Category: New Librarianship

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AI Free* Version of Triptych Now Available

TL;DR version: if you would rather read my latest book, Triptych, without the distraction of AI, then I have put out a new AI Free version. You can buy the new edition on Amazon. The content is the same, save for illustrations and AI generated discussion questions. New cover is from licensed stock art. The content is virtually identical in other ways (with a few edits made).

The first published version of Triptych used artificial intelligence to create images and a series of conversation starters used at the end of each lecture. As I stated in that version:

“I take my responsibility as an author and as a scholar seriously. That means having full ownership of the text and in writing from a place of experience… For me it [AI] is a tool and one I feel I need to use to better understand and write about. That said, I very much look to engage in a conversation about AI, the mission of librarians, and its impact in society.”

And a conversation was indeed had. Several reviewers and people I respect pointed out a key problem with including some AI-generated material in the book: it introduces a sort of fatigue when engaging the text. While a reader wants to be engaging the ideas, the even peripheral use of AI adds a sort of lingering doubt. Is what I am reading written by AI?

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Triptych World Tour Goes to Scotland

Join us for a lecture by visiting Professor and Author R. David Lankes, exploring his recent book ‘Triptych: Death, AI and Librarianship’

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/death-ai-and-librarianship-a-professor-r-david-lankes-lecture-tickets-1980451536859

Join CILIPS for a special event taking place in Edinburgh, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), where we are delighted to welcome Professor R. David Lankes for a one hour lecture in the National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge. The lecture will begin at 11am and finish at 12pm, please ensure that you arrive promptly and take your seat before the lecture begins.

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I’m in love with Brazil

Last week I had the absolute honor of presenting in Sao Paulo Brazil I spoke at FESPSP 85th anniversary of their library science program and at the 23º Seminário Nacional de Bibliotecas Universitárias (23rd National Seminar of University Libraries). I met so many dedicated and innovative librarians working to make Brazil better through librarianship. The programs, scholarship, and initiatives were world-class. The students brilliant. On a personal note, I cannot tell you how meaningful it is to see one’s work being put into action and having a real impact.

I would like to thank everyone I had a chance to meet and learn from. Special thanks to Jorge Prado, Adriana Ferrari, and Adriana Souza.

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Death, AI, and Librarianship

“Death, AI, and Librarianship” Plenary. 23º Seminário Nacional de Bibliotecas Universitárias. Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract: Em uma era marcada pelo isolamento social, desinformação e crescente desesperança, bibliotecários de todos os tipos devem evoluir de prestadores de serviço passivos para agentes ativos de resiliência comunitária e infraestrutura que salva vidas. Esta palestra desafia as definições tradicionais da Biblioteconomia, defendendo um modelo mais inclusivo e adaptável, que valorize missão, valores e engajamento comunitário acima de credenciais formais. Ao abraçar a alegria, o uso ético da IA e as narrativas locais, os bibliotecários podem fomentar a confiança, empoderar comunidades e liderar mudanças transformadoras em um mundo fragmentado.

Brazil KeynoteDownload
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A New World Tour?

Back in 2015 I had an Expect More World Tour. I was fortunate to be invited to talk about New Librarianship in countries like the UK, New Zealand, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Well, new book, new opportunities. I’m off to Brazil next week and things are in the works for the UK and Europe in the Spring. As always I’ll post materials from the visits, and let me know if you have an opportunity to go abroad and say hi.

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Death, AI, and Librarianship

“Death, AI, and Librarianship” Keynote. Internet Librarian 2025 Conference

Abstract: In a time of rising social isolation, ideological division, and technological upheaval, libraries stand at a crossroads. Lankes shares thoughts from his new book and delivers a bold, urgent, and deeply human call to action for the library profession. From confronting the rise of book bans and the erosion of intellectual freedom to navigating the ethical minefields of AI, he explores the evolving identity of librarianship in the 21st century and champions the power of storytelling, the necessity of joy in the face of adversity, and the radical inclusion of “feral librarians”—those who enter the profession through unconventional paths but embody its deepest values.

InternetLibKeynote25Download

Transcript

Transcript (AI generated):

00:00:01
Good morning. Thank you, Brian. Thank you, Jane. I really appreciate the opportunity to come speak to you today. I am always thrilled to be part of this conference. It’s a great group of people getting to know them and working on a regular basis. So, without further ado, because hearing me mutter on is not necessarily that helpful, I’m going to do the infamous look at my slides for the next 45 minutes or so, and hopefully then we’ll have time for a conversation over on feed loops. So, let’s make sure everything is having a good moment. There we go.

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Building a Great Library

“Building a Great Library,” Jesup Memorial Library, Bar Harbor, Me.

Abstract: Bad libraries focus on building collections, while good libraries provide services, including collections. Great libraries, however, are defined by their ability to build communities. These libraries serve as co-owned, community-centric spaces that focus on fostering learning, knowledge, and social connection. They are not neutral but are committed to the community’s well-being and growth. Ultimately, a great library’s narrative is shaped by the community it serves.

Video:

SlidesDownload PDF
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Not Done Yet

“Not Done Yet” Jesup Memorial Library, Bar Harbor, Me.

Abstract: In a talk about the evolving role of libraries, the speaker argues that they must shift from simply “serving” communities to actively “saving” them. This involves reimagining libraries not as static repositories of books, but as dynamic platforms that address community needs like literacy, digital access, and social connection. Drawing on examples from South Korea and Texas, the speaker illustrates how successful libraries are deeply ingrained in their communities, tackling issues like childhood literacy and social isolation. The core message is that libraries can, and should, play a critical role in increasing community well-being and literally lengthening lifespans by fostering connection and empowerment.

Video:

SlidesDownload in PDF
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An AI Video Explainer of Triptych

Google has added a new trick to NotebookLM. Now, you can not only make an audio podcast summary, it will create a video explainer. I tried it out on the text of me new book, and it is actually really good. Take a watch (it’s 8 minutes):