Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
@patchedelbows.bsky.social
Lecturer in Library and Information Studies at UCL.
PhD student researching social class in the academic library workforce.
Co-organiser of Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference (CALC) and member of Fair Library Jobs.
PhD student researching social class in the academic library workforce.
Co-organiser of Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference (CALC) and member of Fair Library Jobs.
Pinned
CALC - Call for Papers
Stage 2 of our Call for Papers (CfP) is now open.
In Stage 2 of our CfP we invite proposals from any interested speakers. The deadline for session proposals for CALC26 is Friday 6th February, 23.59.
...
sites.google.com
Happy to share that our second CfP for #CALC26 is open 🥳
This is an open call so we accept proposals from any interested presenters. If you/your library have anything to share relating to critical library practice, we want to hear about it!
⏰Deadline: 6th Feb 2026
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
This is an open call so we accept proposals from any interested presenters. If you/your library have anything to share relating to critical library practice, we want to hear about it!
⏰Deadline: 6th Feb 2026
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Calling all LIS students and unemployed library sector workers! Don't miss out on our discounted €50 tickets for #ASL2026 on 24th March in @ria.ie, Dublin. Join us for networking opportunities, insights into library innovations and best practices and more. Register at aslibraries.ie/asl-conferen...
January 9, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Calling all LIS students and unemployed library sector workers! Don't miss out on our discounted €50 tickets for #ASL2026 on 24th March in @ria.ie, Dublin. Join us for networking opportunities, insights into library innovations and best practices and more. Register at aslibraries.ie/asl-conferen...
Happy to share that our second CfP for #CALC26 is open 🥳
This is an open call so we accept proposals from any interested presenters. If you/your library have anything to share relating to critical library practice, we want to hear about it!
⏰Deadline: 6th Feb 2026
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
This is an open call so we accept proposals from any interested presenters. If you/your library have anything to share relating to critical library practice, we want to hear about it!
⏰Deadline: 6th Feb 2026
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
CALC - Call for Papers
Stage 2 of our Call for Papers (CfP) is now open.
In Stage 2 of our CfP we invite proposals from any interested speakers. The deadline for session proposals for CALC26 is Friday 6th February, 23.59.
...
sites.google.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Happy to share that our second CfP for #CALC26 is open 🥳
This is an open call so we accept proposals from any interested presenters. If you/your library have anything to share relating to critical library practice, we want to hear about it!
⏰Deadline: 6th Feb 2026
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
This is an open call so we accept proposals from any interested presenters. If you/your library have anything to share relating to critical library practice, we want to hear about it!
⏰Deadline: 6th Feb 2026
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
The @infolitgroup.bsky.social & @ucl.ac.uk Department of Information Studies are proud to announce the return of the Information Literacy Award at #LILAC26 The award is open to all practitioners, researchers & academics working in #infolit in the UK. Nominations close 6 Feb (17:00 GMT).
LILAC
LILAC is an annual conference covering all aspects of information literacy and is a firm favourite in the calendar of information professionals. The conference is brimming with new ideas, innovative…
buff.ly
January 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The @infolitgroup.bsky.social & @ucl.ac.uk Department of Information Studies are proud to announce the return of the Information Literacy Award at #LILAC26 The award is open to all practitioners, researchers & academics working in #infolit in the UK. Nominations close 6 Feb (17:00 GMT).
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Applications are now open for the Rowena Macrae-Gibson Student Award, which provides a sponsored place at #LILAC26 for two students registered on a UK study programme in information/library studies or #infolit. Closing date 6 Feb (17:00 GMT).
LILAC
LILAC is an annual conference covering all aspects of information literacy and is a firm favourite in the calendar of information professionals. The conference is brimming with new ideas, innovative…
buff.ly
January 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Folks of Bluesky, thank you for the enthusiastic response this post got on here.
As of now, we have the board members we need to launch. After the Board has their first official meeting, they will decide the size of the Board and return to the applications for additional members if necessary. 📚
As of now, we have the board members we need to launch. After the Board has their first official meeting, they will decide the size of the Board and return to the applications for additional members if necessary. 📚
I am founding a not-for-profit website where independent comic creators and small publishers can easily sell their works to libraries, plus provide other services. Called (for now) the Comics Librarian Commons, this will be an online hub bringing independent creators and librarians together.
December 31, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Folks of Bluesky, thank you for the enthusiastic response this post got on here.
As of now, we have the board members we need to launch. After the Board has their first official meeting, they will decide the size of the Board and return to the applications for additional members if necessary. 📚
As of now, we have the board members we need to launch. After the Board has their first official meeting, they will decide the size of the Board and return to the applications for additional members if necessary. 📚
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
A couple of things I am proud of this year 1) this post for Fair Library Jobs on pay
sites.google.com/view/fairlib... 2) adapting this leaflet from QM UCU for the UoN strikes uonucu.org/wp-content/u...
sites.google.com/view/fairlib... 2) adapting this leaflet from QM UCU for the UoN strikes uonucu.org/wp-content/u...
December 31, 2025 at 10:56 AM
A couple of things I am proud of this year 1) this post for Fair Library Jobs on pay
sites.google.com/view/fairlib... 2) adapting this leaflet from QM UCU for the UoN strikes uonucu.org/wp-content/u...
sites.google.com/view/fairlib... 2) adapting this leaflet from QM UCU for the UoN strikes uonucu.org/wp-content/u...
It's deeply *deeply* unlikely we want your donations so retain some class when we politely decline or immediately chuck them. If you and nobody you know wanted them then other patrons probably won't either. And also randomly showing up/sending them/dumping them is a crappy and disrespectful move 🤬
You know what time of the year it is, #LibrarySky?
IT’S LIBRARY FESTIVUS!
Today is the Airing of Grievances.
Don’t hold back; there will be no judgement here.
IT’S LIBRARY FESTIVUS!
Today is the Airing of Grievances.
Don’t hold back; there will be no judgement here.
an older man in a red cardigan says i got a lot of problems
ALT: an older man in a red cardigan says i got a lot of problems
media.tenor.com
December 23, 2025 at 6:37 PM
It's deeply *deeply* unlikely we want your donations so retain some class when we politely decline or immediately chuck them. If you and nobody you know wanted them then other patrons probably won't either. And also randomly showing up/sending them/dumping them is a crappy and disrespectful move 🤬
New pathological fear unlocked. I'm never truly safe 🪿
It's a lovely Christmas in the village, and you are a horrible goose
National news, UK.
December 19, 2025 at 6:31 PM
New pathological fear unlocked. I'm never truly safe 🪿
🚨 Last day to submit a session proposal for our first stage CfP 🚨
⏳
#CritLib #LibrarySky #Skybrarians #CALC26
⏳
#CritLib #LibrarySky #Skybrarians #CALC26
Late to the game sharing this: Stage 1 of #CALC26 CfP is out and we're accepting submissions
The Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference is for anyone with research, projects, perspectives on all things using critical practice in libraries and information studies
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
The Critical Approaches to Libraries Conference is for anyone with research, projects, perspectives on all things using critical practice in libraries and information studies
sites.google.com/view/calccon...
CALC
A conference to discuss critical practice in libraries.
sites.google.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:54 PM
🚨 Last day to submit a session proposal for our first stage CfP 🚨
⏳
#CritLib #LibrarySky #Skybrarians #CALC26
⏳
#CritLib #LibrarySky #Skybrarians #CALC26
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
What if CEO's had to pitch to workers?
December 17, 2025 at 11:07 AM
What if CEO's had to pitch to workers?
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Call for speakers! 📚
On 18.03.26 @nlisn.bsky.social is running a full-day online event on neurodivergency and entry into the LIS profession. We welcome proposals from current students, recent graduates, early-career, long-term staff, recruiters, anyone!
More info & form - forms.gle/MjT2djGSXp1o...
On 18.03.26 @nlisn.bsky.social is running a full-day online event on neurodivergency and entry into the LIS profession. We welcome proposals from current students, recent graduates, early-career, long-term staff, recruiters, anyone!
More info & form - forms.gle/MjT2djGSXp1o...
Neurodivergency and Entry into the Profession - Call for Speakers
The Neurodivergent Library and Information Staff Network (NLISN) invites proposals for presentations at our full-day online event exploring the experiences, challenges, and possibilities around entry ...
forms.gle
December 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Call for speakers! 📚
On 18.03.26 @nlisn.bsky.social is running a full-day online event on neurodivergency and entry into the LIS profession. We welcome proposals from current students, recent graduates, early-career, long-term staff, recruiters, anyone!
More info & form - forms.gle/MjT2djGSXp1o...
On 18.03.26 @nlisn.bsky.social is running a full-day online event on neurodivergency and entry into the LIS profession. We welcome proposals from current students, recent graduates, early-career, long-term staff, recruiters, anyone!
More info & form - forms.gle/MjT2djGSXp1o...
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Thinking about going to #LILAC2026 next year? The @infolitgroup.bsky.social is trying out a new programme for LILAC attendees, LILAC Learning Sets, to help people keep in touch and build on their enthusiasm after the conference. Sign up here if interested! infolit.org.uk/keep-that-li...
Keep that LILAC buzz going with LILAC Learning Sets! – Information Literacy Website
infolit.org.uk
December 10, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Thinking about going to #LILAC2026 next year? The @infolitgroup.bsky.social is trying out a new programme for LILAC attendees, LILAC Learning Sets, to help people keep in touch and build on their enthusiasm after the conference. Sign up here if interested! infolit.org.uk/keep-that-li...
Wait...
Did I just hear on a podcast a random aside that Americans get 28 doors on their advent calendars?
And they just mentioned that casually like it wouldn't shake me to my core.
Did I just hear on a podcast a random aside that Americans get 28 doors on their advent calendars?
And they just mentioned that casually like it wouldn't shake me to my core.
December 10, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Wait...
Did I just hear on a podcast a random aside that Americans get 28 doors on their advent calendars?
And they just mentioned that casually like it wouldn't shake me to my core.
Did I just hear on a podcast a random aside that Americans get 28 doors on their advent calendars?
And they just mentioned that casually like it wouldn't shake me to my core.
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
#CILIP is pleased to announce the election of Anoja Fernando MBE as Vice President 2026, and David Smith OBE, who joins the CILIP Board. Congratulations to both who will bring exceptional experience, commitment and vision to the leadership of our professional community. https://ow.ly/8ZUi50XFHmV
December 8, 2025 at 3:01 PM
#CILIP is pleased to announce the election of Anoja Fernando MBE as Vice President 2026, and David Smith OBE, who joins the CILIP Board. Congratulations to both who will bring exceptional experience, commitment and vision to the leadership of our professional community. https://ow.ly/8ZUi50XFHmV
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
How are we fostering more inclusivity in the profession & service? Join CILIP Disability Network with Louis Coiffait-Gunn & Sue Lacey Bryant to celebrate the achievements of our deaf, disabled & neurodivergent colleagues. #IDPwD Online - TODAY 3- 5.15pm. https://ow.ly/T96G50XCCVb
December 5, 2025 at 9:44 AM
How are we fostering more inclusivity in the profession & service? Join CILIP Disability Network with Louis Coiffait-Gunn & Sue Lacey Bryant to celebrate the achievements of our deaf, disabled & neurodivergent colleagues. #IDPwD Online - TODAY 3- 5.15pm. https://ow.ly/T96G50XCCVb
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
New Voices in Information Literacy (IL) Research
LIS graduates present their dissertation projects:
- IL education in UK public libraries
- How students identify and respond to AI hallucinations
- What makes physicians take charge? The role of IL
Free and online, 15 Dec 12:00-13:00 UTC
Register👇
LIS graduates present their dissertation projects:
- IL education in UK public libraries
- How students identify and respond to AI hallucinations
- What makes physicians take charge? The role of IL
Free and online, 15 Dec 12:00-13:00 UTC
Register👇
Select tickets – New Voices in Information Literacy Research – MS Teams
New Voices in Information Literacy Research – MS Teams, Mon 15 Dec 2025 - Please join us for this free online event to hear three recent graduates present their MA dissertation research on Information...
