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
Sunday Aug 10, 2025
Sunday Aug 10, 2025
Regarding digital publishing, there’s a great deal of chatter out there—unfortunately, most of it is inaccurate. If you're interested in hearing what’s truly happening within the industry, check out The Straight Download, hosted by Jeff Jankowski, Hoopla Founder and President, and Ann Ford, VP of Hoopla Sales and Support.
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
In this episode, we explore why libraries need better KPIs to measure digital success and how traditional metrics like checkouts and door counts fall short. We discuss shifting focus toward community reach, engagement, and retention—while examining the impact of power users on usage data.
Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Sunday Jul 06, 2025
Ann and Jeff take a closer look at the utilization of the licenses being purchased by libraries—focusing on how utilization is measured, some of the factors that influence it, and the return on investment across different types of licenses.
What are the hosts reading?
Jeff is diving into the intrigue of Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, while Ann is exploring the powerful insights of, You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy—two thought-provoking listens available now on Hoopla!
Related Links
Readers First Article
An Open Request to OverDrive: two ways to reduce library costs — Readers First
Annerysms with Ann Ford
https://library.hoopladigital.com/tag/annerysms/
LinkedIn Group
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
In Episode 3 of The Straight Download Podcast, we explore a critical question: Are libraries getting their money’s worth from digital content licenses?
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
In 2019, 76% of the audiobook licenses purchased by libraries were perpetual. By 2024, however, 64% of the licenses purchased were metered. A metered license is one that expires after a set period—typically 12 or 24 months—rather than being owned indefinitely. In this episode, Ann and Jeff discuss how this shift in licensing models affects cost per circulation, return on investment (ROI), and the overall composition of a library’s audiobook collection.
What are the hosts reading?
Jeff is reading Malcolm Gladwell's Revenge of the Tipping Point, which is available through Hoopla Flex. Ann is enjoying the mystery, At Loggerheads by Kristen Ness.
Related links
Navigating the Digital Publishing Landscape (Blog Article)
2025 American Library Association Conference
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Ann and Jeff are back to break down a topic of what’s draining library budgets everywhere. Metered licenses - what are they, why do they matter, and how are they reshaping the way libraries serve their communities? Whether you're a librarian, a budget hawk, or just curious about the cost behind your favorite audiobooks and eBooks, this episode delivers the straight facts! Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
Ann and Jeff discuss the inspiration behind the Hoopla platform and its pay-per-use model. The discussion also touches on patron expectations, pricing, and how the service will continue to evolve.
Average cost per circ on Hoopla (2013-2024)
Saturday May 03, 2025
Saturday May 03, 2025
The Straight Download is a raw and informative podcast for library professionals, and anyone interested in the digital publishing industry.