M
@mlibrarian.bsky.social
Library worker. Cataloging and collections.
“By teaching us how to read, they had taught us how to get away.” - Robert C. O'Brien
Not here to develop your workforce.
“By teaching us how to read, they had taught us how to get away.” - Robert C. O'Brien
Not here to develop your workforce.
Pinned
M
@mlibrarian.bsky.social
· 27d
Books 2026. May this be a better reading year than the last.
Reposted by M
Like many have said, the gassing outside ICE today was really bad, and it impacted a huge group of people. I heard multiple people say they felt like they were going to throw up as they tried to leave the area. (I experienced similar effects.) It followed a peaceful protest led by labor groups.
February 1, 2026 at 2:50 AM
Like many have said, the gassing outside ICE today was really bad, and it impacted a huge group of people. I heard multiple people say they felt like they were going to throw up as they tried to leave the area. (I experienced similar effects.) It followed a peaceful protest led by labor groups.
Reposted by M
Just experienced the most intense tear gassing of my life by federal officers outside the ICE facility in Portland where marchers gathered. There was no fast exit as they indiscriminately threw loads of gas and flash bangs. Children were in the crowd screaming. @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
February 1, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Just experienced the most intense tear gassing of my life by federal officers outside the ICE facility in Portland where marchers gathered. There was no fast exit as they indiscriminately threw loads of gas and flash bangs. Children were in the crowd screaming. @oregoncapitalchronicle.com
Reposted by M
This is a great question. I think for me it is about teaching them to handle experiences of boredom, frustration, and confusion. Sitting with uncertainty, finding your way through an opaque image, letting go of your need to be better than the film, etc., are all skills that can be taught.
If there’s a short answer, how do you teach someone how to watch a movie? It strikes me even with that sentence that our language is not up to the present task: “how to watch a film” has always meant interpretation, not “how to look in one consistent direction for about 100 minutes”
January 31, 2026 at 3:42 PM
This is a great question. I think for me it is about teaching them to handle experiences of boredom, frustration, and confusion. Sitting with uncertainty, finding your way through an opaque image, letting go of your need to be better than the film, etc., are all skills that can be taught.
Reposted by M
You know, yes, this is media diet and Netflix and whatever. But part of college — part of study in general — is understanding that not everything is *entertaining* all the time. And part of that is deciding you care about learning things! (1/2)
On a trend us film professors have seen. Free link to “The Film Students Who Can No Longer Sit Through Films” from THE ATLANTIC yesterday.
archive.ph/GFWzW
archive.ph/GFWzW
January 31, 2026 at 12:54 PM
You know, yes, this is media diet and Netflix and whatever. But part of college — part of study in general — is understanding that not everything is *entertaining* all the time. And part of that is deciding you care about learning things! (1/2)
-modern novel in Chicago, not taken in or near Chicago, A+ anti-provincialism
-cultures of Mexico & Ecuador, very good, visited curandera
-freshman philosophy sequence, blew my mind
-recreational mathematics, made dodecahedrons, enjoyed
-bio for hum majors, plant science focus, fascinating & fun
-cultures of Mexico & Ecuador, very good, visited curandera
-freshman philosophy sequence, blew my mind
-recreational mathematics, made dodecahedrons, enjoyed
-bio for hum majors, plant science focus, fascinating & fun
ballroom dance
advanced geometry
kafka in prague
elementary real analysis
hegel
advanced geometry
kafka in prague
elementary real analysis
hegel
tell me five classes you took in college:
Meteorology
Indian Wars and Treaties (got to write a research paper on the treaty between the Cherokee Nation and the CSA)
History of Pirates
The Vietnam War
International Institutions
Meteorology
Indian Wars and Treaties (got to write a research paper on the treaty between the Cherokee Nation and the CSA)
History of Pirates
The Vietnam War
International Institutions
January 31, 2026 at 12:44 AM
-modern novel in Chicago, not taken in or near Chicago, A+ anti-provincialism
-cultures of Mexico & Ecuador, very good, visited curandera
-freshman philosophy sequence, blew my mind
-recreational mathematics, made dodecahedrons, enjoyed
-bio for hum majors, plant science focus, fascinating & fun
-cultures of Mexico & Ecuador, very good, visited curandera
-freshman philosophy sequence, blew my mind
-recreational mathematics, made dodecahedrons, enjoyed
-bio for hum majors, plant science focus, fascinating & fun
Reposted by M
The problem is that blue states are fully committed to “return on investment” analysis and are fully committed to undergrad business degrees and whatever the latest tech trend is. There is no theory of holistic education supported by democratic leadership.
If I were a blue state governor, I’d be looking into adding a bunch of tenure lines at my state schools.
I know that seems like “kick ‘em when they’re down,” but it’s more like “let academics who can escape to where they can do real work.”
Builds up your own schools AND protect US academic output.
