Voices of Literacy

RU515 Voices of Literacy 1/20/2026 | Guest: Dr. John Spencer

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Dr. John Spencer, a former middle school teacher and current professor of educational technology, for a thoughtful and timely conversation about artificial intelligence, information literacy and the human choices that shape how technology is used in schools and communities. Here are some key takeaways: 🔹 AI Is Not Magic, It’s a Prediction Machine Jennifer and John unpack what artificial intelligence actually does, tracing it back through history to show how today’s generative tools are part of a long lineage of prediction based technologies. They discuss why understanding how AI works matters for librarians and educators navigating deepfakes, bias and misinformation. 🔹 Why AI Can Harm Without Being “Intelligent” Using real world examples from recent news, John explains why AI can generate convincing and harmful images or content without truly knowing anything at all. The conversation highlights how training data, probability and human prompting combine to create outcomes that feel real and cause real harm. 🔹 Bias, Anthropomorphism and Gendered Tech Together they explore why we so often talk about AI as if it were human, including how assistant metaphors and gendered language shape our relationships with technology. This section connects directly to media literacy and the importance of naming how power, bias and history are embedded in tools. 🔹 The Human Factor in Media and Information Literacy John and Jennifer return again and again to the idea that technology amplifies human intent. They discuss why curiosity, historical context and civic literacy are essential for helping learners critically engage with AI rather than fear it or accept it uncritically. 🔹 Why Librarians Matter More Than Ever The episode closes with a powerful reflection on the role of librarians as leaders in information literacy, AI education and ethical technology use. In a moment when library positions are being cut or diminished, this conversation makes a clear case for why librarians are essential guides in an AI saturated world. Note: While this podcast is available across many popular podcast platforms, it was recorded specifically for students in the MLIS Program at Rutgers University, especially those taking RU 515: Emerging Literacies.

RU515 Voices of Literacy 12/8/2025 | Guest: Len Bryan

In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Len Bryan, Partner of Library Services for the Cherry Creek School District, for a lively and insightful conversation about what school library data can reveal, inspire and make possible. 🔹 Why Mid Year Data Matters Jennifer and Len explore how timing shapes the impact of data storytelling, and why sharing information while decisions are still in motion can make a meaningful difference for learners and library programs. 🔹 Seeing the Library Through Evidence From circulation patterns to instructional collaborations, Len breaks down practical and approachable ways librarians can identify, collect and synthesize data that already exists in their daily work. 🔹 Data as a Community Builder Together they consider how data, when used thoughtfully, can open doors for collaboration, strengthen relationships with administrators and spark important conversations about what students need most. 🔹 A Fresh Approach to Advocacy Listeners get a first look at Jennifer’s Library Wrapped idea, inspired by Spotify Wrapped, and learn how joyful mid year data stories can capture attention, celebrate learners and highlight the essential work happening in school libraries. Note: While this podcast is available across many popular podcast platforms, it was recorded specifically for students in the MLIS Program at Rutgers University, especially those taking RU 515: Emerging Literacies.

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 Now They unpack how legislation, district policies, and educational gag orders are shaping what learners can read and how librarians make decisions. 🔹 The Rise of Misinformation April traces how old propaganda tactics have been supercharged by today’s digital tools, creating new challenges for educators and communities. 🔹 Real Talk for Future Librarians From 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 Hope Despite 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.