it to serve libraries on a larger scale. I am proud to call myself a librarian, and I am proud of the work we do to help libraries in southern and central Illinois, with equitable service and technology for libraries of all types and sizes.
Another lifelong dream was to become a mom and another was to own a home. Did I mention that things just all fall into place? Around that same time, we bought a beautiful house and we now have an amazing kid, so life is good.
How did you get your start in libraries?
I didn’t know I wanted to work in libraries at first. I started off in the nonprofit sector, and realized I wanted to pursue work that I was passionate about. When I realized that was libraries and literacy, it was like a lightbulb going off. Of course that’s what I wanted to do! Looking back it seems so obvious, but it took me a long time to figure it out.
Best advice you've received since starting your career in libraries?
That the most important part of leadership is honesty and integrity.
Any advice to newcomers working in libraries?
Get as much experience as possible! There are so many different types of librarianship and different pathways to success.
When and why did you become a member of ILA?
I joined when I moved to Illinois, because I wanted to get to know other colleagues in the field and participate in the larger library community.
How has being a member of ILA helped you professionally?
I have learned so much from participating in committees, from all of these smart and exceptional professionals!
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
Earlier in my career, I started an employee recognition program for “Grace Under Pressure.” A few days ago a former co-worker reposted it from their timeline a few years ago. It made me so happy to know that that award meant so much to them. At first, I thought of listing a successful project, but that’s my job. Honestly, I’m prouder of the friendships I have made and the impact that I’ve made on the people I’ve worked with. I know that they have certainly made a lasting impact on me.
Hardcover, paperback, e-reader, audiobook, or all?
All! A different format for every occasion, though it is very nice that I always have a book to read on my phone.
Favorite author?
That’s a tricky question, since I have so many! If I have to choose just one, I’d have to say Patrick Rothfuss. His writing is beautiful, almost poetic at times.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what five books would you bring with you to pass the time until being rescued?
You're telling the person who broke a suitcase coming back from PLA that I can only choose 5?! Okay, maybe
- The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook
- Total Immersion (so I can practice my swim technique while I’m there)
- The first three Harry Dresden books, so I will have a friend to keep me company until I’m rescued.
Cat or Dog?
Both!
Favorite film, podcast, or television show?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, movie and tv series, they were both great.
One person you would like to meet, dead or alive why?
My great, great grandmother Pearl. Family stories say that she was over 6 feet tall, and obviously a part of where we get our height. I would love to learn more about her life.
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