San José State University School of Information is thrilled to announce the launch of its new podcast series, “Information Gone Wild: Conversations from the Field.” This engaging podcast explores various topics within the contemporary library landscape.

The podcast series envisioned and created by Dr. Anthony S. Chow, features hosts Maurice Coleman, Essraa Nawar, and Paul Signorelli. “The idea came about at last year’s LibLearnX conference,” said Chow, director of the SJSU School of Information. “I was alive with ideas from the conference and thought, how many people can actually attend these events? We needed to bring the outstanding leaders and wisdom shared at these conferences to everyone.”

Chow’s inspiration for the podcast stems from his love of YouTube. “YouTube is my go-to for anything related to putting things together or fixing things,” he said. “I felt a YouTube podcast video series would be an ideal way to share the knowledge and wisdom of leaders in our field. We called it ‘Information Gone Wild’ because the LIS field is exploding with new ideas and ways to help and serve people.”

Coleman, who has produced and hosted the “T is for Training” library training podcast since 2008, brings extensive experience to the series. “`Information Gone Wild’ is exposing the SJSU iSchool universe to interesting and topical library leaders, places, and ideas,” Coleman said. “It’s about connecting the SJSU iSchool network to the worldwide network of library leadership and innovation.”

Signorelli, who has been part of Coleman’s “T is for Training” podcast for over a decade, also brings a wealth of experience. “Having a chance to work with Anthony and Maurice to develop this podcast has already made this a dream come true,” Signorelli said. “The chance to work with wonderful colleagues and interview people I absolutely adore is one of those offers you just can’t and don’t turn down.”

Nawar, a 2017 alumna of the SJSU iSchool’s Master of Library and Information Science degree program, adds a unique blend of creativity and analytical thinking to the podcast. “I am delighted to join Maurice and Paul in this endeavor,” Nawar said. “My background in library advocacy, fundraising, outreach, and DEI, along with my extensive experience in podcasting as a guest, has prepared me well for this role.”

Nawar works at Chapman University where she has been involved in numerous initiatives over the years that have emphasized the importance of libraries and information access. Her diverse interests further enrich the podcast. “My engagement in AI-driven fashion design, photography, and community projects has broadened my perspective,” Nawar said. “Being a co-host now feels like a natural progression, and I am excited to contribute to this dynamic platform.”

The “Information Gone Wild” podcast aims to give listeners insights from traditional and non-traditional information organizations. “We want to talk with leaders in the field and share what is happening, including trends, innovations, and challenges,” Chow said. “The guests will represent public, academic, school, special libraries, and emerging technologies.”

Nawar highlighted the range of topics to be covered. “From innovative library practices and leadership to emerging technologies and community engagement, we aim to provide a wide-ranging perspective on the information field.”

Signorelli shared his enthusiasm for the project, noting, “We have a list of potential guests that could easily carry us through a year or two of recordings. We are always looking for new people to add to that list to keep things exciting and inspiring.”

Coleman echoed his sentiment: “I want our listeners to see many different facets of our profession. Our guest lineup is timely, fascinating, and relevant to our listeners.”

The podcast’s format combines professional insights with personal anecdotes, making the conversations informative and relatable. “We aim to provide listeners with a deep dive into the personal side of the people we adore and from whom we are learning so much,” Signorelli said. “I hope the podcast fosters excitement and provides inspiration.”

Nawar added, “Listeners can look forward to a blend of structured questions and organic conversations that delve into both the professional and personal aspects of our guests’ lives. Our goal is to offer deep, insightful discussions that not only inform but also inspire.”

Listeners can look forward to episodes featuring distinguished guests, such as the new 2024/2025 president of the American Library Association, Cindy Hohl. Future episodes will include discussions with academic library leaders on the impact of AI on library services and LIS professionals. “By default, all guests will be notable,” Chow said. “We have already released our interview with Cindy Hohl, and our upcoming guests will continue to offer valuable insights.”

The podcast is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the SJSU iSchool community. “My life is about connecting smart, interesting people to other smart, interesting people,” Coleman said. “With Paul, Essraa, myself, and SJSU iSchool combining our networks, we have exponentially enhanced the reach of our podcast.”

Three podcast episodes have been released to date, as follows:

• Episode 1 with guest R. David Lankes
• Episode 2 with guest Patty Wong
• Episode 3 with guest Cindy Hohl

For more information about the podcast, tune in to the latest episodes, join the conversation, and explore the dynamic world of information science with “Information Gone Wild.”