The Straight Download

Recorded live from ALA Annual 2026 in Chicago, this episode tackles one of the biggest challenges facing libraries today: the future of eBook access. Ann and Jeff are joined by Ellen Paul of the Connecticut Library Consortium to examine the impact of Connecticut's groundbreaking eBook law, escalating digital content costs, and the growing national movement for reform. It's a timely conversation ab...

AI is transforming digital collections faster than ever. In our latest episode, Ann and Jeff sit down with Matt Schimmoeller, Hoopla’s Director of Digital Operations to explore what the surge in AI generated eBooks means for libraries. They also discuss how Hoopla is addressing the challenge. Tune in for a conversation on access, accountability, and what comes next.

As summer reading season ramps up, Ann and Jeff are joined by Storm Hawthorne and Mandy Decker to explore how libraries can transform digital collections into powerful tools for programming, outreach, and equity. The conversation highlights practical strategies for increasing visibility, integrating digital resources into experiences, and meeting patrons where they are, turning always on access in...

Please note: this episode contains a few audio issues.   Recorded live from the Public Library Association Conference floor, Episode 13 of The Straight Download features a timely conversation about the future of public libraries during a period of cultural, technological, and political change. Hosts Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski are joined by Jamar Rahming, CEO of the Cuyahoga County Public Library...

Recorded live from the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis, this episode of Straight Download features hosts Ann and Jeff in a wide-ranging conversation with publishing journalist Andrew Albanese, editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives and founder of Words & Money. Together, they dig into the economics of digital publishing, the sustainability of library e-content models,...

In this episode, Moe Hosseini Ara, City Librarian of Toronto Public Library, joins Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski for a powerful conversation on equity-driven leadership and the future of digital access. Together, they unpack how TPL is advancing equity across one of North America’s busiest systems—from expanding community outreach and supporting newcomers to reimagining services and strengthening di...

From COVID lockdown streaming spikes to today’s subscription fatigue, digital media has reshaped patron expectations fast. Users didn’t just switch platforms; they raised the bar. This episode unpacks the biggest shifts across eBooks, audiobooks, and video from 2020 to 2026, and how habits shaped by Netflix, Spotify, TikTok, Kindle, and Apple TV+ now define what people expect from libraries: insta...

Ann and Jeff kick off the year with an insightful conversation with Roosevelt Weeks, Director of the Fort Bend County Library System. Together, they explore the key forces shaping library priorities and services in the year ahead. From funding challenges and political dynamics to evolving community needs and the growing demand for digital access, this discussion takes a deep dive into what’s next...

Join us for a special retrospective as we celebrate Hoopla’s biggest achievements of 2025. From expanding BingePass and SeasonPass offerings for libraries to the creation of Instant bundles and forging new partnerships with organizations like the Urban Library Council, this year marked a bold step forward. We also advanced discoverability of the Hoopla collection and championed pricing advocacy—ef...

Hear directly from someone on the front lines of library advocacy. Ellen Paul, Executive Director of the Connecticut Library Consortium, joins us to share how libraries are protecting equitable access to eBooks and championing patron rights. 

The Straight Download Podcast isn’t exactly LeVar Burton Reads or The NYT Book Review Podcast. And it’s definitely not Joe Rogan asking authors if they believe in aliens. But if you’re into libraries, digital strategy, and practical ideas that actually help them connect with and serve their communities—you might find it worth a listen. Check out this clip and see what you think.  

Libraries are grappling with shrinking catalogs, rising license costs, and unsustainable holds. Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski share how libraries can regain control through smarter budgeting, streamlined operations, and stronger patron engagement.

In this episode, we continue exploring how libraries can use data to drive impact. Our guest, Michael Holton, Vice President of Product Management at Hoopla, shares how tools like Enhanced Circulation Reporting and the Patron Growth Report help libraries make smarter decisions and better understand patron behavior. Tune in to discover how these innovations are shaping the future of library service...

Regarding digital publishing, there’s a great deal of chatter out there—unfortunately, most of it is inaccurate. If you're interested in hearing what’s truly happening within the industry, check out The Straight Download, hosted by Jeff Jankowski, Hoopla Founder and President, and Ann Ford, VP of Hoopla Sales and Support.

In this episode, we explore why libraries need better KPIs to measure digital success and how traditional metrics like checkouts and door counts fall short. We discuss shifting focus toward community reach, engagement, and retention—while examining the impact of power users on usage data.

Ann and Jeff take a closer look at the utilization of the licenses being purchased by libraries—focusing on how utilization is measured, some of the factors that influence it, and the return on investment across different types of licenses.  What are the hosts reading? Jeff is diving into the intrigue of  Careless People  by Sarah Wynn-Williams, while Ann is exploring the powerful insights of, You...

In Episode 3 of The Straight Download Podcast, we explore a critical question: Are libraries getting their money’s worth from digital content licenses? 

In 2019, 76% of the audiobook licenses purchased by libraries were perpetual. By 2024, however, 64% of the licenses purchased were metered. A metered license is one that expires after a set period—typically 12 or 24 months—rather than being owned indefinitely. In this episode, Ann and Jeff discuss how this shift in licensing models affects cost per circulation, return on investment (ROI), and the...

Ann and Jeff are back to break down a topic of what’s draining library budgets everywhere. Metered licenses - what are they, why do they matter, and how are they reshaping the way libraries serve their communities? Whether you're a librarian, a budget hawk, or just curious about the cost behind your favorite audiobooks and eBooks, this episode delivers the straight facts! Subscribe now so you don’...

Ann and Jeff discuss the inspiration behind the Hoopla platform and its pay-per-use model. The discussion also touches on patron expectations, pricing, and how the service will continue to evolve.  Learn more about Hoopla  Average cost per circ on Hoopla (2013-2024)  Platform data   

 The Straight Download is a raw and informative podcast for library professionals, and anyone interested in the digital publishing industry.