Posts

Posted on

From Loaning to Learning

“From Loaning to Learning” Slovenian Library Association Congress. Lasko, Slovinia (via telecast).

Abstract: We live in a time of great opportunity in libraries. New technologies, and new approaches to knowledge have opened up new possibilities for libraries and librarians. This presentation looks at the role of the library in “post-document” world, where the focus of libraries is on learning, not collections. It is this focus that will ensure not only the continuation of libraries, but the increased importance of librarians.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/Slovenia.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/Slovenia.mp3

Screencast:

From Loaning to Learning from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

Posted on

What Higher Education Can Learn From Libraries

“What Higher Education Can Learn From Libraries” Hamilton College Couper Phi Beta Kappa Library Lecture. Clinton NY.

Abstract: The recent attention to MOOCs has highlighted strains in traditional models of higher education, including cost, pedagogy, scholarly communication, the role of tenure, and the appropriate incorporation of technology into teaching and scholarship. In this presentation Lankes will explore the larger shift in higher education from preparing students for their first job, to being an institution of lifelong learning. He will focus on how existing approaches in libraries actually provide models for this transformation.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/Hamilton.pdf

Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/Hamilton.mp3

Screencast:

Hamilton from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

Posted on

No More Speaking Engagements for the Year…and Cancer

The short version: I am not accepting new speaking engagements for the next year.

The longer version: I am accepting no new speaking engagements beyond those I have already committed to, unless they can be pre-recorded.

The long version: On Friday I am having surgery to find out if a recent “suspicious” scan indicates remaining cancer. Hopefully, it is nothing. It could, however, indicate the need for additional treatment. In any case, it has become clear in the past month that I cannot simply return to life as usual following my chemo. To remove some uncertainty, and to prevent leaving folks in a lurch, I’m not taking any new engagements.

For now, the plan is to keep those few dates that I have accepted (assuming a negative biopsy). I will only accept new engagements that I can videoconference into, and where a recorded version of my remarks is acceptable as a back-up.

Last year I had to cancel too many engagements. I have organized conferences, and I know how hard a last minute cancelation is. Even if this biopsy is negative, I know that for the next few months (years really) it will be a wait and see situation.

I still hope to be involved in the field, and hope to travel to conferences. However, my focus is on my family and recovery first. I will let you all know how I am doing as well.

I will also never write an “all clear” blog post again…they appeared to be cursed.

Posted on

Engineers of Innovation

“Engineers of Innovation” NCSLMA 2013 Annual Conference. Winston-Salem, NC.

Abstract: Innovation is a term with baggage. To some it is a nebulous concept thrown around to little effect. To others, it is a daunting task reserved for a few visionaries. In this presentation Lankes will talk about how innovation is the job of every librarian. Lankes will also talk about how innovation must be matched to a mission of learning and constant community improvement.

Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/NorthCarolina.pdf

Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/NCFlow.mp3

Screencast:

Engineers of Innovation from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

Posted on

New Librarianship Master Class: MOOC Statistics

“New Librarianship Master Class: MOOC Statistics”
Pushing the Envelope in Education: Roles for Libraries-MOOCs, eLearning & Gamification. Toronto, CA. (via Skype)

Abstract: A quick overview of the New Librarianship MOOC with some conclusions and statistics.
Slides: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/Presentations/2013/MOOCStats.pdf
Audio: https://davidlankes.org/rdlankes/pod/2013/MoocToronto.mp3

Screencast:

New Librarianship Master Class from R. David Lankes on Vimeo.

Posted on

MOOC Videos added to Atlas Companion Site

The video introduction to the threads of the Atlas, created and used in the New Librarianship MOOC, have now been added to the Threads sections of the Atlas companion site.

In the coming weeks I hope to make substantial changes to the companion site, creating a more expansive home for new librarianship and ongoing efforts, such as the Salzburg Curriculum. If you have ideas on how to improve the site, please let me know.

Posted on

No Signs of Cancer

This morning, after 6 months of chemotherapy I had a PET Scan. The scan showed no signs of cancer. I am now switching from active treatment to monitoring for a reoccurrence.

I’d love to say definitely that I have beat cancer, but that is more a determination after 5 years of monitoring. So for now, I will say I am a cancer survivor. Chemo has taken its toll though and it will take a few months to get back up to speed and strength.

Thanks to all who followed my progress and for all the thoughts, prayers, and support you gave me. It has yet to really sink in, but it is a good feeling none the less.

Posted on

MOOC: A Personal Thank You

On the left me in the Spring of 2012, on the right, me today at the end of chemo.
On the left me in the Spring of 2012, on the right, me today at the end of chemo.

As we enter the official last week of the New Librarianship Master Class/MOOC I wanted to extend a personal thank you to the library community. Some may know this has been a very difficult year for me in terms of my health. A set of unexplained seizures in the Fall of 2012, followed by a lymphoma diagnosis in February of this year have been major challenges. Travel has become nearly non-existent, and my speaking engagements have been limited to Skype.

While my wife and family have been the force that have kept me going you, librarians, have been the force that have kept my mind engaged, and a part of the dialog on the future of our profession. The discourse in the MOOC, email, Twitter, and the blogosphere have been invaluable during my treatments.

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed the MOOC conversations and how much I have learned. I have a lot to think about including: the political dimensions of new librarianship, the importance of multiple narratives, and the role of fiction. Like you, I too was overwhelmed with the sheer volume of comments in the first week, but digging through it I have been heartened by the healthy and deep conversation about libraries and librarians.

I have been thrilled to see the course has inspired blog posts, Twitter debates, and Facebook groups. I know a lot of you weren’t prepared for the theoretical and philosophical dimensions of the discussion, but I admire that we all dove in with respect and civility, if not agreement. We are indeed a noble profession, and one well equipped to forge a bright future.

I would also like to extend my thanks to my fellow instructors Jian Qin, Megan Oakleaf and Jill Hurst-Wahl. I would also like to thank Dean Liz Liddy and Associate Dean Jeff Stanton whose support made this course possible. Peggy Brown and Sarah Helson are the amazing instructional design team that not only provided tech support to the course, but were instrumental in bringing some pedagogical coherence to the MOOC.

The course would also not be possible without the administrative support of Blythe Bennett and Sarah Hagelin of the iSchool and Karen De Jarnette of University College’s TED Center. Thanks to MIT Press for supporting the course with the Atlas discount.

Lastly, a special thanks to IMLS and ILEAD USA. Both supported the development of the Atlas and New Librarianship in general. The ILEAD USA librarians not only provided exemplars for the course, but inspiration for me in their passion and dedication to service.

I don’t know yet the end of my personal health journey, but no matter the outcome, I do know you have made the journey not only more bearable, but inspirational.

Thank you.

Posted on

After the MOOC

The New Librarianship Master Class/MOOC is its third week, and the question can be asked…whats next? What happens after the August 4th end date for the course? The short answer is, the conversation can continue. What follows is some specific answers, and some longer term plans.

On August 5th, the tests and assessments in the course will disappear. This will allow us to grade the work, and certify folks seeking Continuing Education Units and graduate credit. See the FAQ for more details on receiving credits.

However, the rest of the course will remain open, as will enrollment for anyone wanting to join the course after the 4th. The hope is that two things will happen:

  1. The course will remain available to those who want to learn about new librarianship, and
  2. The conversation about librarianship will continue.

The videos, slides, readings, and structure will remain available. As a reminder, all of these are also available via Creative Commons License, so please use these materials in any way you would like. I need to be clear, that after August 4th, I personally will do my best to monitor the course, but Syracuse University can’t make a formal commitment to support instructors. Jill Hurst-Wahl, Megan Oakleaf, and Jian Qin have done a tremendous job in engaging in conversation, but alas, they have lives outside of new librarianship (unlike me). So it will become more self-service.

What I am really hoping is that after the crush of completing the course, and folks have time to catch up on the discussion boards, the conversation can continue as well. I have been very impressed by the sharing and thoughts on the future of the field. I know there are a lot of forums that the profession uses to talk, and if the MOOC can continue to be one, I am happy.

We’ll also be sharing what we’ve learned. I’m working on a behind the scenes screencast that highlights the technologies used in the course. I’ll share data as it becomes available.

As for future offerings? We’ll see. One idea that has been floated is building out week 3 of the MOOC for an offering aimed at “overseers” of libraries such as board members, principals, faculty, provosts and so on. If you have ideas on that, please share. We’re also working on creating a resource list of readings, videos, and resources brought up in the MOOC dialogs.

UPDATE July 29th: CEU Option Extended:

by popular request, we are extending the CEU deadline. Starting August 5th we’ll be identifying folks who have successfully completed the quizzes & evaluations and sending out Certificates of Completion, and a link to get formal CEUs if you so choose. However, the courses and quizzes will remain open until September 4th for those needing more time to complete the course for CEUs. So on September 5th we’ll once again identify those who have completed the MOOC and send a certificate of completion and link to get the CEUs if you choose. After that, the course will still be available, but not for credit. PLEASE NOTE, that after August 4th, there will be no regular monitoring by the Syracuse instructors.