In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Len Bryan, Partner of Library Services for the Cherry Creek School District, for a lively and insightful conversation about what school library data can reveal, inspire and make possible.

🔹 Why Mid Year Data Matters Jennifer and Len explore how timing shapes the impact of data storytelling, and why sharing information while decisions are still in motion can make a meaningful difference for learners and library programs.

🔹 Seeing the Library Through Evidence From circulation patterns to instructional collaborations, Len breaks down practical and approachable ways librarians can identify, collect and synthesize data that already exists in their daily work.

🔹 Data as a Community Builder Together they consider how data, when used thoughtfully, can open doors for collaboration, strengthen relationships with administrators and spark important conversations about what students need most.

🔹 A Fresh Approach to Advocacy Listeners get a first look at Jennifer’s Library Wrapped idea, inspired by Spotify Wrapped, and learn how joyful mid year data stories can capture attention, celebrate learners and highlight the essential work happening in school libraries.

Note: While this podcast is available across many popular podcast platforms, it was recorded specifically for students in the MLIS Program at Rutgers University, especially those taking RU 515: Emerging Literacies.

In this episode, Jennifer and Dr. April Dawkins jump into an important conversation about what it really means to protect access, ethics, and intellectual freedom in today’s schools.

🔹 Why Intellectual Freedom Matters Now They unpack how legislation, district policies, and educational gag orders are shaping what learners can read and how librarians make decisions.

🔹 The Rise of Misinformation April traces how old propaganda tactics have been supercharged by today’s digital tools, creating new challenges for educators and communities.

🔹 Real Talk for Future Librarians From navigating interview “gotcha” questions to leaning on policy instead of panic, April shares practical, clear eyed advice for early career librarians stepping into the work.

🔹 Reasons for Hope Despite the pressures facing school libraries, April highlights the passion and courage she sees in the next generation of librarians who are ready to advocate, lead, and build inclusive collections for every learner.

Note: while this podcast is available to a broad audience across many popular podcast platforms, it was recorded specifically for students in the MLIS Program at Rutgers University - specifically those taking RU515: Emerging Literacies.

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Jean Darnell, Director of Library Sciences for the School District of Philadelphia, for a powerful conversation about information literacy and media mindfulness. Their discussion centers on how social media platforms are financially incentivized to provoke emotional reactions and how that economy of attention can harm individuals and communities. Jean and Jennifer invite educators and librarians to go beyond teaching the mechanics of information verification, encouraging approaches that help learners recognize emotional manipulation, protect their attention, and reclaim empathy as a critical literacy skill.