Episode 18: The Censors are Coming! The Censors are Coming!February 21st. 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 atwww.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-18For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us atwww.librarieslead.com 

Episode 17: Video Sharing & So Much MoreFebruary 1st, 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 atwww.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-17For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us atwww.librarieslead.com 

Episode 16: FACEBOOK: The Good, Bad, and the UglyJanuary 18th, 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 LB 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 atwww.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-16For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us atwww.librarieslead.com 

Episode 15: Life, the Universe and Everything Social Media. December 21st, 2021Beth 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.s

Episode 14: Info Literacy - Now More Than Ever!November 17th, 2021Beth 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 atwww.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-14For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us atwww.librarieslead.com 

Episode 13: Politics R Us?November 13th, 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 atwww.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-13For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us atwww.librarieslead.com 

Episode 12: Truth or Dare: A New Normal in Education and Human Services?October 13, 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 atwww.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-12For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us atwww.librarieslead.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. Dave and Mike discussed some of this previously, particularly in relation to the central roles played by that libraries, librarians, and information organizations and people. But it’s time to bring in someone with more direct knowledge and experience in this essential area: Dr. Beth Patin, Assistant Professor at Syracuse University’s Information School (iSchool). Beth is a leading expert in crisis informatics. She was instrumental in rebuilding a library in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and studies (among other areas) community resilience and the role of libraries in the United States during disaster and emergency events. 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 atwww.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-11For References & Resources  of all Episodes Visit us atwww.librarieslead.com 

Episode 10: Data to the Rescue?  July 1, 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 www.acechicagoevents.com/libraries-lead-episode-10  For References & Resources  of all Episoeds Visit us atwww.librarieslead.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