Voices of Literacy

RU515 Voices of Literacy 11/13/2025 | Guest: April Dawkins

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 NowThey unpack how legislation, district policies, and educational gag orders are shaping what learners can read and how librarians make decisions.
🔹 The Rise of MisinformationApril traces how old propaganda tactics have been supercharged by today’s digital tools, creating new challenges for educators and communities.
🔹 Real Talk for Future LibrariansFrom 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 HopeDespite 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. 

RU515 Voices of Literacy 10/1/2025 | Guest: Jean Darnell

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.

RU515 Voices of Literacy 9/1/2015 | Guest: Ken Shelton

In this episode Jennifer is joined by Ken Shelton for a thoughtful conversation about generative AI through the lens of equity and inclusion. Together, we examine both the opportunities and challenges these tools present, and we push educators and librarians to move beyond surface-level thinking about these tools, their potential and their pitfalls. Our discussion invites you to investigate AI with a critical eye, center community needs, and use innovation as a way to disrupt assumptions rather than reinforce them.

RU 515 Voices of Literacy 9/16/25 | Guest: Dr. Ashley Cooksey

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Dr. Ashley Cooksey of Arkansas Tech University for a conversation that connects curation, universal design for learning, and advocacy. We explore how thoughtful curation helps educators center student needs, how UDL opens doors for every learner, and why great pedagogical practice is itself a powerful form of advocacy. Whether you’re in the classroom, the library, or preparing future educators, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways.

RU 515 Voices of Literacy 8/7/25 Guest: Carl Harvey

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Dr. Carl Harvey, a respected leader in school librarianship and literacy education. Together, we explore the evolving role of libraries, the importance of access and equity for all learners, and the power of building Personal Learning Networks to strengthen our practice. Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or literacy advocate, you’ll come away with fresh insights and practical ideas to bring back to your own community.
 

RU 515 Voices of Literacy 11/21/23 Guest: Kristin Ziemke

In this episode, Kristin Ziemke joins us to discuss what it means to be literate in the digital age. 
Connect with Kristin:
Twitter
Kristin's website

RU 515 Voices of Literacy 10/1/23 Guest: Ben Kort

In this episode, Ben Kort joins us to discuss his maker space. Noteworthy is Ben's use of the maker space as an intervention for vulnerable learners. 
Connect with Ben:
Twitter
Video about Ben's work (generally)

RU 515 Voices of Literacy 8/10/23 Guest: Ken Shelton

In this episode, Ken Shelton joins us to discuss the concept of Techquity and the role that libraries play in helping all learners have the same access and opportunity to essential tools for learning.
Connect with Ken:
Twitter
Ken's Website