I know that seems like “kick ‘em when they’re down,” but it’s more like “let academics who can escape to where they can do real work.”
Builds up your own schools AND protect US academic output.
The governor of Texas is rapidly turning world-class universities into minor regional ones. Example:
January 31, 2026 at 12:04 AM
The problem is that blue states are fully committed to “return on investment” analysis and are fully committed to undergrad business degrees and whatever the latest tech trend is. There is no theory of holistic education supported by democratic leadership.
Reposted by M
For the folks in the back:
OCR predates LLMs.
HTR software predates LLMs.
Digital Humanities predates LLMs.
Grammar and spell checkers predate LLMs.
YOU DO NOT NEED THE PLAGIARISM MACHINES.
OCR predates LLMs.
HTR software predates LLMs.
Digital Humanities predates LLMs.
Grammar and spell checkers predate LLMs.
YOU DO NOT NEED THE PLAGIARISM MACHINES.
January 30, 2026 at 2:55 AM
For the folks in the back:
OCR predates LLMs.
HTR software predates LLMs.
Digital Humanities predates LLMs.
Grammar and spell checkers predate LLMs.
YOU DO NOT NEED THE PLAGIARISM MACHINES.
OCR predates LLMs.
HTR software predates LLMs.
Digital Humanities predates LLMs.
Grammar and spell checkers predate LLMs.
YOU DO NOT NEED THE PLAGIARISM MACHINES.
Reposted by M
Libraries need to be more vocal about the digital pricing problem. I only buy for Sora (the school version of Libby) when specifically requested by a patron. I talk a lot about why I don't buy on the regular and patrons are always shocked at the price difference. I have to pay $75 not $1.99!
Your Libby rental was free for you, but did you know it cost the D.C. Public Library $59.99?
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
The e-book boom (and a complicated pricing model from publishers) has left library systems strapped for cash. But D.C. lawmakers have a plan to fight back. 51st.news/ebooks-are-e...
Libraries can't afford e-books. D.C. lawmakers have a plan.
The demand and price for e-books is up — and it’s busting the D.C. Public Library budget.
51st.news
January 28, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Libraries need to be more vocal about the digital pricing problem. I only buy for Sora (the school version of Libby) when specifically requested by a patron. I talk a lot about why I don't buy on the regular and patrons are always shocked at the price difference. I have to pay $75 not $1.99!
Looks like an integrating resource / database model. I get it, kind of, but it’s not great for access or affordability. Our print copies move. Our ebook has super high access. How much stuff would we have to cancel to subscribe to the DSM-infinite?
The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is known as the DSM-5. What will the next version be called? That's one of several open questions as the "Bible of psychiatry" goes online. n.pr/49LG0vk
It's the foundation of psychiatric diagnosis. And it's about to get a makeover
The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is known as the DSM-5. What will the next version be called? That's one of several open questions as the "Bible of psychiatry" goes online.
n.pr
January 28, 2026 at 5:57 AM
Looks like an integrating resource / database model. I get it, kind of, but it’s not great for access or affordability. Our print copies move. Our ebook has super high access. How much stuff would we have to cancel to subscribe to the DSM-infinite?
Reposted by M
The earliest live video of R.E.M. with sound was resurfaced on YouTube a few days ago. Really great stuff. Love the superfans singing "Windout" as the song starts because they know what's coming. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMTG...
REM 1981-02-20 688 Atlanta GA
YouTube video by oydave
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:27 AM
The earliest live video of R.E.M. with sound was resurfaced on YouTube a few days ago. Really great stuff. Love the superfans singing "Windout" as the song starts because they know what's coming. www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMTG...
Reposted by M
i've said this before but i feel the need to reiterate at the beginning of every semester: "digital natives" are good with certain tech (mostly social/web-based tools) but because they never had to learn how a computer actually works they just absolutely cannot troubleshoot most tech problems.
January 26, 2026 at 5:43 PM
i've said this before but i feel the need to reiterate at the beginning of every semester: "digital natives" are good with certain tech (mostly social/web-based tools) but because they never had to learn how a computer actually works they just absolutely cannot troubleshoot most tech problems.
High school art history (my bro), and a public lecture by the same teacher just a couple months ago (me). Used as an example of the use of mythological imagery and identity for political purposes. Yay arts education, formal and continuing...
A speaker in the UK says all Americans know this painting. I had never seen it before. Anyone else?
January 26, 2026 at 7:47 PM
High school art history (my bro), and a public lecture by the same teacher just a couple months ago (me). Used as an example of the use of mythological imagery and identity for political purposes. Yay arts education, formal and continuing...
Reposted by M
January 25, 2026 at 6:40 AM
Happening with at least one big account I follow. Horse industry‘s politics are generally terrible, so it’s good to see.
we have won the horse girls. repeat: we have won the horse girls
Just logged on to IG and saw this, they’ve radicalized the equestrians
January 25, 2026 at 4:14 AM
Happening with at least one big account I follow. Horse industry‘s politics are generally terrible, so it’s good to see.
