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Africa 📚

@africahands.bsky.social
817 followers 291 following 85 posts

Researcher | Writer | Librarian. New book: brill.com/display/title/73201

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Reposted by Africa 📚
American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"A lot has changed since the American Library Association was established in 1876 — even just over the past decade. The library has gone from a building full of books to arguably the most versatile civic center in any community lucky enough to have one." nyti.ms/47zF62M
nytimes.com
Librarians Discuss the Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Library Today (Gift Article)
We asked dozens of them about America's libraries -- what they provide, what they need to survive. Here's what they told us.
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Shannon Mattern @shannonmattern.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
The Metro NY Library Council is hiring a Library Field Ranger for our Library Field experimental outdoor library in Westchester County!
metro.org
Library Field Ranger
About the Library Field The Library Field is a project of the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO). METRO’s mission is to create a sustainable culture of creativity, collaboration, and open e...
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
"Human-centered AI adoption requires more than technical literacy. It requires cultural awareness, equity-focused training, and structural reflection. It means recognizing that generative tools are not simply neutral utilities..." informationmatters.org/2026/03/who-...
informationmatters.org
Who Gets to Train the Machine? AI, Race, and Storytelling in Library Makerspaces - Information Matters
As generative AI tools move into library makerspaces, they do more than draft metadata or translate text—they reflect the power structures embedded in the spaces where they are deployed. Without inten...
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Iris van Rooij 💭 @irisvanrooij.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
"Fake citations have turned into a nightmare for research librarians, who by some estimates are wasting up to 15 percent of their work hours responding to requests for nonexistent records that ChatGPT or Google Gemini alluded to." open access link: archive.ph/qt59c 2/🧵
rollingstone.com
AI Is Inventing Academic Papers That Don't Exist -- And They're Being Cited in Real Journals
Academic articles from authors using large language model are creating an ecosystem of fake research that threatens human knowledge itself.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
To any business owners out there, how much time and money do you spend on market research? Probably more than you should. The saving grace? There's likely a library around the corner from you right now, and the folks there can help! buff.ly/Szz9Dad #Library #Libraries #Business #SavingMoney
buff.ly
Need Market Research? Ask a Librarian!
Need Market Research? Ask a Librarian!
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Celebrating my friend and co-editor’s recognition at the SJSU Author, Artist, and Inventor celebration. @sjsuischool.bsky.social
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La’Tonya Rease Miles @smartgirl07.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Back in 2020 members of the Empowering First Gen Students Facebook group created a playlist of songs that represent the first-gen college experience. I wrote about it here: firstgenandjuice.wordpress.com/2020/07/19/y...
firstgenandjuice.wordpress.com
You Can Do This Hard Thing: A First-Gen Soundtrack
Can’t leave rap alone, the game needs me Haters want me clapped in chrome, it ain’t easy Cops want to knock me, D.A. wants to box me in But somehow I beat them charges like Rocky &#8211…
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
ed.buffalo.edu/news-events/... @shellycbuchanan.bsky.social @degruyterbrill.bsky.social
ed.buffalo.edu
February 2026: GSE faculty member edits new book on leading the doctoral journey
Africa Hands is the co-editor of “The Self-Determined Doctorate: Perspectives on Leading the Doctoral Journey.”
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iSchool at Illinois @ischoolui.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
We are pleased to provide open access to the latest issue of Library Trends 74 (3), which examines the intersection of technological hype and practical reality in librarianship through the lens of data literacy. ▶️ bit.ly/3OjePjd
Mature adults gather around a table in a library
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jessamyn @librarian.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Sadie Peterson Delaney worked at NYPL then moved to Tuskegee AL to be a librarian at the VA. She was an early advocate of bibliotherapy, pairing people needing care w/ reading material which engaged them and helped them heal. She also taught Braille. poklib.org/sadie-peters... #BlackHistoryMonth
Black and white photograph of a black woman sitting behind a desk in a library. Her hair is pulled back and she is wearing glasses and reading. Behind her is a poster on the wall saying "Books break the tedious hospital hours and minimize illness"
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Oakland Public Library @oaklibrary.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
On this historic 100th anniversary of Black History Month, the Oakland Public Library's Black Culture Fest Committee shares 28 days of Black Librarians! This blog celebrates the brilliance & leadership of the Black Librarians who have shaped our communities. Read the blog ➡️ bit.ly/4aiCozH
A poster titled "28 Days of Black Librarians" with colorful decorative elements and the text "Celebrating Black History Month" in the top right corner. Three stacked books are illustrated at the bottom left.This image is a tribute to Augusta Baker, featuring her portrait. The background is green with white stars, and text highlights her achievements, including her service as the New York Public Library's Coordinator of Children's Services. A circular emblem mentions "28 Days of Black Librarians."The image features a stylized portrait of Nella Larsen against an orange background with white text at the top. Text highlights her as a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, and mentions her careers as a nurse, librarian, and author. A circular badge reads "Celebrating 28 Days of Black Librarians."This image is a tribute to Linda Brooks-Burton, a San Francisco Bayview community librarian, with the years 1962-2013. It features a portrait of the individual smiling, and includes a badge that reads "28 Days of Black Librarians." The background has colorful geometric patterns.
