Shows
Libraries Lead!Episode 41 (May 2025): IMLS The Little Agency That Could Aughhhh!!! We knew this was coming, but it still hurts – even more. As part of the chain-saw destruction of much of the US federal government, the Institute for Museum and Library Services has been eliminated to the maximum extend of the law and ordered to reduce services and personnel to the minimum required by law. All budget requests from IMLS are rejected except those to shut down the agencies. And yes, the Executive Order usurps the intent of Congress. According to ALA, “[l]ibrary funding draws less than 0.003% of the annual federal budget yet has enormous impact in commu...2025-05-011h 12
Libraries Lead!Episode 40 (April 2025) March Madness - Info StyleWith Dave on vacation, Beth & Mike also take a break from the challenges and issues facing the library & information field. Since both are both avid sports fans and since it’s “March Madness” (college basketball’s post-season extravaganza) time, they build on last month’s “information perspective” by taking a look at the entire phenomenon while wearing their library & information-colored glasses. So, fill out your brackets, grab a beverage and snacks, root for your favorite teams, and join Beth & Mike as they share and challenge each other’s perceptions and predictions.2025-04-011h 08Libraries Lead!Episode 39 (March 2025): Looking at the World Through Information-Colored Glasses All three of us are hopelessly biased. We look at the world through “information-colored glasses.” This means that when we engage in any and all aspects of human life – work, play, learning – we can’t help but consider what’s going on from an information perspective. In any situation or in relation to any “person, place, or thing,” we almost unconsciously begin to identify and ponder the nature and influence of all things information including (but not limited to ) information systems, processes, artifacts, resources, management, behaviors, and ethics. We find this information perspective to be incredibly valuable and interesting as...2025-03-031h 01
Libraries Lead!DeepSeek AI Watch Feb 2025 Episode 38 bonusFrom the Libraries Lead Podcast - February 2025, AI Watch Segment. In this 12 minute video, Dave Lankes explains why DeepSeek is such a big deal. Then, he blows our minds by demonstrating how DeepSeek works and maybe even ... thinks(?) because DeepSeek includes its "chain of thought reasoning and prompting" as it answers questions. Take a look and listen for "under-the-hood" insights into DeepSeek and other AIs.Audio only is available here. For the full video of this bonus episode, please go to - https://librarieslead.libraryjournal.com/2025/02/02/ai-watch-feb-2025-deepseek/2025-02-1112 min
Libraries Lead!Episode 38 (Feb 2025): Stop Calling Them Customers!! Library & information science for decades has focused on the “user” perspective in systems and services. This includes HCI (human-computer interaction), interfaces, features in search and catalog systems, and ways of improving services (e.g., online/chat reference, maker spaces, events). We provide systems, resources, and services and users use them. Furthermore, "users (or customers) know best," so we should develop and improve systems primarily through user feedback. But maybe it’s time to move on from piecemeal innovations or improvements for customers, and consider people as whole persons and their places in "community." A customer orientatio...2025-02-021h 03
Libraries Lead!Episode 37 (Jan 2024): Show Me the $$In the beginning … of our dot com digital age (roughly from the late 1970s) … there was a expectation that information and computer technology (ICT) would be a boon to society. Technology could be liberating rather than oppressing. The hope was that new products and services (e.g., personal computers, the Internet, the WWW, search engines, smart phones, social media) would lead to a more equitable, open, and free society. Sadly, that didn’t happen. Instead, the pervasive goal in ICT became monetization—to make a buck and to maximize profits as much and as quickly as possible. In this ep...2025-01-011h 00
Libraries Lead!Episode 36 (DEC 2024) – The Days After - What Now?The election is over, and the reactions are emotional and raw. Some people are cheering; others crying. America is still as divided politically and socially as the day before. Putting those things aside, let’s look ahead from an information & library perspective. What’s in store for us as individuals, families and communities? Are there lessons learned from the campaigns and result from an information perspective? What might the next few years look like for libraries and librarians and those who use and rely on library resources and service? Are there opportunities for libraries to serve and thrive or will...2024-11-301h 05
