Podcasts are a familiar technology to many of us, but did you know there are podcasts dedicated to supporting librarians everywhere? Podcasts are an excellent tool for professional development, but can also support librarians to feel part of the larger professional community. These are three podcasts that I recommend, depending on what you’re seeking.

Library Land Loves

• Who it’s for: This podcast covers topics relevant to library staff in all types of community and school spaces.
• Why I like it: Episodes are super practical, as guests share practical steps that can be quickly implemented with host Michelle Arbuckle. For example, a podcasts on accessibility encouraged staff to think about little things, such as increasing the font size or having different mouse options, while a podcast about gaming had a kid-recommended, expert-approved list of gaming titles to explore. Episodes range from 30-40 minutes.
• Try this episode: If you’re like me, the thought of author hosting — especially an author that you adore — can be a little intimidating. The April 26th episode with Carol Ann Tack discusses this very problem, offering advice about how you can use your fan-love to create even stronger community between your library and the authors that visit.
• Listen here.

School Librarians United

• Who it’s for: School librarians, librarian assistants, and anyone else supporting school libraries.
• Why I like it: The conversational nature really invites you into community with Amy Herman and her guests… It’s a low pressure, bouncing ideas, remind you why you love this field kind of podcast. Amy has several award-winning librarians as guests, yet they are always humble, inviting, and bring it back to the students. You never leave feeling overwhelmed, only inspired. Episodes can be a little longer, but are easily broken up over multiple listens.
• Try this episode: Episode 125 features guest, Adriana L. White, an autistic librarian, speaking about neurodiversity, the library, and how create a culture of acceptance.
• Listen here.

Leading from the Library

• Who it’s for: School librarians and librarian assistants, with select topics relevant to the larger field.
• Why I like it: These episodes are short and sweet, ranging from 15-20 minutes — perfect for your commute! Each episode has a short conversation or targeted suggestion, such as how you can use music to engage students and entice new readers to the school library. Shannon McClintock Miller hosts this podcast for & Future Ready Schools, who also publish a series of books about project-based learning, leadership, and digital literacy in the library.
• Try this episode: The March 30, 2021 episode, entitled “When teachers and librarians collaborate, anything is possible” highlights the positive relationships that can be built between educators and librarians. This episode is less about specific strategy and about renewing our commitment to collaboration to support student needs.
• Listen here.

Reference List

Arbuckle, M. (2018-present). Library land loves [Audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/library-land-loves/id1367675479

Herman, A. (2018-present). School librarians united [Audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/school-librarians-united-with-amy-hermon/id1434321470

McClintock Miller, S. (2020-present). Leading from the library [Audio podcast]. Future Ready Schools. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-from-the-library/id1529505908

Image Credits

Featured Image: Kaboompics. (May 31, 2015). Earphones-headphones-mobile-music-791188 [Image]. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/photos/earphones-headphones-mobile-music-791188/ CC Zero