The Straight Download
A podcast for library professionals and anyone interested in the digital publishing industry. In each episode, Hoopla’s Jeff Jankowski and Ann Ford dive into current trends and share valuable insights.
Episodes
Please note: this episode contains a few audio issues.
Recorded live from the Public Library Association Conference floor, Episode 13 of The Straight Download features a timely conversation about the future of public libraries during a period of cultural, technological, and political change. Hosts Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski are joined by Jamar Rahming, CEO of the Cuyahoga County Public Library and incoming President of PLA.
The ...
Recorded live from the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis, this episode of Straight Download features hosts Ann and Jeff in a wide-ranging conversation with publishing journalist Andrew Albanese, editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives and founder of Words & Money. Together, they dig into the economics of digital publishing, the sustainability of library e-content models, and the growing tension between lib...
In this episode, Moe Hosseini Ara, City Librarian of Toronto Public Library, joins Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski for a powerful conversation on equity-driven leadership and the future of digital access.
Together, they unpack how TPL is advancing equity across one of North America’s busiest systems—from expanding community outreach and supporting newcomers to reimagining services and strengt...
From COVID lockdown streaming spikes to today’s subscription fatigue, digital media has reshaped patron expectations fast. Users didn’t just switch platforms; they raised the bar.
This episode unpacks the biggest shifts across eBooks, audiobooks, and video from 2020 to 2026, and how habits shaped by Netflix, Spotify, TikTok, Kindle, and Apple TV+ now define what people expect from libraries: instant access, smart discovery, and tru...
Ann and Jeff kick off the year with an insightful conversation with Roosevelt Weeks, Director of the Fort Bend County Library System. Together, they explore the key forces shaping library priorities and services in the year ahead.
From funding challenges and political dynamics to evolving community needs and the growing demand for digital access, this discussion takes a deep dive into what’s next for libraries.
Join us for a special retrospective as we celebrate Hoopla’s biggest achievements of 2025. From expanding BingePass and SeasonPass offerings for libraries to the creation of Instant bundles and forging new partnerships with organizations like the Urban Library Council, this year marked a bold step forward. We also advanced discoverability of the Hoopla collection and championed pricing advocacy—efforts that led to more Bonus Borrow...
Hear directly from someone on the front lines of library advocacy. Ellen Paul, Executive Director of the Connecticut Library Consortium, joins us to share how libraries are protecting equitable access to eBooks and championing patron rights.
The Straight Download Podcast isn’t exactly LeVar Burton Reads or The NYT Book Review Podcast. And it’s definitely not Joe Rogan asking authors if they believe in aliens.
But if you’re into libraries, digital strategy, and practical ideas that actually help them connect with and serve their communities—you might find it worth a listen.
Check out this clip and see what you think.
Libraries are grappling with shrinking catalogs, rising license costs, and unsustainable holds. Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski share how libraries can regain control through smarter budgeting, streamlined operations, and stronger patron engagement.
In this episode, we continue exploring how libraries can use data to drive impact. Our guest, Michael Holton, Vice President of Product Management at Hoopla, shares how tools like Enhanced Circulation Reporting and the Patron Growth Report help libraries make smarter decisions and better understand patron behavior. Tune in to discover how these innovations are shaping the future of library services and empowering leaders with actio...
Regarding digital publishing, there’s a great deal of chatter out there—unfortunately, most of it is inaccurate. If you're interested in hearing what’s truly happening within the industry, check out The Straight Download, hosted by Jeff Jankowski, Hoopla Founder and President, and Ann Ford, VP of Hoopla Sales and Support.
In this episode, we explore why libraries need better KPIs to measure digital success and how traditional metrics like checkouts and door counts fall short. We discuss shifting focus toward community reach, engagement, and retention—while examining the impact of power users on usage data.
Ann and Jeff take a closer look at the utilization of the licenses being purchased by libraries—focusing on how utilization is measured, some of the factors that influence it, and the return on investment across different types of licenses.
What are the hosts reading?
Jeff is diving into the intrigue of Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, while Ann is exploring the powerful insights of, You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy—two ...
In Episode 3 of The Straight Download Podcast, we explore a critical question: Are libraries getting their money’s worth from digital content licenses?
In 2019, 76% of the audiobook licenses purchased by libraries were perpetual. By 2024, however, 64% of the licenses purchased were metered. A metered license is one that expires after a set period—typically 12 or 24 months—rather than being owned indefinitely. In this episode, Ann and Jeff discuss how this shift in licensing models affects cost per circulation, return on investment (ROI), and the overall composition of a library’s ...
Ann and Jeff are back to break down a topic of what’s draining library budgets everywhere. Metered licenses - what are they, why do they matter, and how are they reshaping the way libraries serve their communities? Whether you're a librarian, a budget hawk, or just curious about the cost behind your favorite audiobooks and eBooks, this episode delivers the straight facts! Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!
Ann and Jeff discuss the inspiration behind the Hoopla platform and its pay-per-use model. The discussion also touches on patron expectations, pricing, and how the service will continue to evolve.
Average cost per circ on Hoopla (2013-2024)
The Straight Download is a raw and informative podcast for library professionals, and anyone interested in the digital publishing industry.
Popular Podcasts
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Clifford Show with Clifford Taylor IV blends humor, culture, and behind-the-scenes sports talk with real conversations featuring athletes, creators, and personalities—spotlighting the grind, the growth, and the opportunities shaping the next generation of sports and culture.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.