Two Librarians & A Microphone

Libraries like Fresno County Public Library in California and Fort Vancouver Regional Library in Washington are "leading forward" with a fresh mindset towards programming. From making fleece blankets for the homeless to providing lunches in conjunction with summer reading, these libraries realize that they must observe and adapt to the unique needs of their communities. Today, these libraries are focused on their individual communities in efforts to truly help the collective of society.

Join us as we discuss how libraries successfully promote democracy. Libraries are not only helping community members vote, but also assisting patrons achieve the life-changing goal of citizenship, bringing legislative knowledge to light and lending a helping hand to refugees in their communities. Ultimately, libraries are the great equalizer, there to serve everyone, helping them access the knowledge, skills and tools they need to be informed members of our democracy. 

In this episode, we’ll discuss how libraries are community anchors – providing assistance during natural disasters, offering refuge in the midst of chaos, and solidifying the library as the community’s core, no matter the circumstance.

Our hosts confront the elephant in the room and discuss the spirited debate sparked by the erroneous (briefly published, since removed) Forbes article, "Amazon Should Replace Local Libraries to Save Taxpayers Money." It turns out that not only are librarians masters of literature, but they also know how to find deleted articles on Google. From partnering with the local food bank to stepping up in times of crisis, libraries are so much more than a repository of books. Listen in and understand why. 

We took Season 4, What I Didn’t Learn In Library School, on the road! Straight from the trade show floor in NOLA, we asked librarians who stopped by our Ingram booth what they would share with the next generation of information experts. From building maintenance to library marketing that works, see if they add insight to your own ideas. https://goo.gl/xK12AS

From the unusual to the inspirational, every so often in-between, there are those patron interactions, community events, or lessons from #TheLibraryLife that remind you why you love it.

Warning! This episode has all the feels. Because great things are bound to happen when you give people access to information and knowledge that helps enrich their lives. https://goo.gl/NJDans

Two Librarians and a Microphone: What I Didn’t Learn in Library School. Season 4 is here with a unique look at lessons from #TheLibraryLife! How often have you found yourself discussing library challenges you wish you learned about in school? We’ve all been there, and this season, we’re sharing with the whole class. https://goo.gl/GBgw9E

Hear the inside scoop on how they:Took a big step towards fulfilling their library missionCreated community-based partnerships to support the programPlanned special events and met with unexpected surprises along the wayResponded to other libraries with similar community pocketsLearn More: https://goo.gl/yQUGaK

So much of what we think we know is perceived through a political lens—education, women’s rights, even public library funding. How can libraries respond to this social shift without losing the integrity of their missions? Learn more https://goo.gl/P8DBNs

The 2016 election turned up the heat on an already simmering political climate. What can libraries do to promote civil discourse—in the home, at schools, and in the workplace—when at high levels those lessons are lacking? Learn more https://goo.gl/EAL3Hi

When news comes with two sides it can be a slippery slope. Add in community-built “reference materials” like Wikipedia, and the need for trustworthy and critical resource evaluators is vital to ensuring infoliteracy. Learn more https://goo.gl/pHGyif

In today’s modern world the neutral librarian might just as easily find themselves in Sir Thomas Moore’s Utopia. Is neutrality something to be strived for? Is it possible? Or should libraries embrace their opinions? Learn more https://goo.gl/WKgh6g

Inspiring Communities. Aiding patrons after disasters. Providing overlooked resources. As true assets to the community, librarians do so much more than refer patrons to great literature. Listen in to discover all the ways in which librarians are guiding, inspiring, and helping patrons reach their goals by existing as community hubs of information and action.  www.ingramcontent.com/libraries

Librarians have been creating innovate programming for their communities with amazing success. From catching on to crazes such as Pokémon Go to partnerships with AARP, programming can run the gamut for resourceful librarians. Tune in to hear inspiring stories about creative library programming and pick up a few ideas of your own.

Who wouldn’t want to wave a magic wand and fix life’s problems? For many, escapist fiction is a way to put aside daily stresses and take a break from reality. Literature can help you explore the broader world, refresh your mind and provide time to regroup. Help your patrons escape with a good book and put a little distance between themselves and what’s causing them stress.

Gigs are no longer reserved solely for comedians and musicians. Bloggers, vloggers, ridesharing drivers and a host of other nontraditional career opportunities now occupy the space of independent and temporary work. Listen in as we explore the on demand career path and how you can provide resources to your patrons who are already involved or interested in picking up a gig.

Join us for the fourth installment of our Spring podcast series where we highlight specialists, organizations, and books that offer guidance for developing constructive social and emotional behaviors in kids.

Why is diversity in publishing for kids important? During the 3rd episode of our Developing Sweet and Savvy Kids series we will dive into the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion in books for young readers while highlighting an array of diversity programs that focus on underrepresented ethnicities and cultures in kids’ books.

Empowered Kids is our second episode in the four-part series on Developing Sweet and Savvy Kids. Today’s kids know that they can change the world with just a smartphone and they are out to prove themselves. They can become content creators, information managers and distributors, and collaborators. We want to help them succeed.