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kay slater @kslater.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
yes! & library workers are also in solidarity. like @africahands.bsky.social’s work on public libraries building on “educational needs of college-bound patrons, esp. nontraditional students & those seeking educational opportunities beyond literacy, numeracy, & digital skills” doi.org/10.1080/0193...
doi.org
Staff Perspectives on the Role of Public Libraries in Facilitating College Literacy
The decision-making process for potential college students in the United States is overwhelming because of the volume of information available and the complexity of higher education systems. Prospe...
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
“Public Library Association’s 2022 Services for Strong Communities Survey found that 68% of responding public libraries offer art or music programs, giving people more access to culture.” www.nycitynewsservice.com/2025/12/19/t...
nycitynewsservice.com
Take Me Home Tonight: Inside the Brooklyn Public Library’s Art Lending Program
Art lovers in Brooklyn can now check out original works of art the same way they borrow books.
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San Francisco Chronicle @sfchronicle.com · 21/12/2025
JUST IN: Betty Reid Soskin, the beloved former park ranger with the National Park Service, has passed away at 104.
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Melissa Wong @melissawong.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
When democracies falter, what role should libraries play?Excited to share this CFP for Library Trends 75 (4): Rethinking the Role of Libraries as Democracies Falter. Guest edited by Nancy Kranich and Mikala Narlock. Proposals due Feb. 15, 2026. ischool.illinois.edu/news/publica...
ischool.illinois.edu
Library Trends Call for Proposals
Library Trends only accepts manuscripts in response to calls for papers.
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Jes Battis @jesbattis.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Universities are assembling larger and larger teams to deal with academic integrity issues--mostly focused on AI--while simultaneously holding AI "writing" contests, AI-themed events, "hey, come play with these fun tools!" The messages are so mixed, it's criminal. Because AI is bloated with money.
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
“Along with desktop and laptop computers, the IT department also has used cameras, printers and switches.”
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
#Caturday Conference kitty. 🤗
Striped kitten sleeping on blue chair wearing a conference name badge.
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
informationmatters.org/2025/09/the-...
informationmatters.org
The Chatbot Crisis: Why We’re Failing Our Children Before They Even Ask for Help - Information Matters
AI chatbots become less safe the longer you talk to them, yet mental health conversations are precisely the extended dialogues where safety fails most catastrophically. As the FTC investigates tech co...
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
You don’t say. 😕 “It’s really, really frustrating, and it’s really setting us back as far as the community’s info literacy.”
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
“The burden of this publish-or-perish culture falls most heavily on early career researchers….Yet, ironically, senior gatekeepers who set these rules often do not meet the same standards themselves.” informationmatters.org/2025/07/the-...
informationmatters.org
The Race to Publish, Publication Pressures, and Questionable Practices: Rethinking the System - Information Matters
In today’s academia, the lines between the identity of a researcher devoted to following the trail of knowledge and the identity of a performance-driven academic focused solely on producing publicatio...
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Mychal Threets @mychal3ts.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Dr. Carla Hayden will always be our Librarian of Congress ❤️‍🩹 1st woman, 1st African American Librarian of Congress. Your presence is a blessing to libraries. We love you! ✨ Thank you for your service 💜 apnews.com/article/donald-trump-library-of-congress-carla-hayden-20a1862ce6d2e0d51a84a37b264ce2ef
apnews.com
President Trump fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
President Donald Trump has abruptly fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden as the White House continues to purge the federal government of those perceived to oppose the president and his agenda.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Join the fight for federal funding for libraries at SaveIMLS.org
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American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Today is National Library Workers Day—a day to celebrate the hardworking professionals who keep our libraries thriving. Library workers are facing tough times, and it’s more important than ever to show our support. Show some love to the library worker in your life today! ala-apa.org/nlwd/ #NLWD25
National Library Workers Day. Libraries Work Because We Do. 4.8.25, #NLWD25, ALA-APA
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Craig Aaron @notaaroncraig.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
What does the attack on museums and libraries have to do with broadband? Everything, it turns out. @angelasiefer.bsky.social at NDIA explains ... www.digitalinclusion.org/blog/cancell...
digitalinclusion.org
Cancellation of the Institute of Museum and Library Services Is Drastically Impacting the Delivery of Digital Inclusion Services for Millions Nationwide - National Digital Inclusion Alliance
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James Neal @james3neal.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
"US libraries and museums receive support from many sources, including public donations and funding from other federal agencies. But IMLS is 'the single largest source of critical federal funding for libraries,'" @wired.com www.wired.com/story/instit...
wired.com
The DOGE Axe Comes for Libraries and Museums
The Institute of Museum and Library Services has long received bipartisan support. But after years of trying, President Donald Trump has delivered it a crushing blow.
