Comments for R. David Lankes

Comment on We are at the Start of an Information Shock by rdlankes

rdlankes — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:52:45 +0000

In reply to Matthew Okunola. Thanks for the comments. I look forward to reactions after you finish the pre-print that has more on the idea of transcripts and the secondary document.

Comment on We are at the Start of an Information Shock by Matthew Okunola

Matthew Okunola — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:23:58 +0000

This is a compelling and thought-provoking argument. What I find particularly interesting is the distinction between document-producing AI and transactional AI. If the primary unit of information is no longer a stable document but an evolving interaction between a person and an AI system, then many of the assumptions underlying information organization, retrieval, authority, and even information literacy deserve renewed examination.

At the same time, I wonder whether the “document” is truly disappearing or whether it is being redefined. AI interactions often leave traces through prompts, outputs, conversation histories, and system contexts that may themselves become new forms of documentary evidence. The challenge may therefore be less about the end of the document than about identifying what the new information object actually is and how it can be preserved, cited, interpreted, and evaluated.

From an information behaviour perspective, I am equally interested in how people experience these transactional exchanges. How do users decide when an AI response is trustworthy? How do they negotiate uncertainty when every interaction can produce a different answer? These questions suggest that the transformation is not only technical or infrastructural but also deeply human. As AI reshapes the ways people seek, interpret, and use information, our theories of information practices, authority, and literacy may need to evolve alongside our systems.

I look forward to reading the full paper. I believe the concept of “Information Shock” has the potential to stimulate an important conversation about the future of information science and the evolving role of libraries and information professionals.

Comment on Beyond the Bullet Points: Bad Libraries by Susan

Susan — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:18:07 +0000

Libraries also need to be prepared for opposition to the collections and programs, and to staff. Staff, read everything and know your rights and how to defend against this opposition. ACLU, ALA, PLA NYLA and Pen America writes on this controversial fight on banning books, opposition to library programs, LGBTQ+ staff and public.

Comment on Beyond the Bullet Points: Bad Libraries by Susan

Susan — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:14:06 +0000

Taking a neutral stand on controversial issues is a bad library, ensuring that staff are safe is a must. Policy is not static, people need to be seen, heard and ready for open discusssion about non-binary life. Policies need revisiting and updating every other year.
I stand for diversity, equity and access.

Comment on AI Free* Version of Triptych Now Available by Janet mente

Janet mente — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:17:27 +0000

Many thanks, David.

Comment on R. David Lankes Releases New Book on Libraries, AI, and Democracy by rdlankes

rdlankes — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 21:14:54 +0000

In reply to Floor. I am working with VOB right now about a Dutch version and thinking about how to distribute it. Stay tuned.

Comment on R. David Lankes Releases New Book on Libraries, AI, and Democracy by Floor

Floor — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:13:23 +0000

A really important message and I cannot wait to read it! I hope though that I can access it in other ways than Amazon (which I’d like to avoid) in The Netherlands as well.

Comment on Don’t Look Away by rdlankes

rdlankes — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:25:41 +0000

In reply to Stephen Abram. Opps. Thank you, and thank you.

Comment on Don’t Look Away by Stephen Abram

Stephen Abram — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:26:48 +0000

David: tenets of librarianship (not tenants). BTW this is brilliant.

Comment on 6. Comunidades: a plataforma by Cristina Mylek

Cristina Mylek — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 15:56:11 +0000

Gosto da idéia de centros culturais com espaços para arte, oficinas de diversos assuntos, aulas e cursos (porque não?). E principalmente no pós – pandêmia, espaços culturais que agreguem informações as pessoas, público em geral é o que mais faz sentido!