Episodes
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FYI 91 Leading from Where You Are: A Conversation with PLA President Brandy McNeil
FYI 91 Leading from Where You Are: A Conversation with PLA President Brandy McNeil by Public Libraries Online
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Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries
In this episode, Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw shares insights from her new book, "Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries," which offers straightforward de-escalation and crisis navigation tools that any library worker can use.
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FYI 88 RESUME WRITING with Alison King - King Career Services
Job searching can be daunting, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect résumé. Many of us were never formally taught how to write one, and best practices seem to change constantly. In the January/February 2025 issue of Public Libraries, Alison King of King Career Services, provided a...
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FYI 89 - Navigating Legal Reference at the Public Library
Public libraries often serve as a first stop for people seeking legal information, but assisting patrons with legal reference questions presents unique challenges. How can librarians provide useful guidance without crossing into legal advice? What resources are available to support pro se...
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FYI 87 - Acoustic Rooster
In this episode of FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, host Kathleen Hughes speaks with Julius Harper, Emmy-nominated executive producer, and Nicole Velez, senior producer at GBH KIDS, about Acoustic Rooster—a joyful new PBS KIDS series based on the beloved book by Newbery Medalist Kwame…
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PLA FYI Podcast 85 - Be Mediawise
In this episode, we explore Be MediaWise: The Misinformation Resilience Toolkit for Libraries, a powerful new resource helping librarians teach digital media literacy to adults. Our guest, Heath Umbreit, an Adult Services Librarian and Be MediaWise Advisory Board member, shares insights on...
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FYI 86 - Work it Out Wombats
Join us as we explore the world of children’s educational media with Marisa Wolsky, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer and Executive Producer for GBH Kids. Marisa shares the magic behind Work It Out Wombats!, the new PBS KIDS animated series that introduces preschoolers to computational...
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FYI 84 - Public Library Holiday Gift Nook
This episode explores how Arlington (VA) Public Library’s (APL) Holiday Gift Nook redefines holiday giving and promotes sustainability. Join APL's Programs & Partnerships Librarians Katherine Chiriboga and Jennifer Odlum as they share the story behind this unique initiative. Entirely fueled by...
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FYI 83 Library Joy
In this episode of FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, we share inspiring stories of Library Joy. Ten stories in under twenty minutes! Inspired by Mychal Threets' focus on celebrating joy in libraries, this episode highlights moments from library workers across the country that capture the magic,...
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FYI 82 - TRAUMA-INFORMED DE-ESCALATION DR. MARGARET ANN PAAUW
In this episode, we look into a crucial topic that intersects social work and library services—how libraries can navigate crises and ensure the safety of both staff and patrons through trauma-informed de-escalation techniques. Joining us is Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw, an assistant professor at…
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PLA FYI Podcast 81 - Workplace Burnout
In this episode we are talking about workplace burnout. It's a growing issue in many professions, including our own, and it can have serious consequences for both individuals and organizations. Our guests are Ris Labib and Amber Salmon, both Adult Services Librarians from the Akron-Summit County...
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FYI Podcast 80 - True Crime Podcast Discussion Groups at the Library
True crime podcasts have captured the fascination of audiences worldwide, with their gripping narratives and captivating storytelling. According to a 2023 Pew Research study of the U.S. podcast market, nearly a quarter of top-ranked titles in America focused on true crime stories. The same study...
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FYI 79 The Role Of Libraries In Navigating An AI - Empowered Future
In this episode of FYI, the Public Libraries Podcast, we delve into the potentially transformative impact of AI on public libraries. Our guest is Juan Rubio, Digital Media and Learning Expert at the Seattle Public Library. Juan provides insights from his article, "The Role of Libraries in...
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FYI 78 Brooklyn Public Library - Library Card Access Study
In this episode, Kathleen Hughes, PLA, talks with Amy Mikel, Director of Customer Experience at the Brooklyn Public Library. Amy shares the catalyst for the Cardholder Signup Practices study—the Books Unbanned initiative—and how it spurred their curiosity to examine library access and then walks…
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FYI 77 - Navigating PLA 2024 Conference - Tips for Small and Rural Library Workers
In this episode we're tackling a topic close to the hearts of many public librarians: navigating the Public Library Association Conference. But we're taking a unique angle – focusing on the perspective of attendees from small and rural libraries. Joining host Kathleen Hughes, PLA, is Jennie…
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FYI 76 - Unlocking Student Loan Forgiveness: Navigating Changes and Driving Systemic Reform
In this episode, we delve into the realm of federal government student loan repayment programs with our expert guest, Kyra Hahn, a librarian at the Denver Public Library. Kyra has successfully navigated the public service student loan forgiveness process and is here to shed light on recent…
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FYI 75 - Read Romance, Fight Patriarchy
In this episode of FYI, The Public Libraries Podcast, Kathleen Hughes, PLA, hosts Lori Leiberman, a Teacher/Librarian from Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon, as they explore the intricate dynamics of the romance genre, and Lieberman's upcoming PLA conference program, "Read Romance/Fight...
