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Triptych: Death, AI, and Librarianship
What if libraries could save lives—not just inform them?
In a time of rising social isolation, ideological division, and technological upheaval, libraries stand at a crossroads. In Death, AI, and Librarianship, acclaimed scholar R. David Lankes—joined by Jain Orr and Qianzi Cao—delivers a bold, urgent, and deeply human call to action for the library profession.
Structured around three provocative lectures, this book challenges librarians to move beyond traditional service models and embrace their role as agents of social transformation. Lankes argues that libraries are not neutral spaces but vital social infrastructure—places where communities can reconnect, reclaim agency, and resist the despair that threatens democratic societies.
From confronting the rise of book bans and the erosion of intellectual freedom, to navigating the ethical minefields of artificial intelligence, Triptych explores the evolving identity of librarianship in the 21st century. It champions the power of storytelling, the necessity of joy in the face of adversity, and the radical inclusion of “feral librarians”—those who enter the profession through unconventional paths but embody its deepest values.
Inside, readers will
A compelling redefinition of librarianship rooted in mission, means, and valuesA critical examination of AI’s impact on trust, literacy, and communityA passionate defense of libraries as democratic spaces for dialogue and dissentA call to embrace joy, empathy, and adaptability as professional imperativesA vision for a post-industrial, community-centered library movementWhether you're a librarian, educator, policymaker, or advocate for social justice, Triptych offers a powerful framework for reimagining the future of libraries—not as passive repositories, but as dynamic, life-saving institutions.
This is not just a book about libraries. It’s a manifesto for those who believe in the power of knowledge, community, and human connection.
In a time of rising social isolation, ideological division, and technological upheaval, libraries stand at a crossroads. In Death, AI, and Librarianship, acclaimed scholar R. David Lankes—joined by Jain Orr and Qianzi Cao—delivers a bold, urgent, and deeply human call to action for the library profession.
Structured around three provocative lectures, this book challenges librarians to move beyond traditional service models and embrace their role as agents of social transformation. Lankes argues that libraries are not neutral spaces but vital social infrastructure—places where communities can reconnect, reclaim agency, and resist the despair that threatens democratic societies.
From confronting the rise of book bans and the erosion of intellectual freedom, to navigating the ethical minefields of artificial intelligence, Triptych explores the evolving identity of librarianship in the 21st century. It champions the power of storytelling, the necessity of joy in the face of adversity, and the radical inclusion of “feral librarians”—those who enter the profession through unconventional paths but embody its deepest values.
Inside, readers will
A compelling redefinition of librarianship rooted in mission, means, and valuesA critical examination of AI’s impact on trust, literacy, and communityA passionate defense of libraries as democratic spaces for dialogue and dissentA call to embrace joy, empathy, and adaptability as professional imperativesA vision for a post-industrial, community-centered library movementWhether you're a librarian, educator, policymaker, or advocate for social justice, Triptych offers a powerful framework for reimagining the future of libraries—not as passive repositories, but as dynamic, life-saving institutions.
This is not just a book about libraries. It’s a manifesto for those who believe in the power of knowledge, community, and human connection.
- GenresArtificial Intelligence
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2025
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
R. David Lankes
18 books38 followersR. David Lankes is the director of the University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science, and recipient of the American Library Association’s 2016 Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship.
His book, The Atlas of New Librarianship, won the 2012 ABC-CLIO/Greenwood Award for the Best Book in Library Literature.
Lankes is a passionate advocate for librarians and their essential role in today’s society.
His book, The Atlas of New Librarianship, won the 2012 ABC-CLIO/Greenwood Award for the Best Book in Library Literature.
Lankes is a passionate advocate for librarians and their essential role in today’s society.
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September 30, 2025
Dr. Lankes' contribution to the idea of librarians as leaders in community building is impeccably articulated in what he refers to as our fight against "deaths of despair." This heartfelt mission was what he always believed his students were capable of achieving. I know because I was in his classroom on the morning of 9/11, and his kind presence and instruction held us together on a day of deepest despair. Overall, Triptych is a great read with insights into the value of AI and our profession that reminded me why I still have hope for libraries here in Canada. And maybe even in America despite these insane times... I only have beef with the fact that he neglected to tell me I could have accomplished as much and maybe more in my field if I had just moved to the Netherlands.
Displaying 1 of 1 review