Libraries Lead!

What could be less controversial than school libraries? School libraries - dedicated to children and American values. School libraries- keeping school information collections & technology up-to-date and secure. School librarians - seeking to  promoting literacy and ensuring that students gain essential information & technology skills. Mom, apple pie, and school libraries, right? Wrong. School libraries are being challenged across the country with politically-motivated, organized book bans in the thousands along with efforts to demonize libraries and librarians (including the American Library Association). At the same time, we see significant declines in the number of schools that have professional school librarians and libraries. But, school librarians are one of the the only group of educators directly charged with addressing the serious information & technology issues facing children and their parents and teachers; issues like social media use, mis/dis-information, information access & use, AI, and critical information & technology skills. What gives? As Scooby would say, “Ruh roh!!”In this episode we take a look at the current and future situation of school library programs and school librarians. Beth and Mike both come from a school library background, and Dave has been involved with K-12 education for much of his professional career. Listen in as we seek to better understand what’s going on, why, and what can be done about it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-31-march-2024-ack-school-libraries-under-attack/ For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Information and technology are a ubiquitous part of our lives. We cannot escape. Many of us walk around with multiple devices, receiving hundreds of notifications, emails, alerts, texts each day. Much like the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once  we are all navigating a multiverse of devices and information sources. We used to talk about and experience the world in real life (IRL) through our digital presences. But is it now the opposite? Do we experience our lives digitally more than in the real world? Does real life exist without the digital nowadays?  According to Truelist, in 2023, the average US smartphone user receives 46 app push notifications per day.* Collectively, an estimated 333 billion emails and 34 billion texts are sent and received today the average person is spending 2 hours and 24 minutes on social media while for teens in the US, the average is double that - 4.8 hours.  iExhausted? iOverwhelmed and scared as hell? We are too. So, In this episode we are going to take a deep breath, reflect on the situation and share our own practices and strategies, life hacks if you will, for developing healthier habits around our technology use. And of course, we emphasize how libraries can help too. *NOTE: The sources for any statistics, facts, or quotes offered are listed on the Libraries Lead Resources Website.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-30-february-2024-information-everywhere-all-at-once/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

In this podcast episode, Beth, Mike, and Dave dive into the latest advancements in AI, including ChatGPT, Bing, Dall-E, and others. They acknowledge that the new AI technologies are complex and not simply good or bad, black or white. Instead, they explore the nuanced capabilities of these tools and their potential impact on society. The hosts discuss how these AI advancements can be used to improve various industries, such as healthcare and education, while also acknowledging the potential risks and challenges that come with these new technologies.   Note: The above description was written by ChatGPT! Here's the prompt from Mike: “Write a paragraph description of a podcast episode by Beth, Mike, and Dave about the new AI and capabilities including ChatGPT, Bing, Dall-E, and others. They recognize that the new AI is complicated,  not simply good or bad, black or white.”For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-24-april-2023-the-new-aiits-complicated/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Meltdown at Twitter? Advertisers leaving, Apple may delist the Twitter app, many have canceled their Twitter accounts.  What does this mean? Is there something more meaningful, valuable, and humane to replace it -perhaps a trustworthy, digital platform for the exchange of information and ideas moderated for credibility and trust? Should librarians seek to shape or support a Twitter replacement?  What's a reasonable stance for librarians in the face of free speech versus responsible speech? Let’s talk.For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-20-ding-dong-the-twit-is-dead/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 19: WHAT?????February 21st. 2022Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergWhat is going on in this world? Librarians in the crosshairs! Book censorship and actual book burnings! Heavy-handed government control of schools, curriculum, higher education, libraries! Handmaid’s Tale-like nightmare in terms of women’s rights! Climate catastrophes! War in Ukraine. Strife - hatred - violence! WTF?????For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-19-nov-2022-what/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 18: The Censors are Coming! The Censors are Coming!May 2022Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergIt is happening here. Again. There’s a huge increase in efforts to censor what is taught or even discussed in school along with banning, and in some cases even burning books in schools and libraries. In this episode, we delve into