Author: rdlankes

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50th Anniversary Bertha Bassam Lecture “Radical Librarians”

10982356_10155213899370615_4558293193833343587_nThe University of Toronto, Faculty of Information (iSchool) and Faculty of Information Alumni Association (FIAA) invite you to the 50th Anniversary of the Bertha Bassam Lecture, this year delivered by a passionate advocate for libraries, R. David Lankes, who will discuss Radical Librarianship. Prof. Lankes is author of an upcoming book, The Radical’s Guide to New Librarianship.

REGISTER now at: https://berthabassam.eventbrite.ca

ABSTRACT:
For too long librarians have seen their role as being unbiased agents standing ready to serve. Librarians must be agents of transformative social engagement — actively working to better their communities. From the riots in Ferguson, to the Arab Spring, we see the value of librarians throwing off the mask of objective curator and adopting the role of change agent. This lecture examines the value of librarians dedicated to improving communities, not simply informing them.

EVENT DETAILS:
Doors open at 6:00 pm, Lecture starts at 6:15 pm
Cocktail reception to follow 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Lecture and reception are complimentary, but registration is required. Everyone is welcome.
REGISTER: https://berthabassam.eventbrite.ca
2 Sussex Avenue, Innis Town Hall (newly renovated lecture hall!), University of Toronto
MAP

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
R. David Lankes is a professor and Dean’s Scholar for the New Librarianship at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies and director of the Information Institute of Syracuse. Lankes has always been interested in combining theory and practice to create active research projects that make a difference. Past projects include the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology, the Gateway to Education Materials, AskERIC and the Virtual Reference Desk. Lankes’ more recent work involves how participatory concepts can reshape libraries and credibility.

Lankes is a passionate advocate for libraries and their essential role in today’s society. He also seeks to understand how information approaches and technologies can be used to transform industries. In this capacity he has served on advisory boards and study teams in the fields of libraries, telecommunications, education, and transportation including at the National Academies. He has been a visiting fellow at the National Library of Canada, the Harvard School of Education, and the first fellow of ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy. His book,The Atlas of New Librarianship won the 2012 ABC-CLIO/Greenwood Award for the Best Book in Library Literature.

ABOUT THE LECTURE SERIES:
The Bertha Bassam Lecture in Librarianship was established by the Faculty’s Alumni Association to honour Dr. Bertha Bassam, Director of the Library School from 1951 to 1964. The lectures, which are open to the profession and members of the public, are delivered every three to four years by an outstanding individual, whose topic and experience are relevant to librarians and librarianship.

Date: 
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 – 18:00 to 21:00
Location:
2 Sussex Avenue, Innis Town Hall (newly renovated lecture hall!), University of Toronto
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Expect More on issuu.com

So I am experimenting with more self-publishing platforms. Today is issuu.com. This is the free version of the tool, so there will be adds, but you can use this to embed the book in any webpage you’d like:

Special Note: Don’t use the “Order Print” option, as print copies are cheaper through Amazon (and, you know, I get a royalty there).

This is a nice platform to keep formatting and visuals. However, you have to spend monthly money to add features such as annotations. Medium.com seems a better system for getting out pieces for reading and comment.

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Expecting More: School Librarians & Change

“Expecting More: School Librarians & Change” Saskatchewan School Library Association. Webinar.

Abstract: This presentation will be based around the book Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries for Today’s Complex World (now available as a free digital download). David Lankes will share his argument that in order to thrive, communities need libraries that go beyond bricks, mortar, books and literature and, specifically, how we can use this vision to transform school libraries into vital places of learning.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2015/Sas-Lankes.pdf

Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2015/SSLA.mp3

Screencast:

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SSLA from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

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Recap of MidWinter Radical Conversation

I’ve put together a page trying to sum up the discussions around the forthcoming Radical’s Guide to New Librarianship held this past Monday at the ALA MidWinter Conference. It includes opening & closing remarks, major points discussed by the group, and a transcript of the online companion session.

A special thanks to ALA and Mary Ghikas for setting aside the time. Thanks to all who participated, and please continue the conversation.

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Announcing the Expect More Library Scholarship!

The Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) is excited to announce the Expect More Library Scholarship, a new scholarship program for students interested in pursuing their MS in Library and Information Science (LIS) or MS in Library and Information Science: School Media (LISSM).

