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Latest Episodes:

Episode 36: Spring Cleaning: Weeding Your Collections Mar 29, 2019

Show notes

Weeding is an essential but controversial task. Removing outdated, unused, or deteriorating books ensures that a library's collections remain fresh and relevant, but some critics consider the library to be a repository for all materials, regardless of content or physical condition. In Episode 36, two librarians discuss different aspects of the weeding process. "American Libraries" Senior Editor and "Dewey Decibel" host Phil Morehart speaks with Rebecca Vnuk, executive director of LibraryReads and author of "The Weeding Handbook: A Shelf-By Shelf Guide" (ALA Editions, 2015) about why weeding is necessary, how to get started, and what to say to naysayers about its importance. Next, Morehart talks with Brian Greene, a librarian at Columbia College in Sonora, California, who cowrote an article in the October 2018 issue of "C&RL News" on large-scale ebook weeding undertaken by the Community College Library Consortium in California. Greene discusses what he learned from the project and offer tips for completing such an endeavor.

Episode 35: Fostering New Businesses Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

February 16–23 is National Entrepreneurship Week. As community hubs and incubators, libraries are perfectly positioned to help new businesses get off their feet and thrive—whether it’s by offering resources and books to spark ideas or hosting programs on the ins-and-outs of business management led by local business leaders. In Episode 35, Dewey Decibel looks at libraries that are leading the charge. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with Amy Fisher, information readers services manager, and Morgan Perry, business outreach specialist, at Mid-Continent Public Library in Missouri about that library system's Square One Business Services program. Next, American Libraries Senior Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart speaks with Roosevelt Weeks, director of Austin (Tex.) Public Library, about entrepreneurship programs the library offers in one of the most vibrant start-up environments in the US.

Episode 34: Insider's Guide to Seattle Jan 17, 2019

Show notes

On Thursday, January 25, it begins: the American Library Association’s 2019 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Seattle. Thousands of librarians, library workers, vendors, students, and scholars will descend upon the Emerald City for five days of programs, speakers, exhibit hall excitement, and more. The action isn’t limited to the confines of the Washington State Convention Center, however—Seattle is a city known for acclaimed restaurants, a vibrant music scene, and many natural wonders. In Episode 34, we get tips on where to eat, what to see, and what to do during Midwinter. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski talks with travel guru Rick Steves about his favorite off-the-beaten path sights in the Seattle area. Then Dankowski speaks with Tori Mann, chef at Seattle restaurant Lola, about her favorite spots to eat in the city. Finally, American Libraries Senior Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart talks with Emily Cabaniss, librarian and music assistant at the Seattle Opera, about music happenings and more in Seattle during Midwinter.

Episode 33: Writers on Writing Dec 20, 2018

Show notes

As 2018 wraps up, Dewey Decibel revisits favorite interviews conducted at American Library Association conferences during the past year. In Episode 33, American Libraries’ editors speak with an array of people about the inspirations behind their new books and the importance of libraries in their lives, including actor Sally Field (In Pieces), Bill Nye the Science Guy (Jack and the Geniuses), poet Elizabeth Acevedo (Poet X), journalists Jonathan Eig (Ali: A Life) and Robert W. Fieseler (Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation), and activists Marley Dias (Marley Dias Gets It Done—and So Can You) and Patrisse Cullors (When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir).

Episode 32: Get a Job! Nov 27, 2018

Show notes

Looking for a job can be arduous and anxiety-inducing. It's not surprising: The end results can be life changing. And organizations looking to hire new employees face challenges, as finding the right candidate for a job can be difficult if the search isn’t conducted correctly. What can job seekers and employers do to improve the process to everyone’s benefit? In Episode 32, we find out. First, ALA Editions acquisitions editor and Dewey Decibel contributor Jamie Santoro speaks with Caitlin Williams, author of Be Opportunity-Minded: Start Growing Your Career Now (ALA Editions, 2019), about tips for those on the job hunt and job market trends. Next, Dewey Decibel host and American Libraries associate editor Phil Morehart talks with David Connolly, recruitment ad sales manager for the American Library Association’s JobLIST, about what job hunters should be doing to find the right fit and what employers should be doing to find the right candidates.

