Author: rdlankes

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Cancer Update

Here is an update on my health. After 6 months of chemo, a new biopsy shows that the cancer is not gone. This, of course, is not good news. There are however, several effective treatment options still open, and over the next few days I will be going through them with my doctors and family to determine the next steps.

I still hope to continue to teach and present via Skype where I can. Once again I don’t want to disappear or fade away. I hope to keep folks updated here and continue to make a contribution to my school and the field. However, it is clear that I just can’t plan too far in advance. Note the use of terms like “hope” instead of “plan to.” It seems every time I post something rosy and optimistic about my health something goes wrong.

I am worried, particularly about my family and the toll this will take on them. I have asked much of my family, friends, and colleagues, and I must now ask for more.

There is no joy in cancer, save the love of friends and family it makes evident. You all have been so supportive during this process. If you want to know how to help: please help my wife, give blood, and keep the faith.

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Changing Literacy Changes Literacy Organizations

“Changing Literacy Changes Literacy Organizations” Unspoken Conference. Utica, NY.

Abstract: Changing views of literacy changes literacy organizations like libraries. This presentation for a non-library audience discusses these changes.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/Utica.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/Utica.mp3

Screencast:

Utica from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

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From Loaning to Learning

“From Loaning to Learning” Slovenian Library Association Congress. Lasko, Slovinia (via telecast).

Abstract: We live in a time of great opportunity in libraries. New technologies, and new approaches to knowledge have opened up new possibilities for libraries and librarians. This presentation looks at the role of the library in “post-document” world, where the focus of libraries is on learning, not collections. It is this focus that will ensure not only the continuation of libraries, but the increased importance of librarians.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/Slovenia.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/Slovenia.mp3

Screencast:

From Loaning to Learning from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

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What Higher Education Can Learn From Libraries

“What Higher Education Can Learn From Libraries” Hamilton College Couper Phi Beta Kappa Library Lecture. Clinton NY.

Abstract: The recent attention to MOOCs has highlighted strains in traditional models of higher education, including cost, pedagogy, scholarly communication, the role of tenure, and the appropriate incorporation of technology into teaching and scholarship. In this presentation Lankes will explore the larger shift in higher education from preparing students for their first job, to being an institution of lifelong learning. He will focus on how existing approaches in libraries actually provide models for this transformation.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/Hamilton.pdf

Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/Hamilton.mp3

Screencast:

Hamilton from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

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No More Speaking Engagements for the Year…and Cancer

The short version: I am not accepting new speaking engagements for the next year.

The longer version: I am accepting no new speaking engagements beyond those I have already committed to, unless they can be pre-recorded.

The long version: On Friday I am having surgery to find out if a recent “suspicious” scan indicates remaining cancer. Hopefully, it is nothing. It could, however, indicate the need for additional treatment. In any case, it has become clear in the past month that I cannot simply return to life as usual following my chemo. To remove some uncertainty, and to prevent leaving folks in a lurch, I’m not taking any new engagements.

For now, the plan is to keep those few dates that I have accepted (assuming a negative biopsy). I will only accept new engagements that I can videoconference into, and where a recorded version of my remarks is acceptable as a back-up.

Last year I had to cancel too many engagements. I have organized conferences, and I know how hard a last minute cancelation is. Even if this biopsy is negative, I know that for the next few months (years really) it will be a wait and see situation.

I still hope to be involved in the field, and hope to travel to conferences. However, my focus is on my family and recovery first. I will let you all know how I am doing as well.

I will also never write an “all clear” blog post again…they appeared to be cursed.

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Engineers of Innovation

“Engineers of Innovation” NCSLMA 2013 Annual Conference. Winston-Salem, NC.

Abstract: Innovation is a term with baggage. To some it is a nebulous concept thrown around to little effect. To others, it is a daunting task reserved for a few visionaries. In this presentation Lankes will talk about how innovation is the job of every librarian. Lankes will also talk about how innovation must be matched to a mission of learning and constant community improvement.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/NorthCarolina.pdf

Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/NCFlow.mp3

Screencast:

Engineers of Innovation from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

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New Librarianship Master Class: MOOC Statistics

“New Librarianship Master Class: MOOC Statistics”
Pushing the Envelope in Education: Roles for Libraries-MOOCs, eLearning & Gamification. Toronto, CA. (via Skype)

Abstract: A quick overview of the New Librarianship MOOC with some conclusions and statistics.
Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/MOOCStats.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/MoocToronto.mp3

Screencast:

New Librarianship Master Class from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

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MOOC Videos added to Atlas Companion Site

The video introduction to the threads of the Atlas, created and used in the New Librarianship MOOC, have now been added to the Threads sections of the Atlas companion site.

In the coming weeks I hope to make substantial changes to the companion site, creating a more expansive home for new librarianship and ongoing efforts, such as the Salzburg Curriculum. If you have ideas on how to improve the site, please let me know.