The Real AI: Augmented Intelligence

“The Real AI: Augmented Intelligence.” Presentation to the Enssib event 1, 2, 3… IA ! Intelligence Artificielle, Métiers et Compétences. May 11, 2023

Abstract: What are the necessary competencies for librarians in the age of AI? A presentation to the Enssib session on AI librarian competencies. THe whole agenda and video of the sessions can be found here: https://www.enssib.fr/printemps-des-metiers-2023-intelligence-artificielle-metiers-competences

Video:

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Next Steps in School Libraries or From Holy Crap to Hold My Beer

“Next Steps in School Libraries or From Holy Crap to Hold My Beer.” Libraries.Today National Forum.

Abstract: School Librarians have faced major disruption before. PCs, the Internet, etc.. They have faced these changes through a cycle of reactions from fear, to categorization, to adopting, and finally adaptation. This presentation looks at this cycle and two big present day disruption: generative AI, and material challenges.

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Library as Movement

“Library as Movement” Iowa Libraries Online Conference 2023

Abstract: The library is a platform to help communities improve. This platform must be collaborative. A place where librarians work directly with community members, companies, institutions, and others. It is these collaborations that drive positive change. This idea transforms the library as a place with services, to a movement – a joint effort to constantly advocate for positive change. The role of the librarian is as facilitator weaving together increasingly divided populations. The result is a library that reflects the unique nature and aspirations of a people looking to make a better future.
 
In this talk I’ll examine this idea and illustrate the reality of the approach with examples from Denmark, South Korea, Texas, and South Carolina. I’ll talk about how the core skills of librarians can be extended and directed to the library as a locus of radical positive change.

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Master of None

“Master of None.” Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference. via Video

Abstract: Librarians are being increasingly pulled in many directions. What once was a profession focused on collections and institutions that served the public, has become a community centered space that acts as makerspace, reading refuge, business center, and more. Recognition that libraries are not neutral and should serve an increasingly diverse community is being met with increasingly visible book banning efforts and complex issues of perspectives on diversity are flattened to being “woke.” This session will provide strategies and examples for offering focused services that reflect the complex community served.

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OF the People

“OF the People.” National Assembly Busan Library. Busan, Korea.

Abstract: National and parliamentary libraries are searching for a new mission. In this presentation I argue for a public facing mission reinforcing the infrastructure of democracy through local public libraries.

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Future of Libraries

“Future of Libraries.” National Library of Korea 77th Anniversary Conference. Seoul, Korea.

Abstract: There is no future for libraries. There are, instead, as many futures as there are libraries. And that means we need to rethink everything from networks to certification to who we call librarians.

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Speech Script

SLIDE 1

Greetings. I would like to thank the National Library for giving me this opportunity to speak to you today. They have asked me to talk on the topic of the future of libraries. It is perhaps then, somewhat surprising that in my work and in my discussions with librarians around the world, I have come to the conclusion that there is no future for libraries.

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A Final Message for the Newcomer Project

The Newcomer Project, an EU funded effort to bring together librarians across borders to discuss support of community and particularly older adults, had its last meeting. I was unable to join in person, and so prepared these remarks. Text of the speech is below the video.

Video Script:

I’m just going to say it. I’m jealous.

For me this will be the project that could have been.

When we started, I wasn’t going to be an occasional video or Zoom, but be there, in person, becoming part of a community of librarians dedicated to their communities and their profession across borders. I’m jealous because that is exactly what I see there now. Every one part of that community.

Through our rough start in lockdowns, and the move to Zoom, and then the trips and dinners and meetings, you have built a new community. One that I don’t think will stop after this meeting.

We have seen examples of great librarianship. Been challenged with new ideas, and found common ground. But more important, we have seen the value of what we don’t hold in common and how that is the strength of diversity.

For too long our profession has been focused on replication and adoption. Under the name of best practice or toolkit, for too long folks have seen libraries as variations on a theme. For too long through the 21st century we have fought about what is the ideal blueprint of a library. Associations, standards committees, and yes library scholars, have looked to be efficient and universal.

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Collective Individuality

“Collective Individuality: How libraries can support individual action” State Library Victoria Public Library Planning Meeting.

Abstract: Library networks need to change from platforms supporting similar services across libraries, to platforms that allow libraries to better look like and serve their unique communities.

Script below video

Below is the script I used for the video…typos and all.

So, you are meeting to discuss the next 3 year plan for the public library network. As we’ve just seen, a lot can happen in three years. Our phones get smaller, our computers get faster, oh and global pandemics and the first land war in Europe since the 1940s happen. 

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