the nature of these threats along with ways to counteract them. The same people who profess to champion freedom and rail against cancel culture, wokeness, safe places, and hurt feelings now want to censor and ban books, pass laws against teaching about race or sexuality, and “protect” kids and ourselves from ideas, science, or history that might be upsetting. What is this all about, and what are the implications, particularly for libraries and schools? For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-18-may-2022-the-censors-are-coming-the-censors-are-coming/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 17: Video Sharing & So Much MoreApril 2022Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergYouTube has more than 2 billion active users collectively viewing over 5 billion videos totaling a combined 1 billion hours of video viewing every day!! Tik Tok is the new kid on the block, just 4 years old worldwide, and already with over 1 billion active users watching 167 million videos every minute! These two entities wield tremendous influence across every demographic. Clearly more than benign video sharing platforms, they are mass media publishers, social media exchanges, and content creation streaming services. What’s the scoop? Are they valuable and helpful services or is there a darker side? Let’s find out.For References & Resources Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-17-april-2022-video-sharing-so-much-more/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 16: FACEBOOK: The Good, Bad, and the UglyMarch 2022Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergThis episode continues our conversation about social media. We zero in on the 800 lb gorilla – make that the 1.6 BILLION pound gorilla that dominates social media,  FACEBOOK. That’s 1.6 billion because over 1.6 BILLION people (on average) visit Facebook every day. Listen in as we unravel this information age phenomenon.For References & Resources Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-16-march-2022-facebook-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 15: Life, the Universe and Everything Social Media. February 2022Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergThis is the first of a series of episodes about the phenomenon of social media. Social media dominates and affects almost all aspect of life and society, sometimes purposefully and often not. In the series, we hope to inform as well as identify some recommended good practices, and to discuss how libraries can and are helping people to engage effectively and safely. Here in episode 15 we will take a broad view of social media highlighting some of the nuts and bolts, the “why” of social media, and to begin to discuss the impact and issues. For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-15-feb-2022-life-the-universe-and-everything-social-media/For References & Resources  of All Episodes Visit us at https://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 14: Info Literacy - Now More Than Ever!January 2022Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergInformation literacy relates to every aspect of human existence – individually or in communities. Almost all human activities and endeavors are information-based, especially in our turbocharged, networked, overloaded info world. In this episode, we explore a range of info literacy issues including information skills, relevance, credibility, mis- and dis-information, bias, technology, media, and equity. For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-14-jan-2022-info-literacy-now-more-than-ever/For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 13: Politics R Us?December, 2021Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergAughhh! The po·lit·i·ci·za·tion of everything! We don’t seem to be able to escape increasing polarization and the division into rival groups identified by politics and worldviews as well as the demonization of the other side.  Is this the new normal? Even for libraries and public service? Is everything to be defined or viewed through a political lens? through a political identity?   What is the politicization of everything - its nature and scope - and what are the implications? For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/?page_id=152 For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 12: Truth or Dare: A New Normal in Education and Human Services?Nov 2021Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike EisenbergStarting this, our second season, we have a huge change to the Libraries Lead podcast. In the last episode (#11) of the first season, Beth Patin, assistant professor at the Syracuse University iSchool joined us. She was fantastic, mind blowing, amazing. The conversation was electric; It sizzled. Beth added so much that it was clear that she needed to be part of every episode. And here she is—a permanent tri-host of the podcast. In this episode, we question the reality and nature of an emerging new normal in education on all levels as well as in other human services workplaces such as healthcare, medicine, and libraries.For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-12-nov-2021-truth-or-dare-a-new-normal-in-education-and-human-services/For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 11: Emergency! Being Prepared in the New Normal. October 1, 2021Beth Patin, Dave Lankes & Mike EisenbergUnfortunately, the dire future predictions of crises due to environment and climate change, disease, poverty, and social justice are today’s realities. This new normal requires communities, individuals, and governments to cope right now while also looking ahead to plan for and create