Call Number with American Libraries Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 75: Rethinking Your Space Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

As any library staffer who has gone through a building renovation knows, significant behind-the-scenes work goes into updating or overhauling a facility. From working with architects to communicating with committees to soliciting community feedback, rethinking a library doesn’t happen overnight. On Episode 75, the podcast team focuses on library design and architecture. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Michael Haddock, associate dean for research, education, and engagement at Kansas State University Libraries in Manhattan. They talk about the fire that damaged Hale Library in 2018, the flagship library of K-State, and how staffers have rallied around a rebuild. Then, former Associate Editor Sallyann Price speaks with Amelia Anderson, assistant professor at Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and Abigail Phillips, assistant professor at the School of Information Studies at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. They discuss how to create public library makerspaces that are accessible for all.

Episode 74: Support for Ukraine Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dominated headlines this year. The ongoing war has affected people globally, including American librarians and their work. In Episode 74, the Call Number podcast team looks at the ways the profession is supporting Ukraine. First, Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kristin Parker, lead curator and manager of the arts at Boston Public Library. Parker is part of a network of first responders working against the clock to preserve Ukraine’s cultural history and provide preservation advice to library workers on the ground. Next, American Libraries Editor and Publisher Sanhita SinhaRoy speaks with Michael Dowling, director of ALA’s International and Chapter Relations Office, about the Association’s Ukraine Library Relief Fund and how donations are being used. Finally, Panuncial talks to Millicent Mabi, director of community engagement and programming at Regina Public Library in Saskatchewan, about how her institution is helping Ukrainian refugees—from teaching them English to improving their literacy to connecting them with community resources. Next month’s episode will focus on library design and architecture. We’d like to know: What design feature do you love best at your local library and why? Email us your answer or leave us a voicemail at 312-280-4218 and your submission could be featured. Is there a story or topic you’d love to hear us cover? Reach out and let us know. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

Episode 73: Newbery Medal Winners Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

This year, the Newbery Medal celebrates 100 years of recognizing distinguished children’s literature. In Episode 73, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial interviews four authors with four prior winners of the award: Jerry Craft, 2020 Newbery Medal winner for New Kid; Cynthia Kadohata, 2005 winner for Kira-Kira; Tae Keller, 2021 winner for When You Trap a Tiger; and Lois Lowry, two-time winner for Number the Stars in 1990 and The Giver in 1994. The authors share their memories of getting the call, what they hope kids are taking away from their books, and what projects they’re working on these days. If you have feedback for the podcast team, email us at callnumber@ala.org or call us at 312-280-4216. Tell us what you liked, what you didn’t like, and what you’d like to see us cover; we may feature your comment on a future episode. You can also follow us on Twitter and SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

Episode 72: ALA Goes (Back) to Washington Jun 13, 2022

Show notes

In less than two weeks, the American Library Association's 2022 Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in Washington, D.C.—the first in-person Annual Conference since the pandemic began. In Episode 72, we’re gearing up to be together again in the nation’s capital. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress and 2003–2004 ALA president. Hayden shares her favorite places to eat in Washington, D.C., as well as museums and exhibits that conference attendees should try to see when they’re in town. Next, ALA staffers share their top tips for attending Annual. Finally, Sallyann Price, American Libraries associate editor, chats with Andy Shallal, founder of Busboys and Poets, a local restaurant where art, culture, and politics intersect—along with community and good food.

Bonus Episode: Gale Presents Diplomas at the Public Library May 23, 2022

Show notes

Among the public libraries implementing Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, a 21.5-credit online high school completion program, is Rolling Hills Library (RHL) in St. Joseph, Missouri. On this bonus episode of Call Number with American Libraries, sponsored by Gale, Diana Panuncial, associate editor of American Libraries and podcast host, speaks with Michelle Mears, director of RHL. They’re joined by Brittany Smullin, a 30-year-old single mom who was the first public library graduate of the program this spring, and who took her classes through RHL. Mears and Smullin share their experiences about the value of the program and the impact it is having in their community. If you have feedback for the podcast team, send us an email or call us at 312-280-4218. You can also follow us on Twitter or SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