Episode 31: The Haunting of Peoria Public Library Oct 26, 2018

Show notes

Books flying off the shelves. Shadowy figures roaming the hallways. Unexplained sounds. What’s going on at Peoria (Ill.) Public Library? Is the building possessed by spirits hovering above cursed ground? Or are these apparitions just a sign that librarians have been spending too much time in the stacks? Do not attempt to adjust your audio. In Episode 31, “The Haunting of Peoria Public Library”—our special Halloween episode sponsored by Gale, a Cengage Company—Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart road-trips to Central Illinois to get to the bottom of these strange happenings. Along the way, he enlists the advice of professionals—including award-winning nonfiction author and well-known debunker Mary Roach (Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife) and paranormal writer and speaker John B. Kachuba (Ghosthunting Illinois)—and interviews staffers at Peoria Public Library and Bradley University Library about their otherworldly encounters.

Episode 30: The Secret Lives of Librarians Sep 28, 2018

Show notes

Ever wonder what your colleagues do outside of the library? Many of us have hobbies, intellectual and athletic pursuits, a travel bug, the desire to write or cook—you name it. We all live lives beyond the stacks, of course, but some of us do things that may surprise coworkers and patrons. In Episode 30, we explore these secret lives of librarians. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with Adela Justice, senior librarian at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who’s a former Texas reserve deputy and the bassist in rock and blues bands. Next, American Libraries Associate Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart talks with Sarah Ramsey, media specialist at Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, who works as a certified life coach in her off hours. Finally, Dankowski speaks with Susan Maguire, senior editor, collection management and library outreach, adult books, at Booklist, who writes the Librarians in Love romance novel series under the pseudonym Sarah Title. Maguire reads a passage from one of her books.

Episode 29: New Library Design Aug 31, 2018

Show notes

In Episode 29, American Libraries Associate Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart talks with two architects whose work with libraries was featured in American Libraries’ 2018 Library Design Showcase. We get behind-the-scenes perspectives on the buildings’ designs, construction, and effect on their communities.[/lead] First, Morehart speaks with Jim Stufflebeam from SAAP Design Architects about the new library in Joplin, Missouri, which has become a symbol of rebirth for the town after it was devastated by a tornado in 2011. Next, Derek Jones from the architecture firm Perkins + Will talks about the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center in New Castle County, Delaware—a unique facility built to alleviate an information desert in the area.

Episode 28: Cybersecurity Jul 31, 2018

Show notes

Cybersecurity has been dominating news cycles this year. Whether its allegations of Russians hacking computers to influence US elections to reports of private individuals who have had vicious malware installed unknowingly on their computers, cybercrimes and cybersecurity affect us all. And libraries are no exception. In Episode 28, Dewey Decibel looks at cybersecurity in the library world. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart speaks with Patrick Craven, director of the Center for Cyber Security Safety and Education. They discuss the center’s mission, its programs for libraries, and tips on making you and your library cyber safe. Next, Morehart talks with Todd Stephens, county librarian, and Chris McSwain, information technology and systems director, at Spartanburg County Public Libraries (SCPL) in South Carolina. SCPL was the victim of a ransomware attack in January. They recount the incident and provide tips on what you can do if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Episode 27: Insider's Guide to New Orleans Jun 19, 2018

Show notes

On Thursday, June 21 it begins: the American Library Association’s 2018 Annual Conference in New Orleans. Thousands of librarians, library workers, book vendors, students, scholars and more will descend upon the Crescent City for five days of programs, speakers, exhibit hall wanderings and more. It’ll be a packed, long weekend, but the action isn’t limited to the confines of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. A city known for its pleasures, be it food, music, historical sights, nightlife…you name it you can probably find it in New Orleans. So what to do? On Episode 27, we get must-see and must-eat recommendations from two folks who know the city well. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Terra Dankowski talks with David Slater, director of culinary development at famed New Orleans chef Emeril Lagasse's Homebase. David shares his favorite places to eat in the city and more. Next, American Libraries Associate Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart talks with Shellie Lister, a librarian and public relations and community coordinator at St. Tammany Parish Library. St. Tammany Parish produces an excellent podcast on New Orleans culture and literacy. They discuss the city’s literary landmarks as well as some off-the-beaten path places in New Orleans.

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