TLA's Libraries Transform Texas Podcast

In this episode, host Michelia Mason, head librarian at Southwest Research Institute, welcomes Dana Whitmire, electronic resources coordinator at the UT San Antonio Health Science Center Library, for a conversation about using data to make more informed library decisions. Whitmire explores the different types of data libraries collect, from resource usage and cost-per-use to service metrics, website analytics and patron feedback, and explains how asking the right questions can turn that information into meaningful insights. She shares real-world examples of how data has helped her library evaluate subscriptions, reduce costs and improve access to resources, including the use of dashboards to track open access publishing opportunities and savings. The conversation also highlights the importance of presenting data in ways that resonate with different stakeholders, developing practical skills with tools like Excel and Power BI, and maintaining a thoughtful approach to data quality, privacy and interpretation.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Michelle Chan Santos, coordinator for the Texas Center for the Book, welcomes Susan Floyd of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to explore how Texas is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through reading, history, and community engagement. Floyd shares details about the Texas America 250 Project, a statewide initiative bringing traveling exhibits, digital resources, videos, and a yearlong reading challenge to libraries, schools, and communities across Texas. The conversation also highlights the 2026 Texas Great Reads, honoring beloved Texas author John Erickson. This year’s selections include The Case of the Poison Toad for young readers and Erickson’s autobiography, Small-Town Author, for adults. Together, the initiatives offer Texans of all ages new ways to connect with the stories, people, and history that have shaped the state and nation.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Michelia Mason, head librarian at the Southwest Research Institute, welcomes Kristi Park, executive director of the Texas Digital Library, to celebrate the organization's 20th anniversary and explore its impact on scholarly communication. Kristi discusses how the Texas Digital Library helps academic institutions expand access to research, digital collections, educational resources, and research data through shared infrastructure and collaboration. The conversation also examines the evolving role of libraries in an era of open access, federal data-sharing requirements, and artificial intelligence, while highlighting the importance of ethical innovation, digital preservation, and member-driven partnerships.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Regina Reed, director of the Leon Valley Public Library, welcomes Mychal Threets, known to many as “Mychal the Librarian,” a TIME100 Creator, and the new host of Reading Rainbow, for a conversation about library joy, belonging, and the power of kindness. Mychal shares how his love for libraries inspired his debut picture book, I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy, and why creating spaces where everyone feels they belong is at the heart of his mission. He reflects on the collaborative process with illustrator Lorraine Nam, discusses how he uses social media to promote mental health, neurodivergent advocacy, and hope, and explains why he strives to remind people that the world is better with them in it. The conversation also explores what it means to be recognized as a TIME100 Creator, the honor of carrying forward the legacy of Reading Rainbow, and his ongoing commitment to literacy, libraries, and helping others find joy.

This episode is sponsored by Cherry Lake Publishing Group.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Carrie Bresnehen, district library specialist with Austin ISD, is joined by Katie Adams, Heather Stephens, and Sarah Ruttan for a conversation inspired by their TLA session, “Beyond the Book Fair: Strategies to Stretch Your Library Budget.” Together, they share creative and practical approaches for making limited library funds go further across a variety of campus settings. The discussion explores fundraising ideas tied to campus culture, including T-shirts, coffee sales, and social media campaigns to encourage donations, as well as partnership opportunities like sister library collaborations and local bookstore fairs. The guests also highlight ways to expand programming with little to no cost by repurposing existing materials, securing donated furniture through organizations like Green Standards, and taking advantage of free TEKS-aligned educational resources from the Texas Wildlife Association. Throughout the episode, they emphasize collaboration, creativity, and community support as key tools for sustaining vibrant school library programs.

In this episode, host Patty Nix, Lead Librarian for Bastrop ISD, is joined by Stephanie Deskin, K–12 digital learning specialist, and Heather Augustine, elementary librarian at Camino Real Elementary, for a conversation on how school libraries can bring STEM to life in meaningful, accessible ways. They explore how elementary libraries serve as unique spaces for hands-on learning—supporting Texas technology application standards like computational thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital citizenship—while giving every student a chance to explore in a low-pressure environment. Deskin shares how early STEM exposure helps build confidence, resilience through trial and error, teamwork, and awareness of future career pathways, particularly for girls. She also offers practical, approachable ways to get started, from unplugged coding and simple materials to community partnerships and buddy-based learning. Augustine brings the conversation to life with a look inside Camino Real’s Girls Who Code club for grades 3–5, where students build skills through collaboration, role models, and project-based coding experiences. She shares how the program is fostering leadership, boosting classroom confidence, and creating opportunities for students to showcase their work through district STEM events.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, guest host Christina Taylor sits down with Emily Hersh, workforce development consultant at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, to explore how public libraries are expanding their role as hubs for workforce and economic opportunity. Emily shares how she supports libraries across Texas through training, resources, and partnerships, helping them better serve patrons seeking jobs, skills training, or support in starting a business. The conversation reframes workforce development as more than employment services, highlighting the wide range of support libraries provide—from resume help and job applications to digital literacy, ESL, GED preparation, and entrepreneurship programming. They also discuss the critical role libraries play as community connectors, bringing together partners such as Workforce Solutions offices, adult education providers, small business development centers, and SCORE. Emily highlights key tools available to libraries, including LearningExpress Library, Udemy, and Gale resources, and shares real-world examples of impact, including a library-led GED program that expanded access through dedicated staffing. Throughout the episode, the conversation underscores how libraries are uniquely positioned to meet community needs, remove barriers, and create pathways to economic mobility.

This episode is sponsored by Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine from bookvending.com.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Katie Loomis of Texas Woman’s University is joined by 2025–26 Texas Library Association President Valerie Prilop and conference planning co-chairs Kate Carter and Brandi Grant for a preview of the 2026 TLA Annual Conference in Houston. Centered on the theme of cultivating community, they share highlights from community-focused sessions, including a Sunday kickoff come-and-go event, “Community Collaboration: Academic, Public, and School Libraries Unite,” and “Effective Networking for Library Professionals.” The conversation also offers practical guidance for both first-time and returning attendees, from using journey maps and the conference app to exploring sessions and the Monday poster presentations. Listeners will hear about nearby Houston attractions, general sessions featuring John Leguizamo, Kate Quinn, and Michael Treviño on “Library Joy,” and popular ticketed events like the BCRT Authors Brunch with Karen Parsons, Texas Tea with the Authors, and Authors After Dark (tickets due March 12). Additional conference experiences include the exhibits hall, author signings, a relaxation station, volunteer opportunities, and a scavenger hunt.

This episode is sponsored by Cherry Lake Publishing Group.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Patty Nix, Lead Librarian for Bastrop ISD, is joined by author and educator Marc Tyler Nobleman for a conversation about storytelling, hidden history, and the power of speaking up. Marc shares how his curiosity led him to uncover overlooked contributors behind iconic stories, including the untold history behind the creation of Batman—work that became the basis for his book, Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman. The discussion explores why questioning dominant narratives matters, especially for young readers, and how stories can empower students to advocate for themselves and others. Marc reflects on the importance of courage, persistence, and self-advocacy, drawing connections between history, literacy, and personal identity. The episode also highlights the role libraries and educators play in fostering curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and helping students see themselves as active participants in their own stories.

Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this special episode of Libraries Transform Texas, host Brianna Saenz, membership engagement coordinator at the Texas Library Association, sits down with six candidates running for executive board positions in the 2026 TLA elections. The conversation features Cheryl Loewen and Daniel Schwartz, candidates for treasurer; Andrea Schorr and Megan Firestone, candidates for representative-at-large for special libraries; and Nicole Cruz and Wenndy Pray, candidates for representative-at-large for school libraries, as they share their backgrounds, perspectives, and hopes for serving the association.