Episode 71: Setting Up for Self-Care May 16, 2022

Show notes

In Episode 71 of Call Number with American Libraries, “Setting Up for Self-Care,” we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May. The importance of self-care has become clearer than ever in recent years, especially in the age of the pandemic. In this episode, we look at some of the ways library workers have taken care of themselves—and others—in stressful times. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and podcast Diana Panuncial speaks with Randa Lopez Morgan, programming and events librarian for Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, about LSU’s Relaxation Room and how it has helped students decompress during finals week. Next, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski interviews Rebecca Tolley, author of A Trauma-Informed Approach to Library Services (ALA Editions, 2020) and professor and librarian at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. They discuss what it takes to be a trauma-informed library and how institutions can prioritize the well-being of patrons and employees. Finally, Phil Morehart, communications manager for the American Library Association, chats with Michelle Schaub, library media specialist for Monona (Wis.) Grove High School. Schaub, who is also a certified yoga teacher, was featured in the Bookend section of the March/April issue of American Libraries for implementing yoga classes and promoting mental wellness at her school. If you have feedback for the podcast team, send us an email or call us at 312-280-4218. You can also follow us on Twitter or SoundCloud and leave a review on iTunes.

Episode 70: Making Financial Sense Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

This episode, we celebrate Financial Literacy Month and Money Smart Week, which runs April 9–16. Our show looks at three big questions around money: How can we raise it? How can we save it? And how do we spend it responsibly? First, American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price chats with Jennifer Byrnes, supervisor of the Business Insight Center at Rochester Public Library in New York. She manages the Money Builders, a camp that helps to build refugee kids’ early financial literacy. Then, Editor and Publisher Sanhita SinhaRoy talks with Joyce Garczynski and Karlene Noel Jennings, members of ALA’s Philanthropic Advisory Group. They discuss the ins and outs of donating to causes and charities and advocating for nonprofit organizations with your dollars. Finally, Associate Editor and Call Number Podcast Host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kyra Hahn, founder of the Facebook group Librarian 4 PSLF. They cover the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the specific challenges librarians face when repaying their student loans.

Rebroadcast of Episode 52: Libraries and Sustainability Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

Episode 52, “Libraries and Sustainability”—which originally aired in July 2020—looks at how librarians were living green at the library and in their own lives before the COVID-19 pandemic began. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price speaks with Gabrielle Griffis, assistant youth services librarian at Brewster (Mass.) Ladies Library, about the Blue Marble Librarians, a group that helped promote Climate Prep Week across the state in 2019. Then, ALA Editions Acquisitions Editor Jamie Santoro speaks with René Tanner, associate liaison librarian for the humanities division at Arizona State University (ASU), and Susan Norton, program manager at ASU’s University Sustainability Practices, about the sustainability programs they implemented at their school. Finally, American Libraries Editorial and Advertising Associate Carrie Smith speaks with three library workers from Queens (N.Y.) Public Library who biked from New York City to the 2020 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia to raise awareness for sustainability.

Rebroadcast of Episode 35: Fostering New Businesses Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

While American Libraries is busy searching for its new podcast host, we thought we’d dip into the vault and re-air some of our most popular episodes. Today we’re replaying Episode 35, “Fostering New Businesses,” which originally aired in February 2019. Three years ago, we released this installment to coincide with National Entrepreneurship Week, which this year is being observed February 12–19. The advice in this episode is relevant to trends libraries have been seeing during the pandemic: small businesses are looking for assistance, libraries are pivoting their business resources to the online environment, and many people who lost or quit jobs are turning to entrepreneurship for the first time. In this episode, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski interviews Amy Fisher, information and reader services manager, and Morgan Perry, business outreach specialist, both from Mid-Continent Public Library in Missouri. They talk about the how the library’s Square One Business Services program helps the community, including a growing food business sector. Next, former Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Roosevelt Weeks, director of Austin Public Library in Texas. They discuss how the library’s entrepreneurship programs complement the city’s vibrant start-up scene.

Rebroadcast of Episode Six: Banned Books Jan 20, 2022

Show notes

While we’re busy searching for our new Call Number host, we thought we’d dip into the vault and re-air some of our most popular episodes. Today we’re replaying our sixth episode, “Banned Books,” which originally aired in October 2016. In 2021, libraries across the country saw a record number of book challenges, and the wisdom of this episode from five years ago is—unfortunately—just as applicable today. In this episode, former host Phil Morehart first interviews James LaRue, the then-executive director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. They discuss book challenges and bans—why they happen and what libraries can do to protect themselves. Next he talks to Sara Stevenson, a librarian at O. Henry Middle School in Austin, Texas, who faced a book challenge over the John Green YA novel Looking for Alaska. And finally, he talks to Marjane Satrapi, author of the award-winning graphic novel Persepolis, about how her book was being briefly banned at a Chicago high school and the nature of censorship.

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