Reposted by M
Alex Pretti seemed like an awesome guy who was doing what every person not being targeted by ICE should do. But even if he was an asshole, no one should be executed by government thugs in the streets. There is no statute of limitations on murder so their day will come.
January 24, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Alex Pretti seemed like an awesome guy who was doing what every person not being targeted by ICE should do. But even if he was an asshole, no one should be executed by government thugs in the streets. There is no statute of limitations on murder so their day will come.
Reposted by M
Alex Pretti was a colleague at the VA. We hired him to recruit for our trial. He became an ICU nurse- I lover working with him. He was a good kind person who lived to help and these fuckers executed him.
White. Hot. Rage.
White. Hot. Rage.
January 24, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Alex Pretti was a colleague at the VA. We hired him to recruit for our trial. He became an ICU nurse- I lover working with him. He was a good kind person who lived to help and these fuckers executed him.
White. Hot. Rage.
White. Hot. Rage.
Reposted by M
Warrenton, Oregon
#ICEOut
#ICEOut
January 24, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Warrenton, Oregon
#ICEOut
#ICEOut
Since old kids’ lit has been percolating lately: I keep thinking of a bit of The Egypt Game, circa 1960s, where the 5-yr-old confuses trick-or-treating with going to a protest. He has done more of the latter than the former. That this scenario is plausible again feels new. A bit of hope in it.
Gotta remind yourself not to cry when you see the kid's signs.
It's negative -25°F and tears are dangerous.
"LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE!"
"ICE GIT OUT YA FUCKIN DUMBIES 😡"
It's negative -25°F and tears are dangerous.
"LEAVE MY FRIENDS ALONE!"
"ICE GIT OUT YA FUCKIN DUMBIES 😡"
January 24, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Since old kids’ lit has been percolating lately: I keep thinking of a bit of The Egypt Game, circa 1960s, where the 5-yr-old confuses trick-or-treating with going to a protest. He has done more of the latter than the former. That this scenario is plausible again feels new. A bit of hope in it.
Bluesky doesn’t have very many horses. I will always celebrate when I encounter them here :)
January 24, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Bluesky doesn’t have very many horses. I will always celebrate when I encounter them here :)
Reposted by M
Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. From an adult perspective, it has some logic problems and also very midcentury gender roles. But the philosophical questions, about civilization and how we ought to live, are all still there in about 150 kid-friendly pages. Thanks, third-grade teacher!
What is "your" Newbery book? The one you read when you were little (or not so little), and took into your soul?
Mine's The Perilous Gard.
Mine's The Perilous Gard.
January 23, 2026 at 5:47 AM
Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. From an adult perspective, it has some logic problems and also very midcentury gender roles. But the philosophical questions, about civilization and how we ought to live, are all still there in about 150 kid-friendly pages. Thanks, third-grade teacher!
Reposted by M
Knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend.
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent...And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
John Donne, English metaphysical poet, Dean of St Paul’s London; born #OTD 1572.
Portrait after Isaac Oliver, National Portrait Gallery London
John Donne, English metaphysical poet, Dean of St Paul’s London; born #OTD 1572.
Portrait after Isaac Oliver, National Portrait Gallery London
January 22, 2026 at 6:12 AM
Knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend.
Reposted by M
Good morning to everyone, but especially to all the penguins, for today is their special day!
This engraving of a 'Patagonian Penguin' can be found in 'Animated Nature Vol. 2' (1821) by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon.
📷 Reserve 590 BUF
#PenguinAwarenessDay #PenguinDay #RareBooks
This engraving of a 'Patagonian Penguin' can be found in 'Animated Nature Vol. 2' (1821) by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon.
📷 Reserve 590 BUF
#PenguinAwarenessDay #PenguinDay #RareBooks
January 20, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Good morning to everyone, but especially to all the penguins, for today is their special day!
This engraving of a 'Patagonian Penguin' can be found in 'Animated Nature Vol. 2' (1821) by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon.
📷 Reserve 590 BUF
#PenguinAwarenessDay #PenguinDay #RareBooks
This engraving of a 'Patagonian Penguin' can be found in 'Animated Nature Vol. 2' (1821) by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon.
📷 Reserve 590 BUF
#PenguinAwarenessDay #PenguinDay #RareBooks
Reposted by M
bro there’s a gofundme to crowdfund attorney fees for a preschooler who was kidnapped by our federal government and shipped across state lines and his senator is posting about high school hockey while every other elected official is debating whether to give a zillion more dollars to the kidnappers
January 22, 2026 at 3:51 AM
bro there’s a gofundme to crowdfund attorney fees for a preschooler who was kidnapped by our federal government and shipped across state lines and his senator is posting about high school hockey while every other elected official is debating whether to give a zillion more dollars to the kidnappers