R. David Lankes
Founding member
R. David Lankes is the Virginia & Charles Bowden Professor of Librarianship at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Information. He is the recipient of ALA’s Reference and User Services Association 2021 Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award for distinguished contribution to reference 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.
I am proud to be part of PL2030 and the team of innovators and passionate advocates for librarians and libraries. To me it is an example of the new type of organization that is needed right now in Europe, and abroad. It combines passion and pragmatics, and builds on a proven record of advocacy. You have library directors, academics, and consultants that have a proven record of building a vision of libraries centered on communities, and transforming libraries across Europe.
As the world moves to a more data-driven applications, PL2030, building on the great success of PL2020, it really can put the Smart Citizen in Smart Cities. It does this in a modern distributed fashion. Rather than trying to build a single monolithic organization, it is building a massive network of innovators and leaders in Europe, the US, and abroad. It is modelling the community-focused learning and advocacy organization that libraries must become to well serve citizens.
How we work
Explore How We Strengthen Libraries and Expand Their Impact
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campaign
Advocate
We empower voices
Through targeted actions and campaigns, we amplify the voice and visibility of public libraries at EU level, raising awareness on their vital role in society and in building a stronger, more inclusive and democratic Europe. Ultimately, we aim to secure recognition and support for libraries at EU level.
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Connect
We build networks
PL2030 brings the European library sector together, fostering collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge exchange through initiatives like the Lighthouse Libraries network. This EU-wide network of innovative libraries is at the core of our efforts to build a vibrant, dynamic and interconnected European library community.
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Innovate
We experiment together
Through European-funded projects, PL2030 empowers libraries to explore new themes, technologies, and solutions that drive transformation in their services and communities. Our commitment to innovation and experimentation in the library sector is the core of our work.