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 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.

Inside, readers will discover:

A compelling redefinition of librarianship rooted in mission, means, and values A critical examination of AI’s impact on trust, literacy, and community A passionate defense of libraries as democratic spaces for dialogue and dissent A call to embrace joy, empathy, and adaptability as professional imperatives A vision for a post-industrial, community-centered library movement Whether 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.