Rodney Freeman is a seasoned library professional with over 15 years of experience across academic, public, and government libraries. His expertise spans digital collections, databases, and taxonomy, beginning with a focus on digital archives and evolving into roles ranging from library page to administrator. As the founder of Reminisce Preservation, Rodney empowers libraries, schools, nonprofits, and individuals by offering innovative tools and networks to facilitate the creation, interaction, and preservation of legacies. His work reflects a passion for connecting communities with the resources to safeguard their histories.The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented. https://www.DaytonMetroLibrary.org/CatalogingCulture/

Eric Chapman is a rising junior at Chaminade Julienne High School with a passion for computer science and engineering. This summer, he completed an eight-week internship with Montgomery County’s Ohio Means Job YouthWorks program — here at Dayton Metro Library, where he served as a Library Aide and gained hands-on experience supporting library services and the community. Eric enjoys exploring technology and looks forward to pursuing opportunities that combine innovation, problem-solving, and service.The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented. https://www.DaytonMetroLibrary.org/CatalogingCulture/

Tony McCleskey began his Dayton Metro Library career at the age of 16 as a Library Aide at the Electra C. Doren Branch in Old North Dayton after a childhood spent there as an enthusiastic library patron. There, Tony learned he loved working with the community and helping out the environment around him. He later moved to the Main Library, joining the circulation department, where he helped with displays and other circulation duties. Tony has also served as a co-chair of DML’s Black Heritage Committee, leading Juneteenth programs. The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented. https://www.DaytonMetroLibrary.org/CatalogingCulture/

Felton Thomas, Jr. leads one of the nation’s largest and most respected metropolitan library systems. Under Thomas’ leadership, CPL has embarked on an ambitious 10-year Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to renovate or rebuild all 27 of its libraries, launched groundbreaking initiatives addressing community needs around technology, education and economic development, and is consistently ranked as a “Five Star” library, a prestigious distinction from the Library Journal. He served as president of the Nevada Library Association before moving to Cleveland and he was previously the President of the Public Library Association (PLA). The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented. https://www.DaytonMetroLibrary.org/CatalogingCulture/Special thank you to Catherine Young and Cleveland Public Library for capturing this audio.

Lajmar Anderson is currently a Reference and Instruction Librarian at Sinclair Community where he serves as the liaison for division of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. In this role he works to educate students in the nuances of information literacy and research. Lajmar has worked professionally in academic libraries for 20 years and as an academic librarian for the past 16 years. Lajmar is a graduate of Indiana University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Library Science, and where he is currently completing a Master of Arts in Political Science.

The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented.

https://www.DaytonMetroLibrary.org/CatalogingCulture/

Westly Davis is a strategic finance leader serving as Fiscal Officer for Dayton Metro Library. With 13 years of experience spanning investment banking and government accounting, bringing a unique blend of market insight and public sector stewardship. He oversees the operating budget, long-term financial planning, and capital strategy that support innovation and sustainability across the Dayton Metro Library system. Westly is a proud graduate of Central State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business and Accounting. The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented. https://www.DaytonMetroLibrary.org/CatalogingCulture/

Thomas Dickens is the Assistant Dean for Organizational Development and Culture for University Libraries at The Ohio State University. Dickens leads transformative efforts to foster a welcoming, supportive workplace and a vibrant organizational culture where employees thrive. Reporting to the Vice Provost and Dean of University Libraries, Dickens collaborates with internal and university-wide stakeholders to recruit, retain, and develop a talented workforce advancing research, teaching, and learning. Thomas has been a Higher Education practitioner for over 10 years. Prior to joining The Ohio State University, Thomas worked at the University of Michigan as the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist for the University Library.

The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented.

https://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/catalogingculture/

Marcus Walker is the Law School Archivist at the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law Library. He has been employed in libraries on-and-off – mostly on – since beginning as an undergraduate student assistant at Fondren Library at Southern Methodist University, however his love of libraries and librarians began in early childhood. Marcus earned his Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Kentucky and currently serves on the Advisory Commission for the Louisville Free Public Library.

The “Cataloging the Culture” podcast is a groundbreaking platform that amplifies the voices and stories of Black men working in libraries across the nation—through a monthly series. Hosted by Dr. Karlos L. Marshall of the Dayton Metro Library, each monthly episode delves into their unique journeys, from discovering the profession to navigating challenges, and celebrating successes in a field where they remain underrepresented.

https://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/catalogingculture/