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FYI 74 - Black History Month Programming with Dr. Grace Jackson-Brown and Dr. Deborah Robinson
Today we are talking with Researchers at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research who have received a grant to study Black History Month Programming in Public Libraries. This three year project is the first national study to assess the content, scope, and factors influencing Black...
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REV PLA FYI Podcast 73 - Beekeeping V2
Dive into the buzzworthy world of library beekeeping with our latest episode featuring Amber Lawvor, Librarian at the Salt Lake City Public Library. Discover the ins and outs of their successful beekeeping program, from beginner tips to creative programming and community engagement ideas. Whether...
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FYI 72 PLA Technology Survey
Discover the ever-evolving landscape of library technology as we explore insights from the PLA Public Library Technology Survey. Our guests, Sara Goek, Project Manager for Data and Research at the Public Library Association (PLA); Dan Hensley, Co-chair of PLA's Measurement, Evaluation, and...
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PLA FYI 68 - Revitalizing a Spanish Beginning Readers Collection
In this episode we'll hear about a successful project to revitalize the Spanish Beginning Readers Collection at the Multnomah County (Portland) Library System. The project, “Bienvenidos a la lectura” which included developing a culturally responsive collection and themed "bolsitas" (bags) of…
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FYI 71 - Let's Talk Race Richland (SC) Public Library
"Let’s Talk Race" emerged from the Richland (SC) Public Library as a response to the tragic events of 2015, including the murders of Walter Scott and the Charleston Emmanuel AME Church shooting. In the aftermath of these incidents, many South Carolinians were left grappling with a mix of...
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FYI 70 - Stories Beyond Borders With Crystal Chen And Melody Leung
This podcast is sponsored by Craft & Hobby. Visit https://go .CraftandHobby.com/ALA to access over 4,000 hours of content across 20 different creative disciplines. Unlock the Creative Potential at Your Library with Craft and Hobby. On this episode we are talking about STORIES BEYOND BORDERS, a...
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FYI Podcast 67 - The Black Librarian In America - 50th Anniversary Edition - Simpson - Burns
The latest edition of “The Black Librarian in America” the seminal Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) publication, published by Rowman & Littlefield, is the first to be wholly edited by Black women, including Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Nichelle M. Hayes, Dr. Ana Ndumu, and...
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FYI Podcast 66 - Desegregation of Libraries in the Jim Crow South
On this episode, we discuss the history of library segregation in the Jim Crow south and the fight for desegregation. Our guests, Suzanne LaPierre and Chris Babuschak are librarians at the Fairfax County Library in Virginia and the authors of "Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries," Their...
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FYI 65 - Guest Jenn McKague - Serving Persons Who Are/Were Incarcerated
In this episode, we chat with Jenn McKague, an Outreach Services Librarian at the Salt Lake County Library, who is dedicated to serving persons who are incarcerated and those who have been incarcerated. Jenn shares her background, the services she provides, the challenges she faces, and more in a...
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FYI 62 - A Conversation with Public Library Association President - Dr. Maria McCauley
In this episode are joined by Dr. Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley, the current president of the Public Library Association for the 2022-2023 term. Dr. McCauley is also the director of the Cambridge Public Library in Massachusetts. In this episode, we ask Dr. McCauley about her background and...
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FYI 64 - Digital Literacy
In this episode we discuss Public Libraries and Digital Literacy, including PLA’s DigitalLearn and how a recent grant from AT & T of over one million dollars, has enabled PLA to empower more libraries to reach more people around the country with Digital Literacy training. Our guests are: Samantha...
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FYI 63 - Workforce Development - Clark - Ruppert
In this episode our guests, Larra Clark, Deputy Director Public Library Association & ALA Public Policy & Advocacy and Natalie Ruppert, Manager, Career & Job Services Division at Kenton County (KY) Public Library, discuss PLA initiatives around workforce development including the concept of…
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FYI 61 - Cultural Proficiencies Racial Equity Framework
In this episode we are talking about the Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework, which was approved by the boards of directors of the four partner organizations, the American Library Association (ALA), Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), Association of Research…
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FYI 57 - Subscription Book Boxes for Teens
Today our guest is Lindsay Trammell, Youth Services Librarian at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library in Florida. We talk about how to start a book subscription box for teens: including finding resources for it, building the framework, and putting it all together. Book subscription...
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FYI 60 - Public Library Association Surveys
In this episode we discuss the results of the Public Library Association's 2021 Public Library Staff and Diversity Survey and the current 2022 Public Library Services for Strong Communities Survey. Our guests are: Sara Goek: Project Manager, Data and Research, at PLA; Dan Hensley: Co-chair of…
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FYI 56 - Hosting an Expungement Clinic at the Library
Job seekers with a criminal record face an enormous barrier to employment. While legal service providers can assist with the expungement process, often at little or no cost, they are predominantly located in urban centers, making access difficult for those in rural areas. In this episode Elena...
