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FYI 91 Leading from Where You Are: A Conversation with PLA President Brandy McNeil by Public Libraries Online

In this episode, Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw shares insights from her new book, "Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries," which offers straightforward de-escalation and crisis navigation tools that any library worker can use.

Job searching can be daunting, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect résumé. Many of us were never formally taught how to write one, and best practices seem to change constantly. In the January/February 2025 issue of Public Libraries, Alison King of King Career Services, provided a practical guide to creating an interview-winning résumé tailored specifically for public library workers. The article highlights common mistakes, shares strategies for standing out, and offers insights into what hiring managers are really looking for. In this episode, we chat with Alison about their advice for job seekers and how public library professionals can position themselves for success.

Public libraries often serve as a first stop for people seeking legal information, but assisting patrons with legal reference questions presents unique challenges. How can librarians provide useful guidance without crossing into legal advice? What resources are available to support pro se litigants? In this episode, we're joined by Anthony Aycock, Legislative Librarian at the North Carolina General Assembly, to explore these challenges and solutions. Anthony is the author of the article "Navigating Legal Reference: How Public Libraries Can Empower Pro Se Litigants," which appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Public Libraries magazine.

In this episode of FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, host Kathleen Hughes speaks with Julius Harper, Emmy-nominated executive producer, and Nicole Velez, senior producer at GBH KIDS, about Acoustic Rooster—a joyful new PBS KIDS series based on the beloved book by Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander. Learn how the series introduces young viewers to the world of jazz, encourages creativity and collaboration, and supports social-emotional learning. Plus, discover how libraries can get involved with resources, programming ideas, and more—just in time for Jazz Appreciation Month!

In this episode, we explore Be MediaWise: The Misinformation Resilience Toolkit for Libraries, a powerful new resource helping librarians teach digital media literacy to adults. Our guest, Heath Umbreit, an Adult Services Librarian and Be MediaWise Advisory Board member, shares insights on combating misinformation and empowering communities with critical information skills. Tune in at the link. #BeMediaWise #DigitalLiteracy #PublicLibraries

Join us as we explore the world of children’s educational media with Marisa Wolsky, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer and Executive Producer for GBH Kids. Marisa shares the magic behind Work It Out Wombats!, the new PBS KIDS animated series that introduces preschoolers to computational thinking through engaging stories, lovable characters, and a vibrant community setting. Learn how this innovative show uses storytelling and problem-solving to inspire young audiences while blending entertainment with impactful learning.

This episode explores how Arlington (VA) Public Library’s (APL) Holiday Gift Nook redefines holiday giving and promotes sustainability. Join APL's Programs & Partnerships Librarians Katherine Chiriboga and Jennifer Odlum as they share the story behind this unique initiative. Entirely fueled by community donations, the Gift Nook transforms donated items into a curated shopping experience where families can select giftable items at no cost. In 2023, this effort provided 758 attendees with over 2,200 free gifts, alleviating holiday stress and fostering a spirit of sustainability and generosity.

In this episode of FYI: The Public Libraries Podcast, we share inspiring stories of Library Joy. Ten stories in under twenty minutes! Inspired by Mychal Threets' focus on celebrating joy in libraries, this episode highlights moments from library workers across the country that capture the magic, connection, and transformation that happen in libraries every day.

In this episode, we look into a crucial topic that intersects social work and library services—how libraries can navigate crises and ensure the safety of both staff and patrons through trauma-informed de-escalation techniques. Joining us is Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw, an assistant professor at Eastern Michigan University and a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience. Dr. Paauw has a rich background in working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and serious mental illness. She served as a library social worker for the Chicago Public Library for several years and was a founding member of the PLA Social Work Task Force. She co-authored the bestselling PLA publication “A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Patrons” and also delivers crucial training and support to library staff across the country. Dr. Paauw’s new book, “Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries: The PLA Guide to Trauma-Informed De-Escalation,” (available in late 2024/early 2025) will serve as a comprehensive guide for library staff on addressing trauma and mental health issues among patrons. Here we explore key concepts from her book, such as trauma-informed care, the escalation cycle, and effective de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment for everyone in the library. We also discuss how library staff can recognize and manage burnout and compassion fatigue, and much more.

In this episode we are talking about workplace burnout. It's a growing issue in many professions, including our own, and it can have serious consequences for both individuals and organizations. Our guests are Ris Labib and Amber Salmon, both Adult Services Librarians from the Akron-Summit County Public Library in Ohio. They've been looking into workplace burnout, particularly as it relates to the library workplace and presented a How-To program on the topic at the PLA 2024 conference. We discuss the predictors and contributors to burnout and, most importantly, finding effective solutions to combat it. We also look at common causes, such as work overload, role ambiguity, and challenging interactions.

True crime podcasts have captured the fascination of audiences worldwide, with their gripping narratives and captivating storytelling. According to a 2023 Pew Research study of the U.S. podcast market, nearly a quarter of top-ranked titles in America focused on true crime stories. The same study also showed that true crime topics make up nearly a quarter of all the top-ranked podcasts and had the highest average daily rankings on Apple’s and Spotify’s lists of podcasts, over a period of six months in 2022. Of all the U.S. adults who listened to a podcast in the past year, 34% reported regularly listening to podcasts about true crime. In this episode, we welcome Amy Carmichael, the driving force behind the True Crime Podcast Discussion Group at Lane Public Library in Ohio. Join us as we delve into the group's origins, glean advice on selecting top-tier podcasts, explore effective engagement strategies, uncover discussion preparation techniques, tackle the nuanced handling of sensitive topics within the true crime genre, and much more

In this episode of FYI, the Public Libraries Podcast, we delve into the potentially transformative impact of AI on public libraries. Our guest is  Juan Rubio, Digital Media and Learning Expert at the Seattle Public Library. Juan provides insights from his article, "The Role of Libraries in Navigating an AI-Empowered Future," which was featured in the May/June 2024 issue of Public Libraries magazine. Our discussion explores how AI can revolutionize library services, tackles ethical considerations, and explores the importance of AI literacy among both library workers and patrons. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation on the future of AI in libraries and its potential to enhance community engagement and services.

In this episode, Kathleen Hughes, PLA, talks with Amy Mikel, Director of Customer Experience at the Brooklyn Public Library. Amy shares the catalyst for the Cardholder Signup Practices study—the Books Unbanned initiative—and how it spurred their curiosity to examine library access and then walks us through the study's objectives and key findings, shedding light on the challenges of ensuring equitable access, particularly for marginalized communities. Amy also shares actionable recommendations for libraries based on their research, offering valuable insights for enhancing inclusivity and accessibility in library systems nationwide. Join us as we uncover the complexities of library access and explore ways to create more equitable opportunities for all.

In this episode we're tackling a topic close to the hearts of many public librarians: navigating the Public Library Association Conference. But we're taking a unique angle – focusing on the perspective of attendees from small and rural libraries. Joining host Kathleen Hughes, PLA, is Jennie Garner, Library Director, at the North Liberty (IOWA) Public Library, and immediate past president of the Association for Small and Rural Libraries.