Both Kate and Dave presented on the power of data for library and information services. Kate looked at whether information services are measuring the right data in the first place, and said that discussions need to take place to ensure the metrics we are using are suitable to the services we are deliv- ering (or want to deliver). Artefacto works on a number of projects where access to good data is crucial, and Kate pointed out that as more data is available to services there will be an increased need to ensure it is well-managed and properly used. And she feels that this is happening, saying: “The real change is that there seems to be a real concerted effort to do more with [data], to manage it well, to handle it ethically. To make it more intrinsic to the work libraries do. Libraries are being much more thoughtful and strategic about how they use data and what data they use.” (You can read the full presentation on Artefacto’s blog at
www.artefacto.org.uk/not-drowning-wav- ing-transformative-data).
Keynote speaker Bill Thomson.
connected with digital ways of work- ing, it pays to be curious. And Libraries Rewired gave everyone the chance to learn more about the systems, services and technology that is with us now. Suppliers were on hand to give demos and explain their products and there was virtual reality lab for delegates to experiment with. Libraries Rewired also recognised that everyone is at a different point on their journey, and speakers offered insights for all – whether practical advice on getting started or thought-leadership on how to exploit digital tools to their full extent. A session on gaming in the library saw Ash G. Green share their experience of running coding workshops and projects. Ash explained how to get started, and looked at some of the challenges and opportunities that could arise from such sessions – including a project that is bringing LGBTQ+ experiences into the digital realm through gaming. That session also included Block-
works founder James Delaney discussing the company’s work to secure freedom of information in repressive societies through the use of Minecraft. James explained how Blockworks joined forces with Reporters Without Borders to create The Uncensored Library in Minecraft. The library has become a repository of
journalism from and about countries where freedom of reporting is restricted. By adding news and features to the Minecraft platform, reporters are able to share stories that would otherwise be blocked by government-con- trolled internet filters. The only way to block the content would be an outright ban on the Minecraft game, and so far only China and (more recently) Russia has done that. The Uncensored Library is a clear example of how existing platforms can be adapted into innovative tools beyond their intended use.
Another session looked at the Future of Library Technology and featured Ken Chad, Director of Ken Chad Consulting, Emma Adamson, Director of Learning Services at University of South Wales and former Chair of WHELF, and Thomas Shaw Deputy Director, Libraries and Collections at King’s Libraries, as they considered what to expect in the near future and how to go about incorporating new tech into library, information and knowledge management services. You can find out more about that session and Thomas’ experience at Libraries Rewired on page 28.
Arts Council England’s Director Public
Libraries, Luke Burton hosted Co-founder of Artefacto (
www.artefacto.org.uk) Kate Lomax and Libraries Hacked Founder Dave Rowe in a discussion on harnessing data.
Dave Rowe looked at how opening up data for use can provide more than insights into services, with open data helping to spawn entirely new services and ways of working. This release of data beyond an organisation’s own control can be a leap of faith, and requires a careful and ethical process, but often delivers something new and remarkable. You can find out more about Libraries Hacked and some of the projects it has been involved with at www.
librarieshacked.org/projects.
Values matter
The ethical use of technology was a constant theme throughout the event – from recognising and mitigating impacts on users (deepfakes, AI hallucinations, built in bias and more) and handling data ethic ally to creating services and tools that are equitable and that ensuring freedom of information to access is maintained and enhanced. The opening keynote from technology reporter Bill Thomson and the final session of the day were reminders that information professionals in all fields need to embrace technology and help to shape its use. Ethics and values need to be part of the conversation around how technology develops, how it is used and what impact it might have. Information professionals have the skills, knowledge and understanding to not only harness new technology, but to shape it and make a positive difference to the communities they serve.
Find out more about how CILIP can sup- port your digital journey by visiting
www.cilip.
org.uk/page/digital-leadership-course. IP
DATA & AI I DIGITAL CREATIVITY I DIGITAL SKILLS I DIGITAL SOLUTIONS December 2023 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 13
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