Libraries Lead!BONUS EPISODE 36+ - NotebookLMDave explores NotebookLM’s podcasting feature. NotebookLM is an AI system from Google that lets you create a workspace around documents that summarizes, creates study guides, and much more. One of the features is creating an “Audio Overview” that transforms your notes and documents into a two person podcast. Dave was impressed, see what you think. And let us know!! Email info@librarieslead.org Post on our Facebook group: Libraries Lead. Instagram librarieslead (no space)2024-11-3022 minLibraries Lead!EPISODE 35 (NOV 2024) A Once in a Lifetime...Again and Again and AgainNatural and human-made crises, disasters, emergencies, and catastrophes. Whatever the cause (climate change, poverty, disease, overpopulation, war), it's undeniable that communities and individuals are continually facing daunting problems and challenges across the globe. In the first year of this podcast in Episode 11 (Nov 2021), we discussed how everyday people are just trying to survive, the roles and responsibilities of government and public service officials in dealing with crises, and of course, how library & information staff and institutions can provide essential services and resources. It's 3 years later, and in the face of even more severe hurricanes, fires, wars, and m...2024-11-0159 minLibraries Lead!BONUS INTERVIEW (September 2024) - Rebekah Cummings, Librarian & 2024 Candidate for Lt. Gov of Utah!Rebekah Cummings is interviewed by Dave Lankes. Rebekah was chosen to run with Gubernatorial candidate, Brian King. He described Rebekah as:“A mom. A public servant. A librarian. A defender against book banning and censorship. Utahns will be well served by Rebekah’s leadership through her advocacy for intellectual freedom and commitment to empowering families.”Rebekah is the Director of Digital Matters and Associate Librarian at the University of Utah Marriott Library. In 2018 – 2019, Rebekah served as the Utah Library Association President, and she currently serves as the Utah State Library Board Chair. Since 2019, Rebekah has cham...2024-10-0128 minLibraries Lead!Episode 34 (October 2024) AI-Corrosion (and Repair!) of Trust in Public InstitutionsCorrosive AI: Effects On and Expanded Roles Of Libraries and the Information FieldSigh. It’s not enough that our instantly and continually connected information environment has eroded trust everywhere—including in our public institutions. The Internet, World Wide Web, and social media have been super-spreaders for misinformation (unintended misleading or false information) and dis-information (purposeful spreading of lies or deceptive information). But now, there is an even more powerful force at everyone’s fingertips-Artificial Intelligence. AI now offers a set of multimedia tools and techniques to turbo-charge the creation and communication of false or mislead...2024-10-011h 11Libraries Lead!Episode 33 (May/June 2024): TikTok—Is the Clock Really Ticking for TikTok?TikTok! Used regularly by over half the US population, why do so many either love or loathe TikTok? Is it simply a fun and terrific platform for creating, sharing, and consuming content? Is it an addictive, mental health hazard destroying America’s youth? Is it a major national security threat of Chinese infiltration? Is it all of the above…and more? We first discussed TikTok two years ago in Episode 15 (Feb 2022): Life, the Universe and Everything Social Media. But now it demands a closer look as use continues to skyrocket, its impact on US culture is undeniable, and f...2024-06-141h 11Libraries Lead!Episode 32 (April 2024): Optimistically Realistic (or Realistically Optimistic) About AI?In this episode, we return to one of our favorite topics– the new AI. But rather than focus on the latest “gee whiz” or OMG capabilities, we turn to the societal implications and impact side of the topic. Dave raised this topic wondering if it’s another case of, “this is why we can't have nice things anymore.” Why is it that for world-changing technologies over the past half-century that held great promise for the betterment of humanity (e.g., personal computers, the Internet, the World Wide Web, search, mobile devices, social media) instead wound up adding stress to personal and...2024-05-0357 minLibraries Lead!Episode 31 (March 2024) Ack! School Libraries Under Attack!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 li...2024-03-271h 04Libraries Lead!Episode 30 (February 2024): INFORMATION Everywhere All At OnceInformation 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 T...2024-03-011h 04Libraries Lead!Episode 29 (Jan 2024) Deaths of Despair: Isolation and DespondencyContentWarning: This episode includes discussions about mental health, addiction, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, please seek professional help. It is important to prioritize your well-being and the well-being of those around you.In this episode, we get serious about a serious problem: despondency and despair across all age groups – middle age, young adults and seniors too. For example, going against all the statistical norms, people in their middle ages are increasingly dying from suicide, drug overdoses and alcohol related illnesses. First observed in middle aged wh...2024-02-051h 07Libraries Lead!EPISODE 28 (Dec 2023): More AI: 'I’m Afraid I CAN do that, Dave'In recent weeks, Dave's gone down the AI rabbit hole and, in this episode, we’re following him. Besides using AI for creating graphics, Dave’s is using an AI app called Poe to create “answer bots” – AI chats based on one's own content. This differs from ChatGPT and others which are based on large language models of massive amounts of general content from the web. With Poe, Dave used transcripts of this podcast (Libraries Lead) to create a Libraries Lead "bot" - Lib_Leader bot - https://poe.com/Lib_Leader. In this episode ask Beth to take Lib_Leader...2023-12-201h 03Libraries Lead!EPISODE 27 (Nov 2023): EDUCATION IS THE ANSWER! Now, what was the question?We - Beth, Mike, & Dave - are educators, so naturally we all believe deeply in the value of learning at all stages of life. We advocate for “education” as an answer to many if not most questions, problems, concerns, and issues that people face individually and collectively. But, let’s get more specific about what this really means today and tomorrow specifically in library and information science education, in formal school settings, and even more broadly in society. In this episode we delve into the nature of education as well as the various means to gaining desired knowledge and skills...2023-11-051h 05Libraries Lead!EPISODE 26 (October 2023): Pitchforks and Torches and So Much More!We’re back and where do we begin? Beth, Dave and Mike return to the podcast microphones after a summer break from recording, but certainly not a break from incredible developments in the library, information, and technology worlds. Headlines include: Not just censor, but actually close libraries! Invasion of the AIs, aka large language models (LLM). Dis-information – the new normal? Teaching – forget social media, smart phones, Zoom, and the pandemic. Is it real or is it ChatGPT? In this episode, Beth, Dave, and Mike push back - but in a positive way. How can libraries and supporters generate more and be...2023-10-111h 04Libraries Lead!Episode 25 (May 2023): Celebrating LibrariesEnough of the downer, doom, the sky is falling mentality that seems to pervade our lives and media. Let’s celebrate! Join us as we highlight libraries and librarians and their role in our lives. Libraries are great. Libraries are thriving. Libraries are cool. Beth, Mike, & Dave talk about why we love them and give specific examples of unique and innovative services, programs, and resources, across all types of libraries and communities. We’ll also discuss how they are actively and successfully fighting back against efforts to censor, restrict, or limit libraries and their use. For Refer...2023-05-281h 03Libraries Lead!Episode 24 (April 2023): The New AI...It's ComplicatedIn 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 Ch...2023-04-241h 06Libraries Lead!Episode 23 (March 2023): March Info Madness – Sports, Information, and LibrariesIt’s March Madness, and we both readily admit it – we are sports junkies. We are VERY dedicated fans taking our teams’ successes (or lack thereof) way too seriously. But we also enjoy looking at sports through our “information-colored” glasses. Sport has always been an information as well as physical contest, and it’s even more so today. We have Moneyball-type data analytics across sports in team building, strategy, video analysis in training and playing, (for better or worse) and pro and college teams use super powerful information processing tools. This has transformed almost all aspects of player and team develop...2023-03-2559 minLibraries Lead!Episode 22 (Feb 2023): Higher Education: For Better, Not Worse!In our last episode, #21 – January 2023, we articulated our concerns about what’s going on in higher education. We lamented the striving for status and money instead of access and affordability for students. We also felt that there’s an over-emphasis among students and families on jobs and financial benefits rather than learning and gaining a well-rounded education. We ended the episode by promising to follow-up in this episode focusing on solutions, no matter how far out there they might be. Join us as we talk about aspirations and approaches for higher education in order to expand access and opportunities so tha...2023-02-131h 03Libraries Lead!Episode 21 (Jan 2023) Higher Education: Please Come to Your Senses!!The three of us are proud academics. While we come from very different backgrounds, we are all examples of the power of higher education to change lives. Furthermore, each of us has dedicated our lives to “paying it forward” through teaching, mentoring, research, and professional practice. However, things seem different now on campuses. The promise and fulfillment of learning, growth, and opportunity for students seems to be pushed aside by an insatiable institutional, self-serving striving for status and money as well as an over-emphasis among students and families on jobs and financial benefits. We question these priorities and w...2023-01-111h 03Libraries Lead!Episode 20 (Dec 2022): Ding Dong The Twit is Dead?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/2022-12-1156 minLibraries Lead!Episode 19 (Oct 2022): What in the World?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 at2022-10-1258 minLibraries Lead!Episode 18 (May 2022): The Censors are Coming! The Censors are Coming!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 fee...2022-04-2754 minLibraries Lead!Episode 17 (April 2022): Video Sharing & So Much MoreEpisode 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 th...2022-03-2853 minLibraries Lead!Episode 16 (March 2022): FACEBOOK: The Good, Bad, and the UglyEpisode 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...2022-03-021h 03Libraries Lead!Episode 15 (Feb 2022): Life, the Universe and Everything Social Media.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...2022-02-0259 minLibraries Lead!Episode 14 (Jan 2022): Info Literacy - Now More Than Ever!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/2022-01-1254 minLibraries Lead!Episode 13 (Dec 2021): Politics R Us?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...2021-12-1758 minLibraries Lead!Episode 12 (Nov 2021): Truth or Dare: A New Normal in Education and Human Services?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...2021-11-2051 min