iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

“Data is never neutral” - here is @adamrutherford.bsky.social data checklist #LKFS2025 - a wonderful way to conclude today and the brilliant conversations we had today.

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Final session of the day by @adamrutherford.bsky.social on Data, Knowledge and Bias at #LKFS2025. I am biased but today has been a wonderful day of conversations and debates. Thank you to everyone in person and online 👏🏽

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The final panel session on “International Perspectives on Knowledge” starts now. Chaired and beautifully started by @jsendall.bsky.social and with wonderful panel members including Jonathan Bengtson, Dr. Rangashri Kishore, Patti Cheung, and Lindiwe Soyizwapi. #LKFS2025

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@adamrutherford.bsky.social inspiring us all at the next #LKFS2025 panel session with Prof. Nick Plant, Dr. Hilde van Winjgaarden, and Sophie Bramley.

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Start of next panel on “The future of knowledge: integrating technology, global perspectives, and ethical values” with an amazing set of speakers in @cgknowles.bsky.social, Dr. Bella Abrams, @rachelbruce.bsky.social, Dr. Allan Sudlow, Dr. Maria-Soledad Ramirez-Montaya, and Ian Wiggins #LKFS2025

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Libraries will remain at the heart of the campus despite many attempts at reducing their importance in the institutional landscape by some bad actors who want to simply monetise knowledge. Great point by Jonathan but we also can’t be complacent. #LKFS2025

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 26/06/2025

Prof. Bridget Bennett showing us a circulating library along with potential knowledge futures in the closed book. The unquiet library - a disquiet & uncomfortableness leading to “libraries containing the possibilities of extraordinary liberating power” - a powerful statement #LKFS2025

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Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting the @lshtm.bsky.social & their beautiful Library. So pleased to be part of an @ahuauk.bsky.social programme with amazing colleagues including the wonderful Lesley Castens. Lovely to bump into David Archer, another brilliant colleague from the library world.

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 13/06/2025

Enjoyed the talk today on “AI and the future of work” at the York Festival of Ideas #YorkIdeas. In summary, moderately depressing, mostly exciting, but very uncertain future!

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 13/06/2025

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the @thejohnrylands.bsky.social in Manchester. A wonderful library and research institute with extremely committed and friendly staff. Wishing you all the very best for the future. Thank you Jane Gallagher for hosting. Count remains at: RG - 21/24, RLUK - 32/39

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 07/05/2025

One of the real joys of working in a university environment. At the inaugural lecture of Prof. Sascha Stollhans @saschastollhans.bsky.social on such an interesting topic. Huge congratulations Sascha 👏🏽

After Liverpool, I had the pleasure of visiting @salforduni.bsky.social where I spoke about @knowledgeen.bsky.social. A visit to the Library was a must where I was hosted by Emma Smith (interim Director of Library & Student Futures). I also managed to meet the wonderful @tanyalibrarian.bsky.social.

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Now back in the UK, I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting the wonderful @livunilibrary.bsky.social and to conclude my chairship of @rluk.bsky.social at the same time. Thank you @greenhallmatt.bsky.social for your wonderful hosting and friendship. Count so far: RG - 21/24, RLUK - 32/39

After the trip to Saudia Arabia, I went to Pakistan after 12 years and visited the Capital University of Science & Technology in Islamabad. I managed to get a selfie with the Librarian there alongside a couple of photos of their library. #Library #LoveLibraries

Starting the thread back in 2025 with a picture in front of Masjid-e-Nabvi - the Mosque of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Library. It is located in Madina, Saudia Arabia where I went as part of Umrah (minor pilgrimage) earlier this year. Unfortunately didn't get a chance to go inside this time.

Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 21/03/2025

Great set of final presentations on how libraries and cultural organisations are essential parts of research process, through partnerships and leadership. Proud of everything that @cgknowles.bsky.social and Simon Popple are doing at @lulgalleries.bsky.social & @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social #RLUK25

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 21/03/2025

An insightful panel on ethical procurement with Catriona Cannon, David Brown, Kirsty Lingstadt, and @joannaball.bsky.social #RLUK25 loved the slide by @uoylibrary.bsky.social on "Try stopping us" 👏🏽

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 21/03/2025

#RLUK25 Michelle Charters, Head of International Slavery Museum, is giving today's keynote on the history of slavery and its links with the city of Liverpool, alongside approaches for truth telling and learning from our past and legacies to better our future.

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 20/03/2025

Fantastic hosting by Matt Greenhall of @liverpooluni.bsky.social library for #RLUK25 conference in the amazing venue of Victoria Gallery and Museum.

