I’m the Vice Provost for Information Collaboration, Dean of the Library, and Professor of History at Northeastern University. (more about me)
Recently
“Far From Reassuring” — AI companies need to focus on limits, not limitless possibilities, to get the public on board. January 15, 2026
“The Writing Is on the Wall for Handwriting Recognition” — One of the hardest problems in digital humanities has finally been solved. November 25, 2025
“The Index and the Vector” — Converting ambiguity into precision can help a broader audience discover and learn from collections. October 20, 2025
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Humane Ingenuity looks in depth at technology that helps rather than hurts human understanding, and human understanding that helps us create better technology. New issues are sent to subscribers about once a month.
Of Note
“The Books of College Libraries Are Turning Into Wallpaper,” The Atlantic. University libraries around the world are seeing precipitous declines in the use of the books on their shelves. Why is this happening and what does it mean for the future of libraries? May 26, 2019
“The Narrow Passage of Gortahig” — On the rugged western coast of Ireland, a critical road is a bit too narrow, and the locals like it that way. August 26, 2018