The Expect More Library Scholarship is for students who want an intense but highly rewarding academic graduate program experience at the iSchool. We are able to offer this scholarship due to a generous donation from our library alumna, Estelle Wilhelm.

Expect More Library Scholars receive:

  • A 50% tuition award
  • Pairing with a specific faculty mentor, who is carefully matched to the student’s career field of interest, for the two years of the graduate education program
  • A paid faculty assistant position working directly with their faculty mentor on projects in the Expect More Library Scholar’s field of interest. The position is 20 hours per week during the academic year, for the two years of the program
  • A $1,000 travel fund for library conferences, industry networking events, and professional development activities

How to Apply for the Expect More Library Scholarship Program

To be considered for the Expect More Library Scholarship Program:

  1. You must first apply to either our LIS or LISSM program. This generates your Syracuse University ID number, which you will need in order to apply to the Expect More Library Scholarship. Be sure to leave yourself time!
  2. Once you receive your confirmation of application email from Syracuse University, complete the Expect More Library Scholarship application by March 1, 2015.

Apply to the LIS program >> | Apply to the LISSM program >>

About our Library Programs

At the Syracuse University iSchool we offer two master’s programs focused on library science, available both on campus and online:

The MS in Library and Information Science (LIS) is a comprehensive, American Library Association-accredited, 36-credit degree program that prepares you for a career in a broad range of organizations, including: an academic institution, public library, corporation, government agency or cultural institution.

The MS in Library and Information Science: School Media (LISSM) program focuses on teaching Library and Information Science (LIS) students the skills to instruct children in grades pre-K through 12 in all areas of literacy and technology fluency. LISSM students do not need to take additional education courses, as the New York State Department of Education requirements are infused into our curriculum.

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Join MidWinter Radical Conversation Virtually

By popular demand we’re going to try adding virtual access to the MidWinter conversation shaping the next new librarianship book The Radical’s Guide to New Librarianship. First the basics, then the disclaimer.

The Basics

When: 10:30-11:30 Central Time, Monday February 2, 2015 (this coming Monday)

Where: https://webconference.syr.edu/radical/

What: We’re using Adobe Connect

The Disclaimer

This is still primarily an in person event, so no virtual access was planned. That means it will be my laptop looking at the crowd and the conference center’s WiFi. It should of course work wonderfully, but please approach this as more of an experiment. Also know that these conversations are ongoing at https://davidlankes.org/?page_id=6461 and your input is always welcome there, on Twitter, or email.

Even More Disclaimer

This is intended as an interactive session where we are looking for input and discussion.

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Use MidWinter to Shape New Librarianship

From 10:30-11:30, Monday February 2, 2015 at McCormick Place West W183a Kim Silk and I are having an open session for feedback on the follow-up to the Atlas of New Librarianship working title The Radical’s Guide to New Librarianship. You are invited.
Now everyone knows that invites only work when they are personalized or when they have direct relevance to someone (or involve pizza). So with that in mind, please skip to the heading you think bests fits you:

Atlas Lover

Come and provide input on the follow-on to the Atlas – be a part of the book. What gaps need to be filled? What areas covered? Hear the plans for The Radical’s Guide to New Librrianship and share your thoughts on making it more effective. What tools do you need for sharing the message and winning over colleagues?

Atlas Hater

I dare ya, DARE YA! Come tell the author exactly what he got wrong, what he needs to know, and just where he can put his next book…all in a civil and constructive environment. Seriously, the Atlas was meant to start conversations and the best ideas don’t come from an echo chamber. Talk epistemology, talk applicability to small libraries, talk unbiased, now’s the time to join the conversation.

Library Practitioner

The Radical’s Guide is intended for you. What do you need to implement the ideas of library as conversation, the community is your collection, and the mission of improving society through facilitating Knowledge creation in your community? Do you need more than a text? A MOOC? Slides? Videos? Please share your needs and insight.

Library Scholar

What do we know that needs to be shared? How do we teach these ideas to our library students, in the field practitioners, and those who support libraries like boards, provosts, and principle? How can we better tie current and cutting edge research into the framework of New Librarianship?

Library Student

Your fresh eyes and new perspectives drive innovation in the field. Share it. Be part of folks trying to make our libraries the best institutions for their communities. Besides, someone will probably make a library student read this at some point, and you can help prevent it from being deadly boring.

Please Join the Conversation

Please help us make a text that is of use to you. The more conversation and input librarians have, the better The Radical’s Guide will be.