Cataloging the Culture

Rodney Freeman is a seasoned library professional with over 15 years of experience across academic, public, and government libraries. His expertise spans digital collections, databases, and taxonomy, beginning with a focus on digital archives and evolving into roles ranging from library page to administrator. As the founder of Reminisce Preservation, Rodney empowers libraries, schools, nonprofits,...

Eric Chapman is a rising junior at Chaminade Julienne High School with a passion for computer science and engineering. This summer, he completed an eight-week internship with Montgomery County’s Ohio Means Job YouthWorks program — here at Dayton Metro Library, where he served as a Library Aide and gained hands-on experience supporting library services and the community. Eric enjoys exploring techn...

Tony McCleskey began his Dayton Metro Library career at the age of 16 as a Library Aide at the Electra C. Doren Branch in Old North Dayton after a childhood spent there as an enthusiastic library patron. There, Tony learned he loved working with the community and helping out the environment around him. He later moved to the Main Library, joining the circulation department, where he helped with dis...

Felton Thomas, Jr. leads one of the nation’s largest and most respected metropolitan library systems. Under Thomas’ leadership, CPL has embarked on an ambitious 10-year Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to renovate or rebuild all 27 of its libraries, launched groundbreaking initiatives addressing community needs around technology, education and economic development, and is consistently ranked as a “Fiv...

Lajmar Anderson is currently a Reference and Instruction Librarian at Sinclair Community where he serves as the liaison for division of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. In this role he works to educate students in the nuances of information literacy and research. Lajmar has worked professionally in academic libraries for 20 years and as an academic librarian for the past 16 years. Lajmar is a gra...

Westly Davis is a strategic finance leader serving as Fiscal Officer for Dayton Metro Library. With 13 years of experience spanning investment banking and government accounting, bringing a unique blend of market insight and public sector stewardship. He oversees the operating budget, long-term financial planning, and capital strategy that support innovation and sustainability across the Dayton Met...

Thomas Dickens is the Assistant Dean for Organizational Development and Culture for University Libraries at The Ohio State University. Dickens leads transformative efforts to foster a welcoming, supportive workplace and a vibrant organizational culture where employees thrive. Reporting to the Vice Provost and Dean of University Libraries, Dickens collaborates with internal and university-wide stak...

Marcus Walker is the Law School Archivist at the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law Library. He has been employed in libraries on-and-off – mostly on – since beginning as an undergraduate student assistant at Fondren Library at Southern Methodist University, however his love of libraries and librarians began in early childhood. Marcus earned his Master of Science in Library S...

Robert Owens is an innovative, creative, and highly insightful professional. Currently, he serves as the Community Impact and Innovation Manager here at the Dayton Metro Library. Before this role, he served as the Assistant Branch Manager at DML's Southeast Branch. Robert obtained his B.S. degree in special education from Central State University. He has taught for 15 years and worked with at-...

Chris Wallace is a multifaceted individual whose life journey is marked by a profound commitment to education, mentorship, and community service. Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, Chris's passion for making a difference in the lives of others has been evident throughout his career. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies at the University of Toledo and later attended O...

Henry (Hank) L. Benton III was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Benton earned his BA in Psychology from Ashland University, where he attended on a football scholarship. He earned his MS and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University. Dr. Benton currently is a on the sport psychology staff at the University of Notre Dame, serving the student athletes to help enhance their ment...

Sammie Johnson  is a dedicated library leader, educator, and advocate for equity in higher education. He currently serves as Director of Library Services at Wilberforce University, where he is committed to creating inclusive, innovative spaces that support student success. With a background in Social Work and a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University, Sammie brings a unique blend o...

W. Tali Hairston, Ph. D. was appointed to the Library Board by Mayor Jenny Durkan in March 2020 and reappointed by Mayor Harrell in May 2023. He directs the Nehemiah Initiative and is the principal researcher and owner of Equitable Development LLC, an education research and community development firm. Dr. Hairston is a published researcher and co-principal investigator for university physics and e...

Dr. Anthony Wilson is the Chief Operating Officer for the Columbus Metropolitan Library and current Council Member At-Large for Grove City Council. Prior to joining the library he was Assistant Chief of Police with the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police. Before working at Westerville, Anthony worked for the Columbus Division of Police for 25 years. A military veteran, Anthony earned a Bachelor’s...

In our first episode, Dr. Marshall interviews Bradley Kuykendall, a dynamic library leader with roots in HBCU academia and a mission to serve community with purpose. As a Floating Branch Manager at Dayton Metro Library, he brings bold energy to library innovation, equity, and mentorship. He’s a proud ALA Councilor-at-Large, OLC Membership Chair, and BCALA LevelUp mentor—pushing the profession forw...