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:
What is a Library if the Building is Closed?
“What is a Library if the Building is Closed?” Gigabit Libraries. via Video Conference.
Abstract:Â A discussion of what is a library when the physical space is closed and a New Normal Agenda.
You can watch the presentation and interview here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p6vHioQikAopYP3Kd8X67ALrXJb8CSSx/view
My part starts at about 36 minutes in.
New Librarianship
“New Librarianship.” Texas Woman’s University Webinar.
Abstract:Â A discussion of concepts in new librarianship.
Slides: Slides in PDF
Audio:
Forget the Future: Our Time is Now
“Forget the Future: Our Time is Now” RUSA President’s Program, American Library Association Annual Conference. Chicago, IL.
Slides:Â Slides in PDF
Speech Text: Read Speaker Script
Abstract: Our communities-our colleges, our towns, our schools, our businesses-need us. As those we serve face growing tensions of nationalism, xenophobia, racism, extremist politics, and social media sites that seems better at building filter bubbles than societies there is a need for a community of professional dedicated to the common good and founded on knowledge. However, our communities don’t need us to gate keep a collection, offer up workshops, or staff a building. They need us adding value to their lives with them in their homes, classrooms, offices, and devices. This talk will explore how reference and user services not only remain relevant, but mobilize to addresses the real challenges of today’s community.
Audio:
Every year the University of South Carolina’s School of Library and Information Science have a hooding ceremony for graduating librarians in Rutledge Chapel on the historic Horseshoe of campus.
The chapel is in Rutledge College, the first building built for the South Carolina College – now the University of South Carolina – in 1805. It was built, in part, with slave labor.
Continue reading “Forget the Future: Our Time is Now”
The Social Responsibility of the Library and the Librarian in a Post-Factual World
[Please note that this presentation is only half of the full session. The second half included a discussion with Nicole Cooke of the University of Illinois, Miguel Figueroa of ALA’s Center for the Future, and Scott Walter the University Librarian of DePaul University. Unfortunately I was not set up to record their insightful remarks.]
“The Social Responsibility of the Library and the Librarian in a Post-Factual World” Dominican University School of Information Studies Annual Follett Lecture. Chicago, IL.
Abstract: Introduction to a panel discussion on neutrality and objectivity in librarianship.
Slides:Â Slides in PDF
Audio:
The Social Responsibility of the Library and the Librarian in a Post-Factual World from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.
A Knowledge Organization in an Age of Alternative Facts
“A Knowledge Organization in an Age of Alternative Facts” Sarasota County Public Library Staff Development Day. Sarasota, FL.
Abstract: Communities need the public library now more than ever. In an era when neighbors are more divided than ever, and even the nature of truth and facts are in question, ho do librarians best serve their community? This presentation makes the argument that our communities do not need more information literacy, a greater emphasis on quality information, or a neutral institution. Rather our communities need trusted partners helping weave together common understandings of events and priorities.
Slides:Â Slides in PDF
Audio:
Here’s the actual video of the presentation:
Customer, Consumer, Users, and Other Mistakes
“Customer, Consumer, Users, and Other Mistakes” LIANZA Annual Conference 2015. Wellington, New Zealand.
Abstract: Librarians and the libraries they build are turning towards the communities they serve. Librarians have found renewed relevance and purpose in unleashing the knowledge and aspirations of the world’s towns, schools, universities, and businesses. However, this realignment can go too far – to a place where the values and unique contributions of librarianship get lost in a rush to meet every demand and fad. This talk will focus on the new compact libraries and their communities must forge for the benefit of both.
Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2015/Lianza.pdf
Libraries as Platforms of World Domination
“Libraries as Platforms of World Domination” ILEAD USA. Springfield, IL.
Abstract: Integrating the community into the collection is not a gimmick or a fad. Making community expertise a direct part of what the library offers – what the library is is not only possible, but essential. This session wraps in 9 states to work on the issue. Special thanks to Cheryl Gould for sharing her facilitation methods.
Twitter Stream: PDF
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2015/ILEADSummer.mp3
Screencast:
Libraries as Platforms of World Domination from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.