Libraries Lead!

Nov 01 2024 36 ep. 58 mins 14

Libraries Lead! Podcast artwork

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 35 (NOV 2024) A Once in a Lifetime...Again and Again and Again

Nov 01 2024 59 mins

Natural 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

BONUS INTERVIEW (September 2024) - Rebekah Cummings, Librarian & 2024 Candidate for Lt. Gov of Utah!

Oct 01 2024 28 mins

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

Episode 34 (October 2024) AI-Corrosion (and Repair!) of Trust in Public Institutions

Sep 30 2024 71 mins

Corrosive 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

Episode 33 (May/June 2024): TikTok—Is the Clock Really Ticking for TikTok?

Jun 14 2024 71 mins

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 t

Episode 32 (April 2024): Optimistically Realistic (or Realistically Optimistic) About AI?

May 03 2024 57 mins

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

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

Mar 27 2024 64 mins

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, ri

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

Mar 01 2024 64 mins

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

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

Feb 05 2024 67 mins

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

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

Dec 20 2023 63 mins

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

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

Nov 05 2023 65 mins

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 librar