The Obligation of Leadership

“The Obligation of Leadership” 2008 LITA Forum, Cincinnati, OH.

Abstract: No matter how many users one talks to in designing a system, there will be a gulf between what a user wants and what a system can do. The belief that users even know what they want, or that somehow a library can correctly interpret the needs of users is at best presumptuous. To truly build systems that met the needs of users, we must let them build these systems directly. By transforming our library systems into participatory systems, not only do we better meet the needs of our patrons, we also build systems that reflect the core principles of librarianship — getting away from simply adopting new technologiesdeveloped in other fields. This presentation will explore the concept of participatory systems, and talk about what from the Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 world is durable, and how to avoid the latest fads.
Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2008/LITA.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2008/LITA.mp3
Video: http://ptbed.org/downloads/LITA-Record.mp4

Screencast:

Cyberinfrastructure Facilitators

“Cyberinfrastructure Facilitators: New Approaches to Information Professionals for E-Research” Oxford e-Research’08 Conference, Oxford, UK.

Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of a CI-Facilitator defined as a vital member of the research enterprise who works closely with researchers to identify extant tools, data sets, and other resources that can be integrated into the process of pursuing a research objective. In order to prepare CI-Facilitators to evolve with e-Research endeavors they must be grounded in deep conceptual frameworks that do not go out of date as quickly as any given cyberinfrastructure technology. One such framework, that of participatory librarianship, is presented here and explored in terms of tackling the issue of massive scale data in research. Participatory librarianship is grounded in conversation theory and seeks to organize information as a knowledge process rather than as discreet objects in some taxonomy.
Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2008/Oxford.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2008/Oxford.mp3
Video: http://ptbed.org/downloads/Oxford-Record.mp4

Screencast:

Conversation Prism

Scott Nicholson pointed me to this graphic:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/briansolis/2735401175/sizes/l/

It is from two folks working on social networks it appears in the public relations sphere (http://www.briansolis.com/2008/08/introducing-conversation-prism.html). What I like about it is that conversations are in the center (with learning), and then all the technology that enable them.

As I’ve said in my presentations, Wiki’s, Facebook, Blogs, and such are the current instantiation of a much larger phenomenon – the move to conversations. This image does a great job of showing that.

If They Build It They Will Come

“If They Build It They Will Come” Rethinking Access to Information IFLA Satellite Conference, Boston, MA.

Abstract: No matter how many users one talks to in designing a system, there will be a gulf between what a user wants and what a system can do. The belief that users even know what they want, or that somehow a library can correctly interpret the needs of users is at best presumptuous. To truly build systems that met the needs of users, we must let them build these systems directly. By transforming our library systems into participatory systems, not only do we better meet the needs of our patrons, we also build systems that reflect the core principles of librarianship — getting away from simply adopting new technologies
developed in other fields. This presentation will explore the concept of participatory systems, and talk about what from the Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 world is durable, and how to avoid the latest fads.
Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2008/NewBoston.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2008/IFLA.mp3
Video: http://ptbed.org/downloads/IFLA.mp4

Screencast:

Theory Meets Practice: Educators and Directors Talk

“Theory Meets Practice: Educators and Directors Talk” Reference Renaissance Conference, Denver, CO.

Abstract: Audio from a panel moderated by Gillian Harrison

Panel members were
R. David Lankes, Ph.D., Syracuse University
Jamie LaRue, Douglas County Libraries
Marie L. Radford, Ph.D., Rutgers University School of Communication, Information, and Library Studies
Carla J. Stoffle, Dean of Libraries and Center for Photography, University of Arizona

Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2008/RefRen.mp3