Let's Talk Libraries

Med Kharbach is a Moroccan-Canadian author, teacher and researcher working at the intersection of AI, literacy and teaching practice. Med has created many practical AI resources for teachers and has now turned his hand to librarians. He describes librarians as potential AI Literacy leaders. He has created a curated guide of practical AI resources for librarians which we hope you will engage with a...

Andy Fenton is Chairman and Founder of Recollect, New Zealand Micrographic Services and Desk Top Imaging. In this episode Andy shares his experiences into libraries, his passion for libraries and archives and his thoughts on advocacy. Notes: LinkedIn profile NZMS website     Recollect website

Rachel Esson is Te Pouhuaki, National Librarian at Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, National Library of New Zealand. In this episode Rachel shares her journey into libraries, her role at National Library and some thoughts on the future of the National Library and the library sector.

Nicola Andrews is the Open Education Librarian at the University of San Francisco and a passionate advocate for inclusion and indigenous librarianship. In this episode Nicky takes us through her journey into libraries from her first experiences in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland New Zealand to her studies and professional roles in the USA. Stay tuned for the additional recording at the end where Nicky s...

Emilia Bell is Manager Research and Digital Services at Murdoch University Library in Perth Western Australia and a director on several boards including ALIA, The Australian Library and Information Association. In this episode Emilia shares their achievements, struggles and inclusive values based approach to librarianship and leadership. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliabell/

R. David Lankes is the Virginia and Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Information. In this episode, David talks about his journey into libraries, shares his views on the roles and challenges of libraries today and his optimism for the future of libraries in empowering their communities. LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-david-lankes/

Simon Polson is Executive Director, National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA). A trained musicologist and experienced archival researcher and lecturer, Simon has had an interesting journey into libraries and is a passionate advocate. In this episode we talk about Simon’s background, his work at NSLA and what the future of libraries might hold. https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpolson/  https:...

In this episode I catch up with Natalie Hauff again. Natalie is Deputy Director of Innovation at Charlston County Public Library in South Carolina, USA. We talk about digital inclusion, the Low Country Digital Equity Coalition and the challenges and opportunities facing libraries today. Notes: Contact details for Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliehauff/   Low Country Digital Equity Coali...

Richard or Richy Misilei is a Lead Coach at Connected Communities in Auckland Council, which includes libraries. He’s also immediate Past President of LIANZA the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa. In this episode, we talk about his journey into libraries, his faith and what he learned as President of LIANZA.  

In this episode I talk with the irrepressible library advocate Kyleigh Langrick. Kyleigh has recently joined Vision Australia as Coordinator Children and Young People, Library Services. She shares her passions from philosophy to libraries, to stand up comedy and business advice. Kyleigh's Social Media LinkedIn | Instagram

Erin Cairney is Director of AI Trust and Integrity at Onit, based in Auckland New Zealand Aotearoa. Previously a law library manager and President of the New Zealand Law Librarians Association, Erin’s curiosity and commitment to learning has led her into a leadership role in AI. Erin's LinkedIn

Noah Lenstra is Associate Professor of Library and Information Science at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA. We talk about his journey into library research, his passion for community collaboration and the benefits of being a library dreamer and schemer. Noah's LinkedIn

Amina Shah is the National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland. In this episode Amina shares her enthusiasm for libraries, the inclusive role of a national library today and her vision for the future of the National Library of Scotland as it approaches its centenary in 2025. Amina's LinkedIn

Nick Tanzi is Assistant Director at South Huntington Public Library in Huntington Station, Long Island, New York, USA and nationally recognised library technology consultant. In this episode he talks about his approach to emerging technologies, particularly AI and why it is important for librarians to get ahead of the curve. Website  |  LinkedIn

In this episode I speak with Michelle Blake, University Librarian and Dr Rangihurihia McDonald, Pou Ārahi from the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.  They talk about their journey towards becoming an antiracist organisation. Contact details:  michelle.blake@waikato.ac.nz       hurihia@waikato.ac.nz   Resources Link:  https://rl.talis.com/3/waikato/lists/309F69BB-8389-EF73-56E8-39357B...

Zach Stier runs a children’s department at Ericson Public Library in Boone, Iowa, USA. He describes his work as a mission ‘to provide a space for children to enjoy learning, know who they are as much as possible, how they learn and to celebrate that’. In this episode we talk about children’s services and his passion for asset based partnering. We also get into neurodiversity, learning challenges,...

Erik Boekesteijn is Senior Advisor at The National Library of the Netherlands and Director of Storyhouse, Chester, England. He also describes himself as a ‘Pirate and Global Library Motivator’. Erik talks about the future of libraries, how to create a bustling, thriving and relevant library and the role of libraries in sustainability. LinkedIn group - This Week In Libraries www.storyhouse.com http...

Gene Tan is Chief Librarian and Chief Innovation Officer at National Library Board, Singapore. In this episode Gene talks about approaches to innovation and shares an exciting new AI project.

Troy Tuhou is Team Leader  at  Auckland University of Technology Library in Manukau, Aotearoa, New Zealand. He helped me craft my pepeha, my personal introduction in te reo Māori.

Troy Tuhou is Team Leader  at  Auckland University of Technology Library in Manukau, Aotearoa, New Zealand. He helped me craft my pepeha, my personal introduction in te reo Māori.

Catherine Bellamy is a librarian currently living as a guest in K'emk'emeláy—the Place of Many Maple Trees in the Squamish language—now also called Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, located on the shared ancestral, traditional, and unceded homelands of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Her ancestors came from western Europe; they eventually settled in the Appalachian...

Kim Tairi, University Librarian at Auckland University of Technology in Aotearoa, New Zealand, shares her passion for university libraries, indigenisation and open access. Contact Kim:  kim.tairi@aut.ac.nz

Natalie C Hauff, Deputy Director Innovation at Charleston County Public Library in South Carolina, USA shares her enthusiasm and strategies for increasing and demonstrating library impact. Natalies LinkedIn: LinkedIn Instagram: @nataliechauff

Minnie Baragwanath is an accessibility activist, a leader, an entrepreneur and an inspiration. She’s also legally blind. Minnie posed some questions for libraries: What does it mean for libraries to be ‘with’ the access community today and into the future? What we could create together? Are you interested in being part of the conversation to explore a vision for libraries? The Most Accessible Book...

Darren Smart, Strategic Manager, Library Services at Somerset Council in England talks about his focus on community outcomes, impact and advocacy Darrens LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-smart-b-e-m-5637a234/