A podcast for library professionals and anyone interested in the digital publishing industry. In each episode, Hoopla’s Jeff Jankowski and Ann Ford dive into current trends and share valuable insights.
Episodes
Friday Mar 06, 2026
Friday Mar 06, 2026
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 digital inclusion with platforms like Hoopla.
Friday Feb 06, 2026
Friday Feb 06, 2026
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: instant access, smart discovery, and trusted, ad‑free experiences.
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
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 for libraries.
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
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—efforts that led to more Bonus Borrows and greater value for libraries and their communities. The year was all about empowering libraries and redefining digital engagement.
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
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.
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
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.
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
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.
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
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 services and empowering leaders with actionable insights.