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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.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2025
About the author
R. David Lankes
19 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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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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.
March 25, 2026
I saw R. David Lankes give a lecture at the National Library of Scotland in March 2026, which was based around this book. I thought at the time that it felt like three different lectures merged together, and this book proves the point. He was an incredibly impassioned speaker; I wish the same could be said about his book.
Blurb:
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 Triptych: 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.
This felt like it was a summary of what should have been a much more detailed book - coming in at 89 pages, I wanted *more*. Especially of the feral librarians. I love that image! Are not all those who are impassioned by their career choice somewhat feral? Anyway, these three separate lectures felt like they could have been linked together a bit more to create a coherent argument. As it is, I'd say this was a good start, but give us more depth, more stats, more use cases. All the arguments are good and valid, just a bit thin on the ground. So, I shall pass this to my colleagues, and it shall make its way onto my shelves, but it's not going to be reread for a while. Now, tell me why I bought a book at about 50p a page??
Blurb:
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 Triptych: 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.
This felt like it was a summary of what should have been a much more detailed book - coming in at 89 pages, I wanted *more*. Especially of the feral librarians. I love that image! Are not all those who are impassioned by their career choice somewhat feral? Anyway, these three separate lectures felt like they could have been linked together a bit more to create a coherent argument. As it is, I'd say this was a good start, but give us more depth, more stats, more use cases. All the arguments are good and valid, just a bit thin on the ground. So, I shall pass this to my colleagues, and it shall make its way onto my shelves, but it's not going to be reread for a while. Now, tell me why I bought a book at about 50p a page??
April 15, 2026
I am balancing on two thoughts concerning this book.
1. David Lankes has a bewildering mind, and I mean this in a very positive sense. He is one of our greatest thinkers at the moment when it comes to the public library in our current age, and it is both a delight and an inspiration to be able to take knowledge of those ideas.
2. He’s nor the best writer, and the by times clunky translation (I read this in Dutch) didn’t help either.
So, 3 stars. And a lot of food for thought.
(If you ever have the chance to hear him speak, take it!)
1. David Lankes has a bewildering mind, and I mean this in a very positive sense. He is one of our greatest thinkers at the moment when it comes to the public library in our current age, and it is both a delight and an inspiration to be able to take knowledge of those ideas.
2. He’s nor the best writer, and the by times clunky translation (I read this in Dutch) didn’t help either.
So, 3 stars. And a lot of food for thought.
(If you ever have the chance to hear him speak, take it!)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews