Small and rural libraries don’t always have the same resources and opportunities that urban libraries do. But they still have big ideas about how to serve their communities—and, as we hear in Episode 98, they find ways to realize them.At Burlingame (Kans.) Community Library, sensory spaces and a new loanable resource collection are improving the li…

Books flying off the shelves. Shadowy figures roaming the hallways. Unexplained sounds.What’s going on at Peoria (Ill.) Public Library? Is the building possessed by spirits hovering above cursed ground? Or are these apparitions just a sign that librarians have been spending too much time in the stacks?Do not attempt to adjust your audio. In this re…

Libraries are so much more than their physical collections. They offer digital resources, innovative programs, essential services, new technologies, and opportunities to socialize. But not everyone knows this. That’s why OverDrive has started Check Out Your Library, an initiative that aims to reintroduce communities to their local libraries.In this…

The recent wave of book bans and other censorship attempts have threatened democracy, restricting access and the rights of many readers. In Episode 87, Call Number looks at how libraries and library workers are on the front lines defending intellectual freedom. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks w…

As any library staffer who has gone through a building renovation knows, significant behind-the-scenes work goes into updating or overhauling a facility. From working with architects to communicating with committees to soliciting community feedback, rethinking a library doesn’t happen overnight. On Episode 75, the podcast team focuses on library de…

Summer is in full swing. This means getting outside, soaking up some sunshine, and listening to our favorite tunes—from oldies-but-goodies to today’s hits. In Episode 97, Call Number covers music.Some libraries offered programs, hosted listening parties, and transformed into mini concert venues to celebrate their favorite musician’s latest release.…

Next week, we’re on route to San Diego for the American Library Association’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition. In Episode 96, Call Number explores “America’s Finest City” through the lens of local librarians. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Tim Tully, instruction and outreach librari…

In Episode 95, Call Number highlights ways libraries are practicing and promoting sustainability. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski pays a visit to the Sulzer Regional branch of Chicago Public Library, which hosts a repair café every month. At these events, participants bring household items in need of mending to the library…

In Episode 94, Call Number celebrates Preservation Week, this year held April 28–May 4. With the theme of “Preserving Identities,” the week’s events aim to raise awareness of the role libraries and cultural institutions play in protecting historic and culturally significant collections. First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski spea…

From chatbots to image generators to robot companions, artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic across many industries right now. In Episode 93, Call Number explores how AI is emerging in libraries.First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Cheryl Eberly and Larry Singer, both from Santa Ana Public Library in California…

Still reeling from Super Bowl excitement? In Episode 92, Call Number features conversations with librarian athletes who represent three sports: wheelchair racing, pickleball, and powerlifting.First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Paralympian and librarian Amanda McGrory. McGrory, a seven-time medalist, has competed in…

In Episode 91, Call Number explores Baltimore, where ALA will hold its 2024 LibLearnX conference, January 19–22. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with David Thomas and Tonya Thomas, both chefs and food historians. The husband-and-wife duo is behind Baltimore’s H3irloom Food Group, a culinary org…

As we say farewell to 2023, we look back at another year of unprecedented book challenges, efforts to defund libraries, and other threats to the profession. But one silver lining has been the authors who have voiced their support for librarians, books, and democracy.In Episode 90, Call Number presents its “2023 Author Chats.” Hear never-before-rele…

Libraries can be a lifeline for incarcerated or detained individuals and their families. In Episode 89, Call Number discusses creative programs in prison libraries.First, poets and prison reform activists Reginald Dwayne Betts and Randall Horton talked with former ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall back in an interview conducted last July. Betts…

Grab your spell books, get those cauldrons bubbling, and ready your broomsticks. In Episode 88, Call Number delves into the world of witchcraft.First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Dan Lipcan, of Phillips Library at Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The two discuss the library’s vast collection of materia…

The recent wave of book bans and other censorship attempts have threatened democracy, restricting access and the rights of many readers. In Episode 87, Call Number looks at how libraries and library workers are on the front lines defending intellectual freedom. First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks w…

It’s that time of the year again: School is back in session, including for students working toward their master’s degrees in library and information science.In Episode 86, Call Number looks at what’s new in library school.First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial explores iBlackCaucus, a student organization fo…

Episode 85 of Call Number dives into the colorful world of comics, graphic novels, and manga.First, American Libraries Associate Editor Megan Bennett speaks with Jenny Robb, head curator of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at Ohio State University in Columbus, which houses the world’s largest collection of print cartoon art.Then, Americ…

The American Library Association’s 2023 Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in its hometown: Chicago!In Episode 84 of Call Number, find out where to go, what to see, and what to eat during your visit to the Second City.First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Steve Dolinsky, author of …

Small businesses are a big part of every community, and libraries offer a wealth of resources to support them. From research assistance to specialized programs and grants, libraries help entrepreneurs of all kinds flourish.In Episode 83, Call Number highlights how libraries and librarians are supporting small business owners—particularly those who …

Providing programs and services that are both enriching and entertaining is a major goal of most librarians. In this bonus episode, sponsored by Kanopy, Call Number looks at how one librarian is using the video streaming service’s platform to bring movies, television shows, and instructional programs to patrons at home while staying within her libr…

When we discuss access to information, that includes information about our bodies and our health. Libraries have long been a lifeline to patrons looking to connect with health care resources, dispel misinformation, and find answers discreetly—even when our institutions are under attack.In Episode 82, Call Number explores sexual and reproductive hea…

It’s been three years since COVID-19 brought the country to a standstill. In March 2020, the pandemic shuttered library buildings and prompted staffers to shift programming and priorities for a changing world.In Episode 81, Call Number hears from three libraries that expanded, pivoted, and reimagined their offerings to reach community members who n…

Love is always in season at the library. Whether helping readers find their next fictional crush or offering couples space on their wedding day, the library is a perfect place to pair up.In Episode 80, Call Number is head-over-heels for romance.First, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski speaks with Jill Maneikis, deputy director of s…

New Orleans is famous for many things—its sights, bites, sounds, and culture. And this January, it’s where the American Library Association’s LibLearnX conference will make an in-person debut with a vibrant array of speakers, educational sessions, and more. So, let the good times roll—or, as the locals say, Laissez les bons temps rouler!In episode …

And just like that, 2022 is coming to an end. It’s been a tumultuous time for the profession: We’re on course for another record-breaking year of book challenges, politically driven groups are working to pass laws that censor materials and measures that defund libraries, and library workers continue to experience burnout. But one source of hope and…

In Episode 77 of Call Number, we explore the work of medical librarians by highlighting two initiatives presented at the 2022 Medical Library Association Annual Conference.First, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Jennifer Davis, Gail Kouame, and Lachelle Smith. The three collaborated on virtual rea…

Halloween is nearly here. And leading up to the holiday, many of us do all sorts of things to put ourselves in a spooky mood—take haunted hayrides, watch horror movies, carve pumpkins. Sometimes we dust off that shelf of Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Anne Rice books, and sink our teeth into a terrifying story that keeps us up at night.In Episo…

These days, with our busy schedules, it can be difficult to find ways to develop professional skills. That’s why Gale has partnered with Udemy Business, a vast marketplace for online learning, to offer public libraries a program called Gale Presents: Udemy. The program is an online platform that provides instruction through more than 17,000 video-b…

As any library staffer who has gone through a building renovation knows, significant behind-the-scenes work goes into updating or overhauling a facility. From working with architects to communicating with committees to soliciting community feedback, rethinking a library doesn’t happen overnight. On Episode 75, the podcast team focuses on library de…

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dominated headlines this year. The ongoing war has affected people globally, including American librarians and their work. In Episode 74, the Call Number podcast team looks at the ways the profession is supporting Ukraine.First, Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kristin Parker, lead curator and manager of…

This year, the Newbery Medal celebrates 100 years of recognizing distinguished children’s literature. In Episode 73, American Libraries associate editor and Call Number host Diana Panuncial interviews four authors with four prior winners of the award: Jerry Craft, 2020 Newbery Medal winner for New Kid; Cynthia Kadohata, 2005 winner for Kira-Kira; T…

In less than two weeks, the American Library Association's 2022 Annual Conference and Exhibition will take place in Washington, D.C.—the first in-person Annual Conference since the pandemic began. In Episode 72, we’re gearing up to be together again in the nation’s capital.First, American Libraries Associate Editor and Call Number host Diana Panunc…

Among the public libraries implementing Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School, a 21.5-credit online high school completion program, is Rolling Hills Library (RHL) in St. Joseph, Missouri.On this bonus episode of Call Number with American Libraries, sponsored by Gale, Diana Panuncial, associate editor of American Libraries and podcast host, speaks …

In Episode 71 of Call Number with American Libraries, “Setting Up for Self-Care,” we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May. The importance of self-care has become clearer than ever in recent years, especially in the age of the pandemic. In this episode, we look at some of the ways library workers have taken care of themselves—a…

This episode, we celebrate Financial Literacy Month and Money Smart Week, which runs April 9–16. Our show looks at three big questions around money: How can we raise it? How can we save it? And how do we spend it responsibly? First, American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price chats with Jennifer Byrnes, supervisor of the Business Insight Cen…

Episode 52, “Libraries and Sustainability”—which originally aired in July 2020—looks at how librarians were living green at the library and in their own lives before the COVID-19 pandemic began. First, American Libraries Associate Editor Sallyann Price speaks with Gabrielle Griffis, assistant youth services librarian at Brewster (Mass.) Ladies Libr…

While American Libraries is busy searching for its new podcast host, we thought we’d dip into the vault and re-air some of our most popular episodes. Today we’re replaying Episode 35, “Fostering New Businesses,” which originally aired in February 2019.Three years ago, we released this installment to coincide with National Entrepreneurship Week, whi…

While we’re busy searching for our new Call Number host, we thought we’d dip into the vault and re-air some of our most popular episodes. Today we’re replaying our sixth episode, “Banned Books,” which originally aired in October 2016. In 2021, libraries across the country saw a record number of book challenges, and the wisdom of this episode from f…

In Episode 69, Call Number with American Libraries looks back on interviews—with authors and ALA conference speakers—conducted by American Libraries staffers during 2021.Featured in this episode are never-before-released clips from conversations with Fox Sports analyst and former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho; acclaimed writer Isabel Allende; reggae…

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an American institution, instilling the importance of literacy and learning—and a love of words—in generations of children since its founding more than 95 years ago. Beyond word lists, the Bee provides reading lists, a book club, and additional resources, creating a rich ecosystem that helps spellers contextuali…

As November draws to a close, thoughts naturally turn toward food. It brings people together, bridges cultures and divides, and can be used as a teaching tool, providing insights into everything from history and politics to mathematics and problem-solving.On Episode 68, Call Number with American Libraries looks at the wonderful world of food. First…

For more than a year, educators, school librarians, and administrators have been responding and adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last spring, Gale, a Cengage Company, and the American Library Association (ALA) partnered to rejuvenate Gale’s guide to best practices for school librarians. For this Agents of Change 2.0 paper, ALA s…

In his 1968 film Night of the Living Dead, George A. Romero unleashed the modern zombie upon the world. These reanimated corpses with a hunger for human flesh have taken many forms over the years, from slow, shambling ghouls to fast, menacing creatures. But why do they endure? What is it about zombies that fascinates and frightens us? And how have …

In Episode 66, Call Number with American Libraries looks at two libraries featured in American Libraries magazine’s 2021 Library Design Showcase.First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Heather Hart, manager of Salt Lake City Public Library’s Sprague branch, about renovations that were made to the 93-ye…

Librarians in the US serve different populations, each with a distinct set of needs. Among those are veterans, who often face unique challenges when returning to civilian life after their military service ends. Many of them turn to the library for help and resources, so it’s essential for library workers to know more about this community to better …

Since its emergence in New York City in the late 1970s, hip-hop has grown to become a musical, cultural, and economic force around the world. And it’s been embraced by libraries, which are using the art form for community outreach, teaching, preservation, and more.In Episode 64, Call Number with American Libraries looks at libraries and hip-hop. Fi…

In Episode 63, Call Number with American Libraries looks at outdoor-related activities with conversations about bugs, beach reads, and outdoor learning. First, ALA Editions Senior Acquisitions Editor Rachel Chance speaks with Erin Rothenbuehler and Sean Duffy from Ohio County (W.V.) Public Library about a series of programs the library offers on bu…

In Episode 62, Call Number with American Libraries looks at law librarianship through conversations with law librarians representing two different areas of the profession.First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Emily Florio, senior research services manager at international law firm Hogan Lovells and p…

In this special bonus episode, Call Number with American Libraries celebrates Preservation Week (April 25–May 1) by looking at the 1619 Project, a collection of historical records, essays, photos, and audio that aims to reframe the consequences of slavery in the US and highlight the contributions of Black people to the American experience.American …