IACRL Member Spotlight: Anne Craig
September 25, 2025
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Interviewed by Sue Franzen, Illinois State University
Q. What do you most enjoy about the work you’ve done at CARLI?
A. What I’ve treasured most throughout my time at CARLI—and across my 40+ years in librarianship—are the relationships I’ve built with colleagues, both within the library community and across other professions whose paths have intersected with mine.
Looking back, I feel unbelievably lucky. In truth, there have been very few days when I haven’t loved my job and the people I’ve worked with. Librarianship is a profession where our work is not only meaningful but genuinely appreciated. I’ve been surrounded by colleagues who share a deep, rock-solid dedication to public service, and that has been tremendously inspiring.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this profession is the spirit of collaboration. I’ve seen countless examples of innovation and creativity from librarians all over the state—colleagues who don’t hesitate to share their ideas, their successes, and their lessons learned. That generous, collegial spirit is not something you find in every field. It’s part of what makes our work so special. I feel privileged to have been a part of this community. It’s been a joy and an honor to contribute to a profession that truly makes a difference.
Q. What do you find challenging?
A. Setting aside the ever-present challenge of funding, which is something nearly every institution can relate to, one of the most persistent and difficult challenges is keeping up with the demands of training and education around technology skills.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the need for ongoing learning is constant, not just for staff but for the members we serve. Ensuring that library professionals have the time, resources, and support to develop and maintain these skills is an ongoing effort. Balancing this need with all the other responsibilities we juggle is never easy, but it's critical to our mission and relevance.
Q. Of what professional accomplishments are you most proud?
A. It’s difficult to choose just one, because the accomplishments I’m most proud of don’t belong to me alone—they are the result of the incredible work of the CARLI staff, who dedicate themselves every day to supporting services for all our member libraries.
Together, we’ve achieved so much: we’ve secured competitive grants, significantly expanded our focus on Open Educational Resources, grown the I-Share system to include 95 libraries, and established a scholarship to support CARLI member library staff attending the UIUC iSchool. One of the most exciting developments has been our support for continuing education, especially through the highly successful Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia. Watching that program thrive and seeing the impact it has had across the profession has been incredibly rewarding. Each of these accomplishments reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, access, and innovation, and I’m proud to have played a part in that ongoing work.
Q. Tell me about your previous library work before taking on the role of Senior Director at CARLI.
A. From 1989 to 2016, I worked for the Illinois Secretary of State at the Illinois State Library, serving in a variety of roles over the years. For the last 11 of those years, I had the honor of serving as Director. That experience was instrumental in preparing me for my work at CARLI. During my time at the State Library, I had the privilege of working closely with a broad spectrum of libraries—public, academic, school, and special libraries—across the entire state. It gave me a deep appreciation for the diversity, challenges, and shared values of Illinois libraries, and it shaped my understanding of how statewide collaboration and support can truly strengthen library services for all.
Q. Please describe your participation in professional association activities.
A. Being involved in professional associations has always been important to me. These organizations broaden one’s perspective and provide valuable clarity around shared challenges and opportunities. They also create essential spaces for connection, collaboration, and innovation.
I’ve especially valued my participation in the Illinois Library Association and the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC). Both have helped me forge meaningful relationships and learn about creative, forward-thinking approaches to library services from colleagues across the country and around the world.
One recent highlight was in May, when CARLI—along with the Illinois Heartland Library System, the Reaching Across Illinois Library System, and Atla—co-hosted the annual ICOLC conference in Chicago. We welcomed more than 130 participants from around the globe. It was an inspiring gathering that showcased the strength and innovation of the library consortia community.
Q. What do you love most about the library profession?
A. Both of my parents were librarians, and in many ways, I grew up immersed in the library world. Most of their friends were librarians too, so for my brother (who also became a librarian) and me, it was the environment we always knew. What stood out to me from an early age was how interesting, funny, and engaging they all were. It always seemed inconceivable to me to go to work in a place where I couldn’t learn something new every day—and in libraries, that curiosity and growth are a part of the job. I’ve always loved that about this profession. I feel incredibly lucky to have had a life shaped by libraries and the people who make them such special places.
Q. If time and money were no object, where would you love to travel?
A. This is such a tough question—because I truly love to travel! Exploring new places is one of my biggest goals for retirement, and there are so many destinations still on my list. If I had to choose, I’d probably say Greece first. But honestly, I’d be thrilled to go just about anywhere I haven’t been—and that’s most places in the world. There’s so much to see, learn, and experience, and I’m excited to make that a big part of the next chapter of my life.
Q. What have you read or listened to recently that you loved?
A. I was deeply moved by Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora. It’s beautifully written and profoundly impactful. The story made me reflect on the difficult conditions under which many people come to this country—both in the past and today. It’s a book that stays with you long after you finish it.
As for podcasts, I enjoy several that offer thoughtful perspectives and deep dives into important issues. Some of my favorites include Sisters in Law, Hidden Brain, and The Rachel Maddow Show.
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