Libraries Lead!

Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike Eisenberg

Libraries Lead! is a provocative podcast about all things information & library hosted by Beth Patin (Assistant Professor, School of Information Studies, Syracuse U), Dave Lankes (Professor, iSchool, U of Texas), and Mike Eisenberg (Dean/Professor Emeritus, iSchool, U of Washington). Information age opportunities and challenges affect every aspect of human existence. We wrestle with such topics as social justice, political unrest, mis- and dis-information, kids, family and adult living; education and learning; work, employment, training and jobs; recreation, entertainment, and play; disasters & emergency preparedness with a focus on libraries & information science, services, and systems. 4 segments in approx. 1 hour: WAZZUP, AI WATCH, MAIN TOPIC, and AWESOME LIBRARY THINGY. For Resources & References for All Episodes please go to: https://tinyurl.com/libleadresources

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Episode 31 (March 2024) Ack! School Libraries Under Attack!

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 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/

Episodes

Episode 31 (March 2024) Ack! School Libraries Under Attack!

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 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/

Episode 30 (February 2024): INFORMATION Everywhere All At Once

Episode 30 (February 2024): INFORMATION Everywhere All At Once

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/

Episode 29 (Jan 2024) Deaths of Despair: Isolation and Despondency

Episode 29 (Jan 2024) Deaths of Despair: Isolation and Despondency

ContentWarning: 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 white men, the trend is now seen across gender and racial boundaries. The one predictive factor? The deaths are rising in those without 4 year college degrees. For older adults, social isolation or loneliness is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia. And among youth, post-pandemic statistics point to a decrease in loneliness, but overall levels of depression have not fallen as much as one would hope. What’s the possible connection to our information-overloaded and increasingly online and technologically-mediated world? And most importantly, what can library and information professionals and institutions do to help?For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-29-jan-2024-deaths-of-despair-isolation-and-despondency/ For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

EPISODE 28 (Dec 2023): More AI: 'I’m Afraid I CAN do that, Dave'

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 for a test drive, look under the hood, and consider the short- and long-term implications of this and other customizable AI tools. Riffing off of the intelligent computer HAL 9000 quote from the film 2001 – A Space Odyssey ("I afraid I can do that, Dave"), what are the implications of computer that might be able to do just about everything, that is, “I’m Afraid I CAN do that, Dave.”For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-28-dec-2023-more-ai-im-afraid-i-can-do-that-dave/ For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

EPISODE 27 (Nov 2023): EDUCATION IS THE ANSWER! Now, what was the question?

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.This episode also includes, in addition to our Main Topic, our other regular features: Wazzup?AI WatchAwesome Library ThingyEnjoy!For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-27-nov-2023-education-is-the-answer-now-what-was-the-question/For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

EPISODE 26 (October 2023): Pitchforks and Torches and So Much More!

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 better responses to censorship and book banning? And how can we prepare communities and individuals for living in this “new AI’ world?For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-26-oct-2023-pitchforks-and-torches-and-so-much-more/ For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 25 (May 2023): Celebrating Libraries

Episode 25 (May 2023): Celebrating Libraries

Enough 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 References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-25-may-2023-celebrating-libraries/ For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 24 (April 2023): The New AI...It's Complicated

Episode 24 (April 2023): The New AI...It's Complicated

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/

Episode 23 (March 2023): March Info Madness – Sports, Information, and Libraries

Episode 23 (March 2023): March Info Madness – Sports, Information, and Libraries

It’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 development, planning and strategy, real-time decision-making, and the fan experience. So, listen in as Beth and Mike explore the all things information (e.g., information gathering, processing, analysis, evaluation, planning) in relation to preparing for, playing, and enjoying all kinds of sports.For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-23-march-2023-march-info-madness-sports-information-and-libraries/For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 22 (Feb 2023): Higher Education: For Better, Not Worse!

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 that students can gain knowledge, skills, and perspectives relevant to life today and in the future.For References & Resources for this episode visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-22-feb-2023-higher-education-for-better-not-worse-2/For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 21 (Jan 2023) Higher Education: Please Come to Your Senses!!

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 wonder if it’s possible to rededicate and redirect the academy back to more balanced goals for students, society, and the institutions themselves.For References & Resources Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/episode-21-jan-2023-higher-education-please-come-to-your-senses/For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 20 (Dec 2022): Ding Dong The Twit is Dead?

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/For References & Resources of All Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 19 (Oct 2022): What in the World?

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 athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 18 (May 2022): The Censors are Coming! The Censors are Coming!

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 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 (April 2022): Video Sharing & So Much More

Episode 17 (April 2022): Video Sharing & So Much More

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 (March 2022): FACEBOOK: The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

Episode 16 (March 2022): FACEBOOK: The Good, Bad, and the Ugly

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 (Feb 2022): Life, the Universe and Everything Social Media.

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 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 (Jan 2022): Info Literacy - Now More Than Ever!

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/For References & Resources of all Episodes Visit us athttps://1n2.b2c.myftpupload.com/

Episode 13 (Dec 2021): Politics R Us?

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 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 (Nov 2021): Truth or Dare: A New Normal in Education and Human Services?

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 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/