The Straight Download

Every library director knows the budget moment: the line-item review where you ask what you can live without. For Shannon Midyett, Director of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, Hoopla was on that list, and she was ready to cut it. But when she dug into the real cost-per-circ numbers and her own unique-borrower data, the math sent her in the opposite direction. Shannon joins hosts Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski to share how she went looking for a reason to cancel a service and came out defending it to her board instead. 

Say "library" and most people picture shelves and a due date. Walk in today and you'll find a social worker, a family escaping the heat, someone drafting a business plan. Host Ann Ford, joined by special guest co-host Trenton Smiley, talks with Annie Miskewitch from Schaumburg Township District Library about deciding what libraries can take on—and let go. 

Recorded live from ALA Annual 2026 in Chicago, this episode tackles one of the biggest challenges facing libraries today: the future of eBook access. Ann and Jeff are joined by Ellen Paul of the Connecticut Library Consortium to examine the impact of Connecticut's groundbreaking eBook law, escalating digital content costs, and the growing national movement for reform. It's a timely conversation about advocacy, collection development, and how libraries can build sustainable digital collections for the future.

AI is transforming digital collections faster than ever. In our latest episode, Ann and Jeff sit down with Matt Schimmoeller, Hoopla’s Director of Digital Operations to explore what the surge in AI generated eBooks means for libraries. They also discuss how Hoopla is addressing the challenge. Tune in for a conversation on access, accountability, and what comes next.

As summer reading season ramps up, Ann and Jeff are joined by Storm Hawthorne and Mandy Decker to explore how libraries can transform digital collections into powerful tools for programming, outreach, and equity. The conversation highlights practical strategies for increasing visibility, integrating digital resources into experiences, and meeting patrons where they are, turning always on access into deeper engagement whose impact can be felt throughout the summer and well beyond.

Please note: this episode contains a few audio issues.

 

Recorded live from the Public Library Association Conference floor, Episode 13 of The Straight Download features a timely conversation about the future of public libraries during a period of cultural, technological, and political change. Hosts Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski are joined by Jamar Rahming, CEO of the Cuyahoga County Public Library and incoming President of PLA.

The episode explores how libraries can use digital platforms as meaningful engagement channels while underscoring the need for stronger alignment between libraries and vendors. Through deeper collaboration and strategic data partnerships, both can better navigate shifting patron expectations and an evolving publishing landscape.

Recorded live from the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis, this episode of Straight Download features hosts Ann and Jeff in a wide-ranging conversation with publishing journalist Andrew Albanese, editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives and founder of Words & Money. Together, they dig into the economics of digital publishing, the sustainability of library e-content models, and the growing tension between libraries, publishers, and data-driven decision-making. From metered licenses and holds ratios to legislative pressure and long-tail discovery, the discussion explores what a healthier digital ecosystem could look like and what it will take to get there.

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.