I’m the Vice Provost for Information Collaboration, Dean of the Library, and Professor of History at Northeastern University. (more about me)
Recently
“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
“The Library’s New Entryway” — An interface that combines the advantages of the traditional index with the power of LLMs is the path forward. October 10, 2025
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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