the necessary infrastructure and processes (conceptually and physically) to deal with future emergency situations. Starting this, our second season, we have a huge change to the Libraries Lead podcast. In the last episode (#11) of the first season, Beth Patin, assistant professor at the Syracuse University iSchool joined us. She was fantastic, mind blowing, amazing. The conversation was electric; It sizzled. Beth added so much that it was clear that she needed to be part of every episode. And here she is—a permanent tri-host of the podcast. In this episode, we question the reality and nature of an emerging new normal in education on all levels as well as in other human services workplaces such as healthcare, medicine, and libraries. Listen in to a frank and sometimes scary conversation relevant to everyday people just trying to get by, government and public service officials responsible for dealing with crises, and of course, library & information staff and institutions who provide essential in services and resources.For References & Resources  Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-11-oct-2021-emergency-being-prepared-in-the-new-normal/For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 10: Data to the Rescue? Sept 2021  Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg We agree on something “data to protect you" is an oxymoron. Data can be dangerous–particularly in the hands of corporations, governments, hackers, scammers, & even well-intentioned non-profits, public service providers, and even libraries and librarians. Public libraries monitor patrons on social media to market services to better “meet needs.” School libraries create student Google profiles and capture user data. Academic libraries seek to address mental health issues identified through analysis of user data. We understand the well-meaning intentions to help. But do we really want anyone to be able to collect and aggregate all this data about anyone & everyone? To make sense of the whole “data” thing, we are joined by Megan Oakleaf, Associate Professor, Syracuse University iSchool. Megan researches & teaches library value/impact, outcomes assessment, learning analytics, evidence-based decision making, information literacy instruction, and information services.  She is also Director of Online Engagement. Learn with us about data use and misuse. For References & Resources  Visit us at https://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/?page_id=174 For References & Resources  of all Episoeds Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

June 2, 2021Dave Lankes & Mike EisenbergAre we going back to offices and city living or will a new normal emerge? Judging from the articles and posts, it’s not clear at all. That means it’s likely to be a combination of both depending on contexts of nature of activity (e.g., business), geography, and the economics (jobs, commerce, supply chain). With uncertainty prevailing, what should libraries be thinking about and planning for? As an added bonus, our production manager, Yoni Yemini, from ACE Chicago Events joins us to share his thoughts on how things are changing for his business. In Wazzup, Dave talks about the challenges to libraries, communities, and library & info science education due to the continually changing Covid situation. Mike points out the information aspects of vaccination verification with examples from the EU and New York State.  Dave’s Awesome Library Thingy was the Next Library Festival that was held on June 3rd, 2021, and Mike highlighted a NY Times article about museums post-covid, particularly the opportunities for new forms of programming and partnering.References & Resources WazzupStevis-Gridneff, Matina. (June 1, 2021). "Seven European countries begin issuing a digital Covid certificate for travel." New York Times. online. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/01/world/europe-covid-certificate-travel.html Otterman, Sharon (June 1, 2021). "Will the Excelsior Pass, New York’s Vaccine Passport, Catch On?" New York Times online: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/01/nyregion/new-york-vaccine-passport.html. Main Topic: Back to the FutureMahtani, Melissa (May 30, 2021). “Don't just go back to 'normal.' Post-pandemic life can be much better than that.” CNN Health. https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/30/health/better-than-normal-wellness/index.html.Tracy Moore, Tracy. (May 21, 2021) “I don’t want to go back to the office and I’m not alone.” Washington Post online. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/05/21/i-dont-want-go-back-office-im-not-alone/.Dubner, Stephen J. (May 12, 2021). “The Future of New York City Is in Question. Could Andrew Yang Be the Answer?” Freakonomics podcast (Ep. 462). https://freakonomics.com/podcast/yang-mayor/   Awesome Library Thingy‘Next’ Library Festival (June 3, 2021) http://www.nextlibrary.net/page/next-library-festival-2021 Farago, Jason (May 21, 2021). "10 Ways for Museums to Survive and Thrive in a Post-Covid World." New York Times, updated online May 24, 2021 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/21/arts/pandemic-museums-ideas.html.  CreditsAudio, Production, and Streaming Services: Yoni Yemini, ACE Chicago Events

