Libraries Lead!

About Libraries Lead!

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

Publisher

Beth Patin, Dave Lankes, & Mike Eisenberg

Category

education · news · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Apr 2021

Latest episode

1 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

58 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Episode 52 (Sept 2026): Information Shock!

   Every so often the way we make information changes enough that the field built around it must rebuild. It happened after WWII when a flood of scientific data and the digital computer turned librarianship into library and information science. It is happening again. This time the cause is a machine you can talk to. When learning happens inside a conversation, there is no document left to check, and AI literacy runs out of things to grip. Generative AI triggers a major "information shock"—...

2. 

   1 May 2026

   Episode 51 (May 2026): The Changing Contours of the Information Field

   This episode examines the ascent of library science education from the academic periphery to becoming central to the modern university within Information Schools (iSchools). Over the past fifty years, the field has transformed from a niche, single-degree program into broad-based, robust, multi-program iSchool powerhouses with significant research funding and enrollments. But, iSchools exist within universities, and universities today are facing a "perfect storm" of severe enrollme...

3. 

   1 Apr 2026

   Episode 50 (April 2026): Open Doors: Libraries as Sanctuary Space

   Libraries aspire to be a place where everyone belongs — and in Episode 50, we explore what that commitment looks like in today's world. Far from simply reaffirming tradition, libraries are actively expanding their roles, From welcoming undocumented community members without fear, to opening their doors to neighbors experiencing homelessness, to providing access and safe spaces for student well-being in schools, libraries are fulfilling their function as true public sanctuaries. At the same ti...

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

12 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

82

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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