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NPR @npr.org · 31/03/2025
JUST IN: The staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services was placed on administrative leave this morning, following a meeting between IMLS leadership and DOGE staff.
npr.org
Entire staff at federal agency that funds libraries and museums put on leave
The staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services was placed on administrative leave this morning, following a meeting between IMLS leadership and DOGE staff.
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EveryLibrary @everylibrary.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Trump is threatening Federal Funding for Libraries; learn more and take action at saveimls.org.
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Michigan Library Association @milibraries.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
“A dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services would have negative implications for every American and the library services on which they rely” State Superintendent Michael F. Rice, Ph.D. #SAVEIMLS 📰🔗👇
woodtv.com
Trump takes aim at national library agency: What that could mean for Michigan libraries
After President Donald Trump signed an executive order that could all but dismantle a national museum and library agency, Michigan libraries are worried about what the move could mean for some stat…
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NPR @npr.org · 24/03/2025
For about 30 years, the Ph.D. Project has supported students from underrepresented groups who are earning doctoral degrees in business. Now, it's attracted the attention of the Trump administration.
npr.org
How the Ph.D. Project, and 45 colleges, became a target of the Trump administration
For about 30 years, the Ph.D. Project has supported students from underrepresented groups who are earning doctoral degrees in business. Now, it's attracted the attention of the Trump administration.
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Freedom to Read Foundation @ftrf.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
What happens when libraries lose funding? Communities suffer. From job losses to reduced services for seniors and students, the impact is devastating. Swipe through to see why we must protect IMLS! ✊📖 #FundLibraries oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edi...
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
The impact of a reduction or elimination of this funding would be felt from Paducah to Pikeville,” the library association said.“ IMLS grants are especially impt to rural communities, where the money helps fund bookmobile svcs, internet access, workforce dvpmt.” www.kentucky.com/news/state/k...
kentucky.com
Trump cuts could mean Kentucky libraries, universities and museums lose millions
Trump signed an executive order Friday targeting the reduction of several federal agencies including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal funding source for libraries and mus...
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Public Library Association @ala-pla.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
America’s public libraries call for Congress to stand up for the Institute of Museum and Library Services—Read PLA, ARSL, & ULC's joint statement here: www.ala.org/news/2025/03... #ForOurLibraries #FundLibraries
Blue background with text, "America's public libraries call for Congress to stand up for the Institute of Museum and Libraries services. As the organizations that collectively represent public libraries in the United States, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council oppose the Executive Order calling for the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which will have disastrous consequences for America’s public libraries and their patrons across the country. We call on members of Congress to affirm the value of these community pillars by pushing the White House to rescind this order." Images of ARSL, PLA, and ULC logos
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Devon Akmon @devonakmon.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
My deepest gratitude to The Conversation for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the Trump administration's executive order calling for the dissolution of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 1/2
theconversation.com
Trump administration seeks to starve libraries and museums of funding by shuttering this little-known agency
The consequences of shutting down the Institute of Museum and Library Services would be particularly dire for smaller museums and rural museums.
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Noah Lenstra @noahlenstra.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
American Library Association: "IMLS programs like the National Leadership grants power innovation that ensures libraries have resources to explore safe routes for children to their public library, expand new technology and AI adoption, and improve disaster preparedness" www.ala.org/news/2025/03...
ala.org
America’s public libraries call for Congress to stand up for the Institute of Museum and Library Services
As the organizations that collectively represent public libraries in the United States, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council opp...
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sharonmleon.bsky.social @sharonmleon.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Without IMLS, there would be no Omeka and there would be no Zotero. Write to your representatives to defend IMLS today. www.6floors.org/bracket/2025...
6floors.org
Seeds of Innovation: Defending IMLS – [bracket]
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infoDOCKET @infodocket.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
UPDATED (3/18): Roundup: Statements in Response to Executive Order Impacting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) www.infodocket.com/2025/03/17/r... #libraries #museums
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Christine M. Moeller, PhD @christinemmoe.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
IMLS supports libraries, museums, archives, and funds important research in support of these organizations - check out what they've supported in your state on this interactive map! Now IMLS is at risk, so here's a thread of things you can do to help fight for IMLS. 1/
imls.gov
IMLS Interactive Map
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School Library Journal @slj.com · 17/03/2025
How has the IMLS helped you and your library? As the latest executive order attacks IMLS, SLJ would like to share your stories to highlight the impact and importance of the agency. Share here or email news editor Kara Yorio at kyorio@mediasourceinc.com #Skybrarians #TLSky
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
In addