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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: Navigating the Highways and Backroads of Organizational Life & Leadership. This course will explore the “transportation map” of leadership using metaphors like freeways, speedbumps, dirt roads, and roundabouts to examine how organizational structures shapemomentum, creativity, and collaboration.We also talk about some of Sam's greatest insights he's gained as a library leader on vulnerability, stalled progress, and building trust among teams. With more than twenty years of leadership experience, Sam brings a blend of humor, storytelling, and practical insight to his sessions. His work focuses on building trust-based teams, aligning systems with human needs, and helping leaders replace stoplights with roundabouts, so everyone can move forward together.Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelpassey/
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 recordings here: https://www.youtube.com/@AspenLibraryCommunityYou can take Marshall's Library Technology Guides 2025 Library AutomationPerceptions Survey here: https://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2025/invite/
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 advocacy, thoughts on crafting an effective message, and some of his favorite projects. Toby also shares how libraries who don't have access to professional videography resources can still effectively create video content. Visit Riesterer Productions here: https://riestererproductions.com/Connect with Toby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-riesterer/
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 the Shelves podcast here: https://www.dmpl.org/explore/library-publications/dmpl-podcast%EF%BB%BF
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 library implements to produce comprehensive reports; and the programming and outreach initiatives library staff use to welcome students into the library and create a safe, nurturing space. Learn more about the library's Data Dashboard here: https://library.gc.edu/data-dashboard/homeFollow Galveston College Library on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galvestoncollegelibrary
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, and her experiencing being honored as a Mover and Shaker! Read Jen's Mover and Shaker feature here: https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/jen-park-movers-shakers-2025-advocates
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 and users, and so much more! Read more about Jason's achievements in the Library Journal Movers and Shakers piece Learn more about the Wocester Public Library.Reach out to Jason on LinkedIn!!
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 episode, we discuss Leah's unexpected career trajectory to librarianship, her advocacy and support work at the Illinois Heartland Library System, and her experience being named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker! You won't want to miss this episode!! Listen to the You Can't Shelve this Podcast here! Reach out to Leah at: lgregory@illinoisheartland.org
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 Webinar Series.
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 she has learned (and continues to learn) along the way. She gives insight into how to grow professionally, and shares some of her favorite trainings she has participated in over the years. We also talk about the trends she is seeing libraries focus on and what conferences she will be attend this year. Connect with Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianasachssilveira/Learn more about Novare Library Services:https://novarelibrary.com/Get Diana's Book: https://novarelibrary.com/technology-planning-book/
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 this year's Special Library Association conference on "Expanding Horizons and Career Transformations".In this episode, we learn more about Paul and Yonah's careers, discuss alternative career paths and self-marketing tips for information professionals, and get hype for this year's SLA 2025 Conference! You won't want to miss this episode!!! Connect with Yonah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonahlevenson/Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcuomo/
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 more about Nookly here.Read the podcast transcription here
In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, Bruce 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 their needs. He highlights some of the key products offered by The MindCare Store, including user-friendly communication devices, memory aids, and tools designed to support caregivers and patients alike. Bruce explains the thoughtful design process behind these solutions, focusing on simplicity, accessibility, and their ability to enhance independence.Additionally, Bruce delves into how libraries across the country have adopted these tools as part of their community engagement efforts. He shares stories of how libraries are leveraging these resources to create dementia-friendly spaces and programs, fostering greater inclusion and support for those living with Alzheimer’s and related conditions.This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, community, and care, and how libraries can leverage these resources to serve their communities. To learn more about the MindCare store's library resources, visit: https://www.mindcarestore.com/Libraries-s/2199.htm
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, visit https://bpichman.com/#home or listen to his original podcast episode here.Visit here to watch replays from ByWater's AI Innovations in Libraries Virtual Conference.
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: @aleishaamohiaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleishaamohia/Aleisha is a Technical Lead at Catalyst IT, an open source software company, where she started out as an intern in 2014. She is a Victoria University of Wellington graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Information Systems).Aleisha Amohia (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) (she/her) is a passionate young advocate for diversity and equity in all spaces, sparked by her experiences as a young Māori-Asian woman in the technology industry.
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 of the This American Life podcast called "Growing Shelf-Awareness". In this episode, we discuss Lydia's childhood experience growing up at the library, her journey to becoming and author and librarian, and how libraries can best support children who may be in unstable living situations. Follow Lydia on all the socials @LibraryLydiaPurchase Lydia's book hereListen to Lydia's episode on This American Life here
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 librarytechnology.orgJoin us at our FREE virtual Unlocking the Future: AI Innovations in Libraries conference! September 16-17, 2024. Learn more here: https://www.airmeet.com/e/9cd10860-3887-11ef-9cac-83019b5cc2e9
In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Sam Passey, Associate Dean of Library Services at Colorado Mountain College, joins us to talk about his recent switch from public to academic librarianship, his experience and passion for Open Source, and his hopes for the future. Sam formerly worked as the Director of the Uintah County Library and was the co-founder of the Uintah Basin Libraries Consortium. Follow Sam on LinkedIn!
























They call himSpencer White, but his real name is Don Blanco!!!!