My Publishers Weekly piece on community libraries has been translated into Italian by the Laboratori Bibliosociali. You can access it here: https://www.laboratoribibliosociali.it/david-lankes-biblioteche-di-comunita-in-corea-del-sud/?fbclid=IwAR0d4bazhbrv7jpV4FWmvDbzdIPhSCtVajrGwAlBNWIHXfL5UH8mCwpXrnc
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.
Video:
Video from Neutinamu, South Korea
Young-Sook “Soy” Park and the amazing folks at the Neutinamu library made a few videos of my visit to the library, and the conversation we had about community-based libraries.
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.
Video:
Slides:
Less; Better, a Workbook, and Looking for Feedback
I don’t know what you did over your winter break (for those that got one), but I wrote a new workbook and now I’m looking for a few brave souls to read it and give me feedback.
First, the ask, then the workbook summary: I’m looking for 5 folks to read the current draft and give me feedback on the text. NOT copyediting, but thoughts on the overall concept, does the text make sense, do the worksheets flow, do you like the cover, what did I miss, etc.
So what is Less; Better, and why a workbook? The short answer is that it seeks to fill a gap in thinking about community-based/new librarianship – finding focus. In my other books like Expect More and Atlas of New Librarianship a library is defined as the result of a librarian facilitate community learning. But this is so broad it raises the question – how can librarians do it all? Less; Better is about finding the balance.
A workbook because it includes exercises, slide decks, and hand outs to facilitate workshops and conversations on the topic. It is meant to be lightweight, useful, and practical. I first did a presentation on Less; Better last year at the New Jersey Library Association conference, and have since gotten regular requests to speak on the topic.
My plan is to self-publish this, just as I did with Expect More so I can keep it inexpensive, get it out quick, and be able to facilitate its use without complicated publisher negotiations.
So, if you are interested, let me know in the comments or email me at rdlankes@gmail.com
A special thanks to Jennifer R. Nelson, NJ State Librarian for her considered feedback.
Exploring the Innovative Community Libraries of Korea
Lankes, R. David (Jan. 12, 2023). Exploring the Innovative Community Libraries of Korea. Publishers Weekly. Available: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/libraries/article/91274-exploring-the-innovative-community-libraries-of-korea.html
Guida alla bibliotecnomia moderna
My opening remarks and answering questions for a webinar celebrating the launch of the Italian translation of the New Librarianship Field Guide. The full webinar (in Italian) is here:
Field Guide Translated into Italian
I am overjoyed that The New Librarianship Field Guide has not been translated into Italian. Thanks to Anna Maria Tammaro and the team at EDITRICE BIBLIOGRAFICA and MIT Press.
More info and purchase at EDITRICE BIBLIOGRAFICA
Guida alla biblioteconomia moderna
Guida alla biblioteconomia moderna. Lankes, R. David (2022). Milan, Italy: Editrice Bibliografica
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.
Slides: