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 libraries, publishers, and data-driven decision-making. From metered licenses and holds ratios to legislative pressure and long-tail discovery, the discussion explores what a healthier digital ecosystem could look like and what it will take to get there.

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 strengthening digital inclusion with platforms like Hoopla.

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 trusted, ad‑free experiences.