By Jake Thompson, Account Manager & Marketing Executive, Exact Editions

Each month, Jake Thompson from Exact Editions reviews a library podcast for the Charleston Hub. With information and analysis for a librarian audience, it is an essential guide to an exciting medium.

TLA’s Libraries Transform Texas

2020-present. 

57 episodes thus far. 

Between 15 and 25 minutes per episode. Some special episodes are around 45 minutes in length.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and others (listed here on PodNews)

Free to listen.

In A Nutshell:

The Libraries Transform Texas podcast showcases the great work of libraries and librarians in the “Lone Star State”. Produced by the Texas Library Association, it features engaging and inspiring accounts that highlight how libraries and librarians can positively impact communities.

The Format:

The podcast takes the form of a discussion between two figures in the Texan library community. The discussion is based on a theme in which the guest speaker is experienced. Whilst Texas is clearly central to the podcast - many of the themes covered often go well beyond this geographical boundary. 

For example, impactful public library initiatives, important lessons in improving diversity, and creative uses of technology have been the focus of recent episodes. These are  ideas and lessons applicable for librarians and libraries across the globe.

Hosts & Guests:

There is a “revolving door” of hosts that keep Libraries Transform Texas fresh and energetic, as each instalment of the podcast provides new voices and perspectives.

Recent episodes have featured the following guests:

• Da'Taeveyon Daniels, partnership director at Students Engaged in Advancing Texas
• Kendra Harrell, library director at the Atlanta, Texas, Public Library
• John Trischitti, executive director of the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin
• Marianne DeLeon, the newly appointed CEO of the Texas Book Festival
• Caleb Kraft, Senior Editor of Make: Magazine

The podcast is dedicated to broadcasting perspectives on librarianship that might not be focused on by the wider library press. For example, the discussion between Christina Taylor and Moni Barrette regarding graphic novels and comics offered a viewpoint on a side of the publishing industry one traditionally might not associate with libraries.

I was struck by Barette’s account of challenges many libraries had in stocking graphic novels the word “graphic” an instant obstacle), as well as the initiatives used to overcome this - as she successfully  encouraged library use and graphic novel reading amongst young people.

A Nice Touch:

One might describe the format as minimalist, as a loosely structured conversation in which the host and guest have time to dig into the topics. This relaxed nature pays dividends for open, and at times emotional, dialogues.

A notable example was with best-selling fantasy author Tomi Adeyemi, who spoke emotionally about how the death of Trayvon Martin and other police shootings impacted her life. This fear and pain was galvanised into her book series, which offered an allegory for these issues through a fantasy lens.

Ultimately, this insightful perspective was aided by the lack of structural impositions on the show. A more strictly defined format would have broken the natural flow of the conversation and not given, both the host and guest, time to actively reflect on the discussion points at hand. 

An Area For Improvement:

I wonder whether the show could have a sharper focus on higher-education institutions (such as college and university libraries). As academic libraries represent a different side to the library world, this might broaden the show’s remit and offer wider perspectives on the concerns of librarians at higher-education institutions.

Additionally, I wonder whether the podcast could have different theme music at the beginning of each show. This is a show that offers diverse and unique perspectives - a more personable song choice could reflect this whilst also more strongly defining the show’s brand identity.

What’s more, this could be a great opportunity to relate the production of the show to the Texas community. Many libraries have music classes and initiatives - perhaps this could be an opportunity to broadcast the local musicianship as a testament to the great opportunities created by libraries.

Overall:

On the whole, Libraries Transform Texas provides a platform for broadcasting the perspectives of a diverse range of librarians. There are thought-provoking and unique library-based topics to be discussed at length in a format which rewards nuanced insight.

I would recommend this to librarians who would like to make active steps to engage with their library community. Whilst rooted in Texas, there are ideas, lessons and perspectives here with which the global network of librarianship can glean valuable insights from.

Exact Editions provides libraries with ongoing access to fully-searchable magazine archives. You can offer suggestions and find out more by emailing Jake at jake.thompson@exacteditions.com.