In this episode of The Library is Open podcast, Bruce Barnet, co-founder of The MindCare Store and SiMPL Technologies, shares his inspiring journey to working with Alzheimer’s and dementia communities. Bruce discusses how his personal experiences and passion for improving the quality of life for those affected by cognitive challenges led him to develop innovative tools and resources tailored to their needs.

He highlights some of the key products offered by The MindCare Store, including user-friendly communication devices, memory aids, and tools designed to support caregivers and patients alike. Bruce explains the thoughtful design process behind these solutions, focusing on simplicity, accessibility, and their ability to enhance independence.

Additionally, Bruce delves into how libraries across the country have adopted these tools as part of their community engagement efforts. He shares stories of how libraries are leveraging these resources to create dementia-friendly spaces and programs, fostering greater inclusion and support for those living with Alzheimer’s and related conditions.This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, community, and care, and how libraries can leverage these resources to serve their communities.

To learn more about the MindCare store's library resources, visit: https://www.mindcarestore.com/Libraries-s/2199.htm

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Brian Pichman returns to talk about the tech trends that he thinks will be the hot topic for libraries in 2025. From new facets of AI to cybersecurity, Brian draws on his experiences attending recent library conferences to workshops he has hosted to share his insights. We also may talk about cows....listen to find out!

To learn more about Brian, visit https://bpichman.com/#home or listen to his original podcast episode here.

Visit here to watch replays from ByWater's AI Innovations in Libraries Virtual Conference.

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we had the joy of talking with Aleisha Amohia, Technical Lead at Catalyst IT at kohacon24!

We talk about her experience working with Catalyst IT, what the open source community means to her, and what's to come with kohacon25!!

Learn more about Aleisha here: https://www.aleisha.nz/

Twitter: @aleishaamohia

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleishaamohia/

Aleisha is a Technical Lead at Catalyst IT, an open source software company, where she started out as an intern in 2014. She is a Victoria University of Wellington graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Information Systems).

Aleisha Amohia (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi) (she/her) is a passionate young advocate for diversity and equity in all spaces, sparked by her experiences as a young Māori-Asian woman in the technology industry.

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we welcome librarian, ByWater friend, and author Lydia Sigwarth to the podcast! Lydia is a Community Engagement Librarian at the Dubuque County Library District in Iowa and the author of "Dear Librarian", a beautifully illustrated children's book about Lydia's childhood experience at the library. Lydia was also featured on an episode of the This American Life podcast called "Growing Shelf-Awareness". In this episode, we discuss Lydia's childhood experience growing up at the library, her journey to becoming and author and librarian, and how libraries can best support children who may be in unstable living situations.

Follow Lydia on all the socials @LibraryLydia

Purchase Lydia's book here

Listen to Lydia's episode on This American Life here

Guess who's back? Back again? Marshall's back! Marshall Breeding of Library Technology Guides is back on the podcast to discuss all the trends and hot topics of ALA 2024, and recap his Executive Perspectives panel (our very own Nathan Curulla was a panelist!). We also compared our step counts at the conference and our favorite AI tools.

Learn more about Marshall's work at librarytechnology.org

Join us at our FREE virtual Unlocking the Future: AI Innovations in Libraries conference! September 16-17, 2024. Learn more here: https://www.airmeet.com/e/9cd10860-3887-11ef-9cac-83019b5cc2e9

In this episode of The Library is Open Podcast, Sam Passey, Associate Dean of Library Services at Colorado Mountain College, joins us to talk about his recent switch from public to academic librarianship, his experience and passion for Open Source, and his hopes for the future. Sam formerly worked as the Director of the Uintah County Library and was the co-founder of the Uintah Basin Libraries Consortium. Follow Sam on LinkedIn!

In this episode of the Library is Open podcast, Andrew Auld, Commercial Director at PTFS Europe, joins us to talk about the partnership with ByWater, updates from koha Hackfest, and...sourdough bread??! Listen to the podcast to learn more!

Guess who's back?! Marshall Breeding of Library Technology Guides! Marshall joins us on this episode of the podcast to discuss the trends and topics that were at the forefront of this year's Public Library Association 2024 Conference, as well as the fun events!

Follow Marshall at librarytechnology.org

It's ByWater Solutions' 15th Anniversary!!! What better way to celebrate 15 years of extraordinary service to libraries by talking with ByWater Solutions founders Brendan Gallagher and Nathan Curulla. In this episode, we discuss the ByWater Solutions origin story, starting and growing a business with your best friend, and hopes for ByWaters' future.

In our latest episode of The Library is Open Podcast, we chat with one of our good friends Telishia "Tee" Murray, Director of Library and Learning Resources at Galveston College in Texas. Tee shares about her path to becoming a librarian, her unique experiences serving as both a public library and academic library director under the age of 40, her love of Koha and the Open Source Community, and so much more! You won't want to miss this episode!

Follow the Galveston College Library here: https://www.facebook.com/galvestoncollegelibrary