www.tickettailor.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:18 PM
New Voices in Information Literacy (IL) Research
LIS graduates present their dissertation projects:
- IL education in UK public libraries
- How students identify and respond to AI hallucinations
- What makes physicians take charge? The role of IL
Free and online, 15 Dec 12:00-13:00 UTC
Register👇
LIS graduates present their dissertation projects:
- IL education in UK public libraries
- How students identify and respond to AI hallucinations
- What makes physicians take charge? The role of IL
Free and online, 15 Dec 12:00-13:00 UTC
Register👇
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Most of the reaction I got to my Rush Hour Crushes was my pals laughing, but occasionally they'd go mildly viral. And then there was this one, which has never stopped. It's been shared without attribution well over a million times by this stage, which makes me very happy because I really do love it.
October 17, 2023 at 9:19 AM
Most of the reaction I got to my Rush Hour Crushes was my pals laughing, but occasionally they'd go mildly viral. And then there was this one, which has never stopped. It's been shared without attribution well over a million times by this stage, which makes me very happy because I really do love it.
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
NEWS: The Institute of Museum & Library Services has restored ALL previously canceled federal grants to libraries, following a ruling by a federal judge in Rhode Island last month.
This is a massive win for libraries & communities in every state & territory!
Learn more: www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
This is a massive win for libraries & communities in every state & territory!
Learn more: www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
December 3, 2025 at 10:18 PM
NEWS: The Institute of Museum & Library Services has restored ALL previously canceled federal grants to libraries, following a ruling by a federal judge in Rhode Island last month.
This is a massive win for libraries & communities in every state & territory!
Learn more: www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
This is a massive win for libraries & communities in every state & territory!
Learn more: www.ala.org/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Nothing says feminism like forcing women to do something they have been vocal about not wanting to do.
December 3, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Nothing says feminism like forcing women to do something they have been vocal about not wanting to do.
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
First @jinfolit.bsky.social published I've been Managing Editor for. There's such a massive team behind this publication, so much work goes into it. Very proud.
December 2, 2025 at 11:12 AM
First @jinfolit.bsky.social published I've been Managing Editor for. There's such a massive team behind this publication, so much work goes into it. Very proud.
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Furious at this. TERFs and Gender Critical people are a loud, radicalized, wealthy minority, forcing groups who've done the right thing for years into horrible positions that none of them want. Stop buying Harry Potter. Fight for your trans brothers and sisters. They'll come for you next.
i hope every single person who still buys harry potter merch or engages with that franchise is happy that they're literally making girl guides cry
girl guides uk have been forced very much against their will to exclude trans girls. full statement is here: www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
girl guides uk have been forced very much against their will to exclude trans girls. full statement is here: www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-...
December 2, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Furious at this. TERFs and Gender Critical people are a loud, radicalized, wealthy minority, forcing groups who've done the right thing for years into horrible positions that none of them want. Stop buying Harry Potter. Fight for your trans brothers and sisters. They'll come for you next.
Reposted by Darren Flynn (he/him/his)
Are you a transgender uni student currently studying in the UK? Take part in this survey forming part of the research looking at how the Supreme Court ruling might influence the experiences of transgender people studying in Higher Education. Email Samantha directly: [email protected]
November 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Are you a transgender uni student currently studying in the UK? Take part in this survey forming part of the research looking at how the Supreme Court ruling might influence the experiences of transgender people studying in Higher Education. Email Samantha directly: [email protected]
This, and also lined men's trews. I've had a couple of pairs from charity shops years ago but you just can't find them any more 😫
Ok Black Friday surfing has demonstrated the following to me:
- wool trousers simply no longer exist
- even wool-blend trousers barely exist (and so few washable?? whyever not??)
- the tyranny of Smart Fabrics (wtf) must end, except where indicated. It's wearing plastic. Would you wear a ziplock??
- wool trousers simply no longer exist
- even wool-blend trousers barely exist (and so few washable?? whyever not??)
- the tyranny of Smart Fabrics (wtf) must end, except where indicated. It's wearing plastic. Would you wear a ziplock??
November 29, 2025 at 4:46 PM
This, and also lined men's trews. I've had a couple of pairs from charity shops years ago but you just can't find them any more 😫