In this special extended episode, host Myka Kennedy Stephens sits down with Jessica Zairo to explore how embracing the value of sharing can positively impact communities. Drawing heavily on Jessica's experiences with open-source software support and development, particularly with the Koha integrated library system, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration, reciprocal giving, and community building in the library world.

Jessica Zairo serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at ByWater Solutions, where she builds relationships with libraries and open-source communities. Her career spans various roles in library and information services, including: - Member services coordinator at Tampa Bay Library Consortium (128 member libraries) - Information manager at Everlove and Associates (legal reference and research services) - Creator and host of the popular "Monday Minutes" educational video series

Key Takeaways 1. The power of reciprocal giving extends beyond individual transactions to build stronger communities 2. Collaborative competition ("co-opetition") can drive innovation while maintaining community values 3. Inclusive participation in open-source communities strengthens the entire ecosystem 4. Knowledge sharing through accessible documentation benefits users worldwide 5. Successful migrations require involving all stakeholders in the transition process 6. Trust building through transparency and community recognition is essential for open-source adoption

Read the companion blog post: https://www.fosgail.org/blog/2025/10/05/2025-10-05_embracing-the-value-of-sharing/

Koha-US User Group: https://koha-us.org/

Koha Community website: https://koha-community.org/

Monday Minutes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV_OXyJ1D3BgKovtgSBoFcQNb7IhixDKO

Sign up for the Fosgail Field Notes newsletter: https://www.fosgail.org/discover-more/newsletter/

Join the Fosgail Community: https://community.fosgail.org

Recorded August 19, 2025 with Descript.