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FYI 55 Directors Dialogue
From leadership and management matters to current public library hot topics to strategic planning, capital projects, collection development, program planning, and so much more, the Directors Dialogue episodes aim to share ideas, best practices, and lessons learned. For this inaugural effort, our...
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Podcast 58 National Voter Registration Day
Want to learn how more public libraries in your state can participate in National Voter Registration Day? NVRD is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating democracy, planned for Tuesday, September 20, 2022. In this episode we talk with Lynda Reynolds, Public Library Management Consultant, State...
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FYI 54 - Lecia Michelle The White Allies Handbook
In this episode our guest is Lecia Michelle. Lecia is a long-time librarian, activist, and author. Her forthcoming book “THE WHITE ALLIES HANDBOOK: 4 Weeks to Join the Racial Justice Fight for Black Women” (published by Kensington Books) will be on sale July 26, 2022). The book is a practical,...
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FYI 53 A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Library Patrons
In this episode we talk with Debra Keane and Margaret Ann Paauw, members of the Public Library Association Social Work Task Force (SWTF), about the emerging field of public library social work and the SWTF's new book (available from ALA in April of 2021) "A Trauma-Informed Framework for…
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FYI 52 Public Library Anti-Hate Statements an Inclusive Way to Support Community Members
We talk with Cindy Khatri, Public Relations Manager, and Van McGary, Adult and Teen Services Assistant Manager, Downers Grove (IL) Public Library (DGPL) about the Anti-Hate Statements that the library releases in response to current events. The library believes that through the use of Anti-Hate...
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FYI 50 PLA Benchmarks and Library Staff Diversity Survey
Sara Goek, Program Manager at the Public Library Association and Linda Hofschire, Director of the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL) discuss the 2021 Public Library Staff & Diversity Survey and "Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends," the latest evolution in PLA’s data-driven...
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FYI 49 Digital Author Events with Stesha Brandon
In this episode, Stesha Brandon, Literature and Humanities Program Manager at the Seattle Public Library (SPL) shares how the library successfully moved author programming to a digital format during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in for tips on hosting robust digital author events.
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FYI 48 Misinformation with Suzanne LaPierre
This episode is about misinformation. Whether it is lies about the election, or COVID-19, or conspiracy theories, we have seen just how insidious the spread of misinformation can be. Our guest is Suzanne LaPierre, the Virginiana Librarian at Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia. Suzanne has...
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FYI 47 Imposter Syndrome Featuring Erin Plummer
How often do you catch yourself feeling like you are in ‘over your head’ at work? Imposter syndrome – the sense that you are inadequate for the task in front of you despite past proof of your ability – can wreak havoc on your career and keep you from taking on new challenges. It can also prevent...
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FYI 045 - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice with Jessica Bratt
In this episode our guest is Jessica Bratt, Youth Services Manager at the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Public Library. Jessica began the DigiBridge partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools, and received national recognition as a Library Journal Mover & Shaker. She writes reviews for library trade...
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FYI Podcast 043 The 2020 Census and Public Libraries
In this episode, Larra Clark, PLA and ALA Washington Office Public Policy and Advocacy Deputy Director, and Michelle Perera, Director of the Pasadena (California) Public Library discuss the 2020 census. With billions in federal funding at stake over the next ten years, it is crucial for libraries...
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FYI 041 Ebooks For All
PLA/ALA Public Policy and Advocacy Deputy Director Larra Clark and Emily Wagner, Public Policy and Advocacy Deputy Director discuss the publisher changes to library ebooks and the publisher embargo which led to ALA's 'eBooks for All Campaign.' Clark and Wagner further discuss how libraries are...
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FYI 040 Library Marketing With Cordelia Anderson
Our guest is Cordelia Anderson, a marketing and communications consultant who works primarily with libraries and nonprofits. She is the former director of marketing and communications at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Library in North Carolina.
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FYI 039 REFORMA's Children in Crisis Task Force
We talk with Oralia Garza de Cortés, Coordinator for REFORMA's Children in Crisis and Patrick Sullivan, Emeritus Librarian at San Diego State University, about the organization's efforts to provide books and storytime materials to children detained at the southern border.
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FYI 041 Hennepin County Library Social Services
We talk with Kate Coleman, Outreach Coordinator at the Hennepin County (MN) Library about the library's social services offerings, outreach, and more.
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Fyi 38 Libraries Connecting You to Coverage
We talk with Rachelle Brandel, Adult Services Librarian at the Ferguson (MO) Public Library about PLA's 'Libraries Connecting You to Coverage' initiative and the Ferguson Library's efforts to help their community members enroll in health insurance during the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment...
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FYI 037 Embedded Librarianship
Our guest is Sarah Garbis, Service Manager Community Embedded Library Service (CELS) at Hennepin County Library. This program pairs librarians with Community Liaisons to shape library practices and extend programs and services for communities that experience the greatest barriers to library…
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Publiclibrariesonline.org is the companion website to the bi-monthly print publication “Public Libraries,” the official magazine of the Public Library Association.
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