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 20/03/2025

#RLUK25 @ciarantalbot.bsky.social delivering his keynote on AI, trust, and libraries.

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 19/03/2025

Excellent panel so far on AI and trust in the libraries. #RLUK25

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 11/02/2025

Today, I presented our approach to Education Spaces and Campus Reimagined at the University Design Forum reference visit to @universityofleeds.bsky.social. Really good engagement and questions from the audience. It is always a pleasure to partner with Ann. #LearningSpaces #UserExperience

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 11/02/2025

Yesterday, I gave a short talk and took part in an amazing panel on learning spaces for Campus Reimagined Live at @universityofleeds.bsky.social - with Charlotte Haigh, Chris Warrington, and Lucy Hart. Our aim is to be an inclusive, high-quality campus where everyone succeeds. #CampusReimagined

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 07/01/2025

Here is my voucher earning statistic from Caffè Nero yearly roundup for 2024. This means I have at least drank 207 coffees from there last year and probably a lot more :) #Coffee #CaffeNero

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 02/01/2025

A very happy new year to everyone from the gorgeous premises of the Brotherton Library of the @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social system. I feel so privileged to work in this amazing location and system of libraries. #Brotherton #Libraries #Library #Leeds

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 25/12/2024

In a double edition today, I have made Henna watch both #DieHard4 and #DieHard5. It was fun and we have now conclude our Christmas ritual for 2024 🎄🎉👍🏼

Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 24/12/2024

Finished watching #Diehard3. This dialogue always cracks me up, "even the goddamm librarians" #DieHard #Librarians #ChristmasMovies

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 20/12/2024

The Khokhar family Christmas tradition has started. #DieHard

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 17/12/2024

To conclude this thread for 2024, a current Librarian with a potential future Librarian in front of one of the world's most renowned libraries @bodleianlibraries.bsky.social. Have a lovely Christmas 🎄, winter break, Hanukkah 🕎, and a happy new year everyone.

Picture of Masud and his son in front of the Bodleian Library.

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 17/12/2024

After Auckland, I went to visit the wonderful @michelleblake.bsky.social and her team at the @waikatouniversity.bsky.social Library. Loved having a chat with her team, understanding their aims and ambitions, and seeing their amazing Māori special collections and community engagement. Thank you ❤️

Selfie of Michelle, Masud and Josh in front of University of Waikato Library.

Outside picture of the University of Waikato Library.

Inside picture of University of Waikato Library.

Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 17/12/2024

In November, I had the privilege to present a keynote at #IATUL2024 conference and visit the fantastic @aucklanduni.bsky.social Library. I don't know why I am not smiling in my selfie here, I had a fantastic time and really loved their refurbishment The views from the library are absolutely amazing.

Selfie of Masud in front of the main University of Auckland Library.

Inside picture of the main University of Auckland Library.

Views from the top floor of the main University of Auckland Library.

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 14/12/2024

And fairly close to American University of Sharjah Library is the wonderful House of Wisdom Library and Cultural Hub. It is a stunning place, beautiful architecture, biophilic design, contemplation spaces, and I was delighted that the wonderful Rumi exhibition was launched on the day I visited.

Outside picture of the House of Wisdom Cultural Centre in Sharjah.

Selfie of Masud inside the House of Wisdom Cultural Centre in Sharjah.

Picture of the children learning area in the House of Wisdom.

Picture of collections and learning spaces in the House of Wisdom.

Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 14/12/2024

A short distance from Dubai is the American University of Sharjah, where I was so kindly hosted by Kara Jones, Alanna Ross, and other team members and shown around their wonderful spaces, artwork, and services. Such a delight to learn from colleagues in AUS Library.

Outside picture of the building of American University of Sharjah Library.

Inside picture of the building of American University of Sharjah Library with UAE flag displayed (it was UAE flag day).

A beautiful piece of artwork in the library with muted colours and texture.

Another beautiful piece of artwork in the library with vibrant colours.

Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 11/12/2024

I also had the privilege to speak at the Dubai International Library Conference #DILC2024 hosted by the amazing Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. I covered digital transformation, AI, OA, and treasures of libraries with a fantastic set of colleagues. There was a wonderful dinner & drone show as a social.

Picture of the outside of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai.

Selfie of Masud outside of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai.

Picture of the elevators system of the seven floors of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai.

The fantastic Drone show at DILC2024 above the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.

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Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 09/12/2024

Library Christmas lunch with my brilliant team. I am so proud of each and every one of my team members who makes the library, collections, and galleries such an amazing place 🎄

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In November 2024, I did a panel on AI and Libraries as part of the Libraries in Leeds festival 2024. The location was the wonderful The Leeds Library, the oldest subscription library in the UK founded in 1768. They have some amazing collections including a first edition of Casino Royale (pictured).

Picture of the outside of the Leeds Library.

Selfie of Masud in front of the Leeds Library sign and entrance door.

Picture of Sue Lacey-Bryant, Mia Ridge, Liam Garnett and Masud (left to right) in one of the reading rooms of The Leeds Library.

Picture of the First Edition of the Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.

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Oxford was followed by a visit to the University of Reading Library and meeting my friend and the University Librarian, Sue Egleton. Thank you for hosting me, Sue, and showing me your beautiful library. Count so far: RG - 20/24, RLUK - 31/39

Selfie of Masud and Sue Egleton in front of the Library sign and building at the University of Reading.

Outside picture of the University of Reading Library.

Inside picture of the central floor space at the Library with very interesting roof design.

One of the reading rooms at the University of Reading Library.

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After UEA, I had a lovely and very nostalgic visit to @bodleianlibraries.bsky.social at @ox.ac.uk. It was so lovely to see colleagues and friends. Managed to get my picture in front of Bodleian with the wonderful Bodley's Librarian, @richove.bsky.social Count so far - RG: 20/24, RLUK - 30/39

Late evening picture with Masud and Richard Ovenden in front of the iconic Bodleian Library.

Selfie in front of the iconic Sheldonian Theatre.

Picture of the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library in the background.

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October also saw a visit from @rluk.bsky.social to UEA Library, @ueaarchives.bsky.social & @sainsburycentre.bsky.social where we met Nick Lewis and his/wider teams. I was inspired by their collections (including Lee Child archive), services, staff and spaces. Count so far - RG: 19/24, RLUK - 29/39

Picture of David Prosser, Nick Lewis, Masud, and William Nixon (left to right) in front of the Library sign and building at University of East Anglia.

Picture of outside of the Library building at University of East Anglia.

Picture of the iconic Ziggurats building (student accommodation) at the University of East Anglia.

Inside picture of the the Sainsbury Centre (wonderful museum) at University of East Anglia.

And towards the end of October 2024, I was in South Kensington with a friend and managed to snap my selfie in front of the wonderful Imperial College London Library called the Abdus Salam Library, named after a Pakistani Nobel Prize winning scientist. Count so far: RG - 19/24, RLUK - 28/39

Selfie of Masud in front of the Abdus Salam Library of Imperial College London.

Picture of Masud in front of the Abdus Salam Library of Imperial College London.

Picture of a sculpture near the Abdus Salam Library of Imperial College London.

Picture of a sculptures of two lions near the Abdus Salam Library of Imperial College London.

Moving from one side of Brisbane to the other, I had an amazing visit to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Library and the Education precinct. Great library, brilliant staff and wonderful spaces. Thank you Sarah Howard and Kendall Kousek for hosting me.

Selfie of Masud and Sarah Howard in front of the QUT library.

Selfie of Masud and Kendall Kousek in front of the QUT library.

The wonderful roof of the QUT library and picture of the interior.

Picture of the Educational Precinct with a massive globe with projections on it, as well as inside nature and plants.

After the visit to University of Sydney Library, I gave a keynote at #IIFS24 and visited the wonderful University of Queensland Library. Thank you to their lovely staff for their hospitality and well done on the continuous innovation in spaces & services. Thank you Caroline Williams :)

Selfie of Masud and Caroline Williams in front of the Library building of University of Queensland.

Picture of the Fryer Library reading room at University of Queensland.

Picture of the joined up AskUs service desk at University of Queensland Library.

Picture of the inside of University of Queensland Law Library.

Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 06/12/2024

In September, I was invited by the wonderful Philip Kent of University of Sydney Library where i visited the fantastic Fisher Library and the Chau Chak Wing Museum, gave a talk, and met the brilliant staff there. It was a pleasure to share conversations and learn from colleagues about their work.

Selfie of Masud and Philip Kent at the Fisher Library of the University of Sydney.

Picture of the outside of the (I think) Herbert Smith Freehills Law Library of the University of Sydney.

Inside picture of the Law Library of the University of Sydney.

Outside picture of the Fisher Library of the University of Sydney.

Masud Khokhar @masudk.com · 05/12/2024

After LSE, we move internationally in July as I get to visit the remarkably designed University of Cyprus Library in Nicosia. It felt like a spaceship from the outside and with a highly interesting design inside from an architecture and design perspective.

Outside picture of the University of Cyprus Library. It looks like a spaceship to me.

Selfie of Masud inside the iconic University of Cyprus Library.

Picture of one of the staircases inside the University of Cyprus Library, looking like a seashell.

Picture of the inside of the University of Cyprus Library with its iconic round architecture.