M Ryan Hess

M Ryan Hess is a Lecturer at the School of Information, San José State University, where he teaches courses such as INFO 287 – Seminar in Information Science with a focus on AI in the Library. He also serves as the Director of Strategic Library Services and Communications for SCELC, a national library consortium supporting private academic libraries. His career spans roles in public, academic, and corporate libraries, including Digital Initiatives Manager at Palo Alto City Library and positions at DePaul University Library and Adobe Systems.

• MLIS, San Jose State University (2007)
• BA (History), San Francisco State University (1997)

Hess’s research and teaching interests focus on digital and virtual libraries, information systems and technologies, usability, UX, web design, information literacy, and the political economy of information. He is particularly known for his work on AI, blockchain, and web3 in library contexts, exploring how emerging technologies can transform information access and services. He founded Bay Area Library UX and speaks internationally on digital literacy and technological innovation in libraries.

His recent publications (2015–2025) reflect a strong trend toward integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality into library services. These works explore topics like AI-driven staff training, decentralized digital collections, immersive VR experiences, and the future of information infrastructure in a web3 environment, positioning libraries as key players in technological transformation.

Hess has no listed scientific awards in the provided text.

He advises no students mentioned in the materials and is involved in strategic library communications and innovation initiatives. His work bridges academic instruction with professional practice, contributing to both scholarly discourse and real-world library advancements.

Hess leads innovation through his role at SCELC and his founding of Bay Area Library UX, fostering collaborative efforts to enhance user experience and digital service delivery across library systems.