“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.
“Data, Information, & Knowledge: The Right Profession For The Right Time” 2016 Maine Library Association Conference. Newry, ME.
Abstract: The 2016 presidential election demonstrates the weaknesses in seeing data and information as substitutes for true knowledge. Librarians by embracing a knowledge and a community approach are perfectly situated for moving the country ahead in the coming years.
“Building the Knowledge School” 2016 Charleston Conference. Charleston, SC.
Abstract: The rise of the information school movement has been seen as both a positive and negative reality in the preparation of librarians. Have undergraduate programs taken away resources and attention from the masters in library science? Has the growth of faculty with little or no understanding of libraries diluted the field? Lankes will lay out his thoughts for moving past the arguments to defining a knowledge school. A school focused on impact in communities and built upon the values of librarians, but serving the needs of a broader information infrastructure.
“The Future of Libraries: Predicting Through Invention” LACONI Workshop. Schaumburg, IL.
Abstract: Alan Kaye once said “the best way to predict the future is to invent it.” The quote exemplifies the opportunities available to libraries today. In the face of technological and even political uncertainty it is important for librarians to forge and promote a vision of future library service. Noted speaker, author, and library advocate, R. David Lankes, will explore what we can begin to do today to create a preferred future where the communities we serve make better decisions.
“How to Check Out a Teacher in a Non-Creepy Way” South Carolina State Library Collaboration Meeting. Columbia, SC.
Abstract: In an Illinois town librarians from the local schools and public libraries started a monthly dinner club. The librarians would get together in a social setting to meet and eat, and as it turns out, innovate. They began a series of new programs to bring the institutions closer. These projects included included fast check out of public library materials for teachers and extending hours of school libraries to serve the needs of students’ parents. Imagine if this was taken a step further where parents could literally check out a teacher to talk with them about study habits, new approaches to math and so on. Imagine a school library program where students created tutorials on news apps for their parents.
“A Faculty of One: Navigating the Complexities of Interdisciplinary Work” Dominican University’s McGreal Lecture. Chicago, IL.
Abstract: A discussion of how institutional structures need to match a call for greater interdisciplinary faculty work. The case study of information science is given.
We had a great turn out for the Expect More workshop on librarian advocacy co-organized with Collaboratory partners EveryLibrary and Tech Logic. Thanks again to all Collaboratory partners for supporting this important work.
Below is a recording of the event, slides, and audio only version.
“From Books and Mortar to Community Hubs” The Society of Chief Librarians Seminar 2016 – Changing Horizons: challenges, trends and new ways of delivering. Warwick University, England.
Abstract: Libraries have existed for over 4 millennia not by remaining the same, but by evolving, sometimes rapidly, to meet the needs of the communities they serve. This talk will explore the evolution of librarianship and key messaging for building support from communities.