Frameworks & Decision Tools
Start here if you're making a major decision about consulting, vendors, or technology investments.
Should You Hire Consulting?
Framework to assess whether consulting is the right move for your library. What it costs, what it delivers, and common mistakes to avoid.
Decision ToolConsulting vs. DIY Approach
Comprehensive comparison of the tradeoffs. When to build internal capacity versus when to hire external expertise.
FrameworkVendor Contracts Red Flags Checklist
Five specific contract mechanisms vendors use to lock you in. Know what to look for before you sign.
ChecklistLibrary Tech Stack Guide
How to evaluate and build a technology foundation that gives you options and independence.
FrameworkReady to talk to an expert? Once you've used these decision tools, consulting services are available for contract review, AI governance frameworks, vendor transitions, and strategic planning. Starting with a 30-minute free consultation.
Learning Resources by Role
Jump to resources tailored for your position and responsibilities.
For Library Directors & Leadership
Start here
First read: Why vendor independence matters and what it means for your library's future.
OrientationShould You Hire Consulting?
Strategic assessment for directors deciding on external expertise or internal capacity building.
Decision ToolConsulting vs. DIY
How to think about building resilience and independence in your library's operations.
FrameworkAI in U.S. Public Libraries: A Practical Assessment for Library Directors
The definitive baseline on where libraries stand with AI. 67% exploring, 7% implementing. Budget is the top barrier. Essential for 2026 strategic planning.
ResearchBoard Budget Scripts
Talking points and sample language for securing cybersecurity funding from your board.
ScriptsBoard Brief: Responsible AI Governance
A board-ready deck: what AI governance looks like, what questions to ask, and what decisions actually belong with the board.
Board BriefFor IT & Technical Staff
Data Extraction Survival Guide
Step-by-step guide to extracting your library's data from vendors. Critical before switching systems or renegotiating contracts.
GuideVendor Migration Playbook
Complete playbook for moving from one vendor to another. Planning, execution, data cleanup, and rollback procedures.
PlaybookOne-Person IT Survival Guide
Practical strategies for rural and small libraries with minimal IT staff. Automation, documentation, and building resilience.
GuideSmall Library Tech Stack Essentials
Minimal viable tech infrastructure for libraries with limited budgets and staff.
FrameworkBuilding Your Library's Tech Stack
Architecture principles for independent, maintainable technology infrastructure.
GuideLibrarian Terminal Pack
Just enough terminal to run scripts without panic. Copy-paste commands, plain-English explanations, and common errors.
TrainingFor Board Members & Governance
AI Legislation Tracker
Which laws require board-level action and compliance. Timelines, requirements, and oversight responsibilities.
ComplianceBoard Budget Scripts
Governance guidance for cybersecurity oversight and budget approval.
GovernanceBoard Memo Template (AI Tools)
Copy-paste memo structure: scope, data flows, risks, pricing surprises, and a clean exit plan.
TemplateShould You Hire Consulting?
Board-level framework for assessing strategic consulting engagements.
FrameworkIn-Depth Guides & Playbooks
Comprehensive, actionable guides for specific situations and challenges.
Short on time? Start with Best of the site.
Vendor Migration Playbook
Complete step-by-step process for switching vendors. Data extraction, testing, staff training, and rollback plans.
PlaybookData Extraction Survival Guide
Technical and practical guidance for getting your library's data out of vendor systems intact and usable.
GuideVendor Independence Playbook
Build resilience: multiple vendors, DIY alternatives, and infrastructure strategies.
PlaybookDIY Cataloging Guide
Step-by-step guide to cataloging and processing using free tools. Reduce dependence on expensive vendor systems.
GuideOne-Person IT Survival Guide
Strategies for small IT teams: automation, documentation, incident response, and building capacity.
GuideSmall Library Tech Stack: What You Actually Need
Cut through vendor marketing. What to buy, what to skip, and what’s actually worth investing in.
GuideConsortium Shared Governance Guide
Practical governance patterns for shared systems: decision rights, escalation paths, and vendor leverage.
GuideFrontline Staff AI Training
Complete training guide with copy-paste scripts for common patron questions about AI and technology.
TrainingPolicy & Compliance
Templates, frameworks, and guidance for library policies on AI, privacy, and technology governance.
Examples & Tools
Small, practical demo tools referenced in articles. Lightweight pages, no logins.
ExamplesAI Legislation Tracker
Centralized source for AI laws affecting libraries. EU AI Act, Colorado, and emerging state regulations with compliance timelines.
ComplianceColorado AI Act Guide
State-level AI legislation implications. Colorado treats education as a protected category, this is the template 12+ states are copying.
State LawEU AI Act Guide
How European AI regulations affect library services, vendor compliance, and what to require in contracts.
RegulationPrivacy Policy Updates for AI & Third-Party Tools
Template language your library needs for AI tools, data sharing with vendors, and third-party integrations.
TemplateLibrary Content & AI Training: Your Rights & Responsibilities
Policy guidance for controlling how AI systems use your library's content, patron data, and collections.
PolicyData Removal & Privacy Protection Guide
Practical steps for removing library and patron data from data brokers, people search sites, and AI training datasets.
GuideCybersecurity & Risk Management
Resources for protecting your library's infrastructure, data, and services.
Ransomware Case Studies: British Library & Toronto Public Library
Detailed analysis of two major ransomware attacks. Lessons learned, what worked, and what to do differently.
AnalysisU.S. Library Ransomware Attacks
Documentation and analysis of ransomware incidents affecting libraries across the United States.
Case StudiesLibrary Ransomware & AI Security
How AI systems affect ransomware risk and what security practices libraries need now.
AnalysisBoard Budget Scripts: Securing Cybersecurity Funding
Talking points and sample language for presenting security budgets and incident response plans to your board.
ScriptsVendor Strategy & Contracts
Navigate vendor relationships, negotiations, and contracts with confidence.
Vendor Contracts Red Flags Checklist
Five specific contract mechanisms vendors use to lock you in. Essential reading before signing any vendor agreement.
ChecklistAI Clause Warning Signs in Vendor Contracts
Red flags regarding AI/ML, data usage rights, training rights, and vendor liability in service agreements.
ArticleThe Vendor Trench Coat: Unmasking Hidden Relationships
How to identify when vendors are using shell companies, parent companies, or hidden partnerships to obscure their real identity and incentives.
InvestigationConsortium Negotiation Tactics
How to leverage collective bargaining power through library consortia for better vendor terms.
StrategyVendor Migration Playbook
Complete process for switching vendors. Data extraction, testing, staff training, and rollback procedures.
PlaybookConsulting vs. DIY Approach
When to build internal capacity versus when to hire external expertise for vendor evaluation and management.
FrameworkLibrary Workforce & Equity
Resources on staffing, professional development, and ensuring equitable library services.
The Library Workforce Is Breaking
Analysis of burnout, staffing shortages, and systemic issues affecting library employees. What leadership needs to understand.
AnalysisHiring for Equity in Technology Roles
How to build diverse technical teams and create pathways for underrepresented groups in library technology positions.
GuideRural Digital Equity & Library Technology
Specific challenges and solutions for rural libraries serving communities with limited connectivity and resources.
AnalysisAI Surveillance & Vulnerable Patrons
How AI and surveillance technologies disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and what libraries can do about it.
AnalysisResearch & Analysis
In-depth research, literature reviews, and data on libraries, AI, and technology trends.
Library Research: AI in Practice
AI in U.S. Public Libraries: A Practical Assessment for Library Directors
The definitive baseline on AI adoption in libraries. 67% exploring, 7% implementing. Budget is the top barrier. Essential reading for strategic planning.
ResearchAI Interest in Libraries: Survey Data
Comprehensive survey data on librarian attitudes, concerns, and readiness for AI adoption. Real numbers on implementation barriers.
Survey DataFuture of U.S. Librarianship: Literature Review 2026
Comprehensive literature review analyzing trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of libraries. Context for strategic planning.
Literature ReviewPolicy & Governance: AI Regulation
What the EU AI Act Actually Means for Your Library
Europe's AI regulation is reshaping global vendor products. What high-risk systems mean, compliance costs, and why this matters even outside the EU.
RegulationColorado Just Passed the Nation's First AI Law. Here's Why You Should Care
Colorado's AI Act treats education access as a protected category. This is the template 12+ states are copying.
State LawTraining & Professional Development
A YouTube Series for Public Librarians: AI & Tech Professional Development
Video series curriculum design for staff training on AI literacy. Ready-to-use structure and talking points for building internal competencies.
CurriculumFrontline Staff AI Training
Complete training guide with copy-paste scripts for staff answering patron questions about AI and technology.
TrainingAI Scorecard
A plain-language rubric to evaluate AI tools without vague assurances or expensive surprises.
ScorecardUnhinged Librarian App Workbook
Self-paced modules and exercises for staff training, workshops, or a focused “learn this one thing” afternoon.
WorkbookCase Studies & Real Examples
Learn from what happened to other libraries: successes, failures, and lessons from the field.
Case Studies
Detailed case studies of library technology decisions, vendor relationships, and digital transformation projects.
Case StudiesCase Study Narrative Template
Fill-in-the-blanks structure for boards, grants, and post-mortems. Keep it written. Keep the receipts.
TemplateRansomware Case Studies: British Library & Toronto Public Library
In-depth analysis of two major ransomware attacks affecting major libraries. What happened, why, and lessons for your library.
SecurityU.S. Library Ransomware Attacks
Documentation and analysis of ransomware incidents affecting libraries across the United States.
Case StudiesInternet Archive Lawsuit & Libraries
Analysis of the lawsuit affecting the Internet Archive and what it means for libraries and digital preservation.
LegalDIY Cataloging Case Study
Real-world example of moving from expensive vendor systems to DIY cataloging using free tools.
Case StudyArticle Collections by Topic
Browse all articles organized by subject matter and theme.
Vendor Contracts & Strategy
AI Clause Warning Signs
Red flags regarding AI/ML, data usage, and training rights in contracts.
ArticleConsortium Negotiation Tactics
Leverage collective bargaining power through library consortia.
ArticleAI & Technology Governance
Privacy Policy Updates for AI & Third-Party Tools
Template language for AI tools and data sharing policies.
ArticleLibrary Content & AI Training: Your Rights & Responsibilities
Controlling how AI systems use your library's content and patron data.
ArticleAI Surveillance & Vulnerable Patrons
How surveillance technologies disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.
ArticleAI Adoption Is Not Your Salvation
Critical perspective on AI hype and realistic expectations for libraries.
ArticleTechnology Strategy & Independence
Vendor Independence Playbook
Building resilience through multiple vendors and DIY alternatives.
ArticleSmall Library Tech Stack Essentials
Minimal viable technology infrastructure for limited budgets.
ArticleEquity & Access
Hiring for Equity in Technology Roles
Building diverse technical teams and creating pathways for underrepresented groups.
ArticleRural Digital Equity & Library Technology
Challenges and solutions for rural libraries with limited connectivity.
ArticleThe Library Workforce Is Breaking
Staffing challenges, burnout, and systemic issues affecting library employees.
ArticleGovernance & Shared Frameworks
Consortium Shared Governance Guide
How to structure effective shared governance among library consortia members.
GuideKeep exploring: Browse all articles for more resources, or reach out to suggest topics you'd like to see covered.
Research & Reference
Curated research on AI, regulation, and professional development for librarians. Everything here is free to read and share.
Library Research: AI in Practice
AI in U.S. Public Libraries: A Practical Assessment for Library Directors
The definitive baseline on where libraries actually stand with AI adoption. 67% exploring, 7% implementing. Budget is now the top barrier. Essential reading for directors making 2026 decisions.
GuideAI Interest in Libraries
Comprehensive survey data on librarian attitudes, concerns, and readiness for AI adoption. Real numbers on what's blocking implementation.
Survey DataFuture of U.S. Librarianship: Literature Review 2026
Comprehensive literature review analyzing trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping library futures. Context you need for strategic planning.
Literature ReviewPolicy & Governance: AI Regulation
What the EU AI Act Actually Means for Your Library
Europe's AI regulation is already reshaping global vendor products. This breaks down what high-risk systems mean, what compliance costs look like, and why this matters even if you're not in the EU.
RegulationColorado Just Passed the Nation's First AI Law. Here's Why You Should Care
Colorado's AI Act treats education access as a protected category. That means libraries. This is the template 12+ states are now copying. Read it before your state legislature does.
State LawTraining & Professional Development
A YouTube Series for Public Librarians: AI & Tech Professional Development
Video series curriculum design for staff training on AI literacy. Ready-to-use structure and talking points for building internal competencies without hiring outside consultants.
TrainingExternal Resources
Tools and organizations I recommend (no affiliate relationships):
ATLAS
Open-source library management system focused on data sovereignty. (In development)
Open SourceLibrary Freedom Project
Privacy advocacy and tools for libraries.
Organization