May 26, 2021 Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg In the last episode, Mike ranted about his frustrations and hours spent in trying to reach a human being for assistance with airline reservations, prescriptions, and insurance. In this episode, we dive deeper into the topic of help and information services of all kinds– human, mediated (telephone, digital), online. What’s going on with consumer help and what’s the status of Q&A, Ask a Librarian, and reference services in library land?In Wazzup, Dave describes the master class in the new librarianship he’s part of with the National Library School of France, and Mike shares concerns stemming from a disturbing text from a friend related to vaccines loaded with mis- and dis-information that raised all kinds of issues about the credibility of information and the undermining of quality of information. Dave’s Awesome Library Thingy spotlights the Toronto Public Library and Pam Ryan, Director, Service Development & Innovation, and their cutting-edge information literacy classes in machine learning, algorithms, public data, AI, and more.References & Resources École Nationale Supérieure des Sciences de l’Information et des Bibliothèques: the national library school of France., https://www.enssib.fr/ Angela Craig interview (May 12, 2021), Libraries Lead in the New Normal, Podcast Episode 7. https://www.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-7 Ewen, Lara (May 3, 2021). “Healthy Distance, Telemedicine brings house calls to local libraries,” American Libraries. p. 14. online: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2021/05/03/healthy-distance-libraries-telemedicine/ Radford, M., Costello, L., & Montague, K. (2021). Surging virtual reference services: COVID-19 a game-changer. College & Research Libraries News, 82(3), 106. doi: https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.82.3.106   Toronto Public Library https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/ Digital Innovation Series, Toronto Public Library https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/search.jsp?N=37867+4288098632 CreditsAudio, Production, and Streaming Services: Yoni Yemini, ACE Chicago Events

May 12, 2021 Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg 74 minutes Mike and Dave are joined by a very special guest – the talented and enthusiastic Angela Craig, Executive Director, Charleston County Public Library. Charleston County is a cutting-edge regional library system. In addition to offering all that we expect from public libraries, Charleston has been particularly responsive to the challenges of helping people and communities due to emergencies such as Hurricane and of course, the Covid-19 pandemic. Angela explains the nature and scope of needs that emerged and the full-scale reaction by librarians and staff in terms of outreach, services, systems, and partnerships that were quickly deployed. We know that you will be as impressed as we are to learn about specific programs (e.g., vaccine clinics, telehealth connections, mobile hotspots and Wi-Fi, refrigerated community garden produce) and their close coordination with the regional emergency services department.On the wazzup front, Dave announces that he’s taking a new, highly visible and prestigious job at the University of Texas in order to continue his passion of championing libraries, librarians, and making a difference in society. Mike rants about the deterioration of telephone and web-based customer service across all kinds of situations and domains.References & Resources Angela Craig: https://www.ccpl.org/team/angela-craigCharleston County Public Library: https://www.ccpl.org/Daniel Markovits, Daniel (May 6, 2021). “How College Became a Ruthless Competition Divorced From Learning,” The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/05/marriage-college-status-meritocracy/618795/ CreditsAudio, Production, and Streaming Services: Yoni Yemini, ACE Chicago Events

April 19, 2021Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg44 minutesAs we start to see some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, what does it mean for the locus and nature of work? Will everyone simply return to their offices, businesses, and schools as if nothing has changed? Or has the lockdown been a catalyst for reconsidering location, work-home balance, and the trade-offs of physical vs. virtual work. And, what about the accompanying effects on the environment, transportation (commuting and traffic), health (physical and mental), and social interaction. Is hybrid – blended physical and virtual – the new normal?Also, what would this mean for libraries and librarians? As the information infrastructure and services providers of communities, are there new, more permanent needs and demands to meet for businesses, workers, parents, and students? And, what about the library workforce? Will librarians and support staff also work in hybrid formats?This main topic discussion is bolstered by two “awesome library thingys” Dave highlights the American Library Association’s 2021 State of America’s Libraries Report which (among many things) describes librarians as second responders, but more importantly as “first restorers.” Mike builds on a previous highlight about open access reflected the new resources use agreement between the University of California system and Elsevier.References & ResourcesMegan Oakleaf 2021: Library Recognition Award, Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT) https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/04/dr-megan-oakleaf-chosen-2021-recipient-lirt-librarian-recognition-award Jefferson, Jr., Julius C. (04/05/21 01:30 PM EDT). “From steel to fiber, libraries are American infrastructure.” The Hill. https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/politics/546492-from-steel-to-fiber-libraries-are-american-infrastructureSpiggle, Tom (Feb 17, 2021) “The Post-Coronavirus Workplace: What The ‘New Normal’ May Look Like,” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2021/02/17/the-post-coronavirus-workplace-what-the-new-normal-may-look-like/?sh=1df61b1638daSamuel, Alexandra (March 21, 2021). “How to Manage the New Hybrid Workplace,” The Wall Street Journal, https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-manage-the-new-hybrid-workplace-11616328000 American Library Association. The State of America’s Libraries 2021: A Report from the American Library Association. Steve Zalusky. https://bit.ly/soal-report-2021.Office of Scholarly Communication, University of California (March 16, 2021). “UC secures landmark open access deal with world’s largest scientific publisher.”  https://osc.universityofcalifornia.edu/2021/03/uc-secures-landmark-oa-deal-with-worlds-largest-scientific-publisher/Office of Scholarly Communication, University of California (April 2021). “Elsevier Transformative Open Access Agreement.” https://osc.universityofcalifornia.edu/uc-publisher-relationships/elsevier-oa-agreement/CreditsYoni Yemini from ACE Chicago Events

March 17, 2021 45 Minutes Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg In this episode, Mike and Dave start with a brief exchange on the changing nature of work and the need to help low-wage earners find out about high demand jobs, requirements, and opportunities for getting access to quality training. Mike & Dave then pick up the conversation about education in the evolving new normal from episode 3’s insights from Colet Bartow, Teaching and Learning Senior Manager in the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Colet raised such issues as the increased interest in homeschooling or perhaps moving to a blended or hybrid approach to schooling, as well as the continued challenges of the digital divide. Mike laments that education is still stuck in a “19th Century, industrial model of mass-production education with cookie-cutter classrooms, fixed schedules, bells, and a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Do we really want to go back to this “old normal”? Dave sees a need to experiment, learn more about, and share best practices on how to use the emerging online technologies more effectively with libraries and librarians deeply involved.Also highlighted (as an Awesome Library Thingy) is Barbara Fister’s essay (from Project Information Literacy) that was picked up by The Atlantic about librarians confronting the mis- and dis-information efforts of Q-Anon and other conspiracy theory promoters by expanding exposure to skills and knowledge concerning social media, inquiry, and how this whole “information thing” works.References & Resources Miller, Elizabeth. (March 1, 20215:00 AM ET) "For Some Black Students, Remote Learning Has Offered A Chance To Thrive,"  National Public Radio: All Things Considered.  https://www.npr.org/2021/03/01/963282430/for-some-black-students-remote-learning-has-offered-a-chance-to-thrive Fister, Barbara (Feb 18, 2021) “The Librarian War Against Qanon.  As “Do the research” becomes a rallying cry for conspiracy theorists, classical information literacy is not enough. The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2021/02/how-librarians-can-fight-qanon/618047/  Fister, Barbara (Feb 3, 2021) “Lizard People in the Library,” Project Information Literacy, Provocation Series.  https://projectinfolit.org/pubs/provocation-series/essays/lizard-people-in-the-library.htmlCreditsYoni Yemini from ACE Chicago Events

March 17, 2021 45 Minutes Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg In this episode, Mike and Dave start with a brief exchange on the changing nature of work and the need to help low-wage earners find out about high demand jobs, requirements, and opportunities for getting access to quality training. Mike & Dave then pick up the conversation about education in the evolving new normal from episode 3’s insights from Colet Bartow, Teaching and Learning Senior Manager in the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Colet raised such issues as the increased interest in homeschooling or perhaps moving to a blended or hybrid approach to schooling, as well as the continued challenges of the digital divide. Mike laments that education is still stuck in a “19th Century, industrial model of mass-production education with cookie-cutter classrooms, fixed schedules, bells, and a one-size fits all curriculum. Do we really want to go back to this “old normal”? Dave sees a need to experiment, learn more about, and share best practices on how to use the emerging online technologies more effectively with libraries and librarians deeply involved.Also highlighted (as an Awesome Library Thingy) is Barbara Fister’s essay (from Project Information Literacy) that was picked up by The Atlantic about librarians confronting the mis- and dis-information efforts of Q-Anon and other conspiracy theory promoters by expanding exposure to skills and knowledge concerning social media, inquiry, and how this whole “information thing” works.References & Resources Miller, Elizabeth. (March 1, 20215:00 AM ET) "For Some Black Students, Remote Learning Has Offered A Chance To Thrive,"  National Public Radio: All Things Considered.  https://www.npr.org/2021/03/01/963282430/for-some-black-students-remote-learning-has-offered-a-chance-to-thrive Fister, Barbara (Feb 18, 2021) “The Librarian War Against Qanon.  As “Do the research” becomes a rallying cry for conspiracy theorists, classical information literacy is not enough. The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2021/02/how-librarians-can-fight-qanon/618047/  Fister, Barbara (Feb 3, 2021) “Lizard People in the Library,” Project Information Literacy, Provocation Series.  https://projectinfolit.org/pubs/provocation-series/essays/lizard-people-in-the-library.htmlCreditsYoni Yemini from ACE Chicago Events