The Library is Open

In our latest episode of the Library is Open Podcast, we are joined by TWO special guests: Azi Jamalian, CEO of The Giant Room ; and Claudette Stockwell, Library Director at the Killingly Public Library ! They are here to talk about the Giant Room's " Remix the Future by & for Youth " FREE program and how you can bring it to your library! Check out The Killingly Public Library'...

Viva Las Vegas! In this episode of the Library is Open Podcast, our special guest is Kelvin Watson, Executive Director of the Las Vegas–Clark County Library District and Library Journal's 2026 Librarian of the Year! Kelvin shares his experience in the library world, the unique experiences of leading a large library system in an internationally-known city, leadership advice, and so much more!

In this episode of the Library is Open Podcast, we have special guest Justin Denton, Chief Information Officer at Illinois Valley Community College! Justin recently hosted a session in our Digital Defense: Cybersecurity for Libraries webinar series called "Small Budget, Big Defense: Free and Low-Cost Tools That Protect Your Library." There were so many useful tips and insights from this we...

The Memeing Librarian (Molly Quinn) is back on the pod!! In this episode, we talk about the Libraries and AI study that Molly conducted and generic policy template that she created. We examine some of the results of these findings, what inspired the study and policy, and how libraries can begin to assess their AI policies if they haven't started yet. Access the study here: https://buymeacoffee...

February is Library Lovers' Month, and to celebrate, we have a very special guest on the podcast! Shedriek Battle is a library professional and enthusiast who has worked in public libraries for over a decade. In this episode, we talk about the countless reasons why people should love their local library, and how we can be better advocates for libraries and library workers.

In our latest episode of The Library is Open podcast, we're joined by David Daghita, Library Accounts Supervisor at the Lewisville Public Library! David shares about his extensive experience as a Systems Librarian, his upcoming Digital Defense Cybersecurity webinar, and tech trends and hot topics for 2026. Resources mentioned in episode: Digital Defense Library Cybersecurity Webinar series Koh...

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Sam Passey returns! Sam Passey serves as the Associate Dean of Library Services at Colorado Mountain College, where he leads a multi-campus team reimagining how libraries support today’s students and communities. In this episode, Sam talks about a new webinar series he is launching with PCI Webinars called Stoplights, Roundabouts, and Leadership: Nav...

Marshall Breeding is back for another episode of The Library is Open Podcast! This time, we are talking all about AspenCon 2025 that was held in Nashville, Tennessee! In this episode, Marshall talks about being a Nashville local, gives an overview of his keynote presentation at AspenCon2025, his thoughts on the conference and growth of the Aspen Community. You can watch the entire AspenCon2025 rec...

In our latest episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we talk with Toby Riesterer: Videographer, Owner of Riesterer Productions, and Digital Media Specialist at Pasco County Libraries in Florida. In this episode, Toby shares his love for video production and unique journey to becoming a library videographer. He gives insight into why videography is a critical component of library marketing and adv...

Welcome to another episode of The Library is Open Podcast! In this episode, we talk to Sarah Lane, Information Services Librarian at the Des Moines Public Library! Sarah is also the co-host of the Des Moines Public Library Podcast "Beyond the Shelves". Sarah shares what she's reading, how she got into librarianship, and dives deep into all things podcasting! Learn more about the Beyond...

It's that time of year again—back to school!!! In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we welcome back Telishia "Tee" Murray, Director of Library and Learning Resources at Galveston College's David Glenn Hunt Memorial Library to talk about all things back to school. Tee shares the months-long prep that goes on to ensure student success; the data and reporting processes her...

In this episode of the Library is Open podcast, we welcome return guest Marshall Breeding to talk about his experience at the American Library Association Annual Conference 2025 , his annual Library Perceptions Survey , and other industry insights!!

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Jessie and Elise are at ALA Annual 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!! They talk about their conference highlights, exciting Koha upgrades, Philly adventures, and so much more!! Thank you so much to the ALA Podcast recording crew who helped make this recording possible!!

Welcome to Part Three of our three-part series on ByWater Solutions partners who were honored as Library Journal Movers and Shakers for 2025! In this episode, meet Jen Park, Government Relations Specialist, Ramapo Catskill Library System, Middletown, NY. We discuss Jen's unique role as a government liaison within the public library system, how we can all make an impact for library advocacy, an...

Join us for Part 2 of our three-part series on ByWater partners that were named as Library Journal Movers and Shakers 2025! In this episode, Meet Jason Homer, the Executive Director of the Worcester Public Library in Massachusetts. Jason shares his unique path to librarianship, his experience leading a library in a rich and vibrant multicultural community, creating a safe space for library staff a...

Welcome to our three-part series on ByWater partners that were named as Library Journal Movers and Shakers 2025 ! First up, meet Leah Gregory, School Library Membership Coordinator at the Illinois Heartland Library System. Leah was honored in the Advocates category, and is referred to as the "Librarian's Librarian" for her work supporting school librarians all across Illinois! In this...

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we have return guest Brian Pichman and ByWater Aspen Sales Consultant Bill Kessler to talk about all things Computers in Libraries 2025 ! Brian and Bill both attended and presented at the conference, so we wanted to discuss their key takeaways and highlights from the event. Learn more about our Digital Defense: Strengthening Library Cybersecurity Web...

In honor of Women's History Month, we wanted to talk to Diana Silveira, President of Novare Library Services, a female-founded library technology, training, and consulting company. Diana is also the author of Library Technology Planning for Today and Tomorrow. In this episode, we discuss Diana's journey in the library world, her experience starting a library technology company, and what sh...

In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, we have not one, but TWO fabulous guests: Paul Cuomo and Yonah Levenson!! Paul is a Product Specialist at TDNet and host of The Info-Leaders Podcast . Yonah is aMetadata, Taxonomy, and Asset Management Strategy Consultant; Language Metadata Table Chair and Rutgers DAM Certificate Program Co-Director/Instructor . They will both be co-presenting at thi...

In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, we catch up with Rex Duval, Cofounder and CEO of Nookly! Nookly is a personalized learning tool that utilizes AI to create educational stories for children. In this episode, we discuss what led Rex to cofound Nookly, how the personalized learning application works, and examples of how libraries can leverage these tools in their programming. Learn mor...

In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, B ruce Barnet, co-founder of The MindCare Store and SiMPL Technologies, shares his inspiring journey to working with Alzheimer’s and dementia communities. Bruce discusses how his personal experiences and passion for improving the quality of life for those affected by cognitive challenges led him to develop innovative tools and resources tailored to t...

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Brian Pichman returns to talk about the tech trends that he thinks will be the hot topic for libraries in 2025. From new facets of AI to cybersecurity, Brian draws on his experiences attending recent library conferences to workshops he has hosted to share his insights. We also may talk about cows....listen to find out! To learn more about Brian, visi...

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we had the joy of talking with Aleisha Amohia, Technical Lead at Catalyst IT at kohacon24! We talk about her experience working with Catalyst IT, what the open source community means to her, and what's to come with kohacon25!! Learn more about Aleisha here: https://www.aleisha.nz/ Twitter:   @aleishaamohia LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/...

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we welcome librarian, ByWater friend, and author Lydia Sigwarth to the podcast! Lydia is a Community Engagement Librarian at the Dubuque County Library District in Iowa and the author of "Dear Librarian", a beautifully illustrated children's book about Lydia's childhood experience at the library. Lydia was also featured on an episode...

Guess who's back? Back again? Marshall's back! Marshall Breeding of Library Technology Guides is back on the podcast to discuss all the trends and hot topics of ALA 2024, and recap his Executive Perspectives panel (our very own Nathan Curulla was a panelist!). We also compared our step counts at the conference and our favorite AI tools. Learn more about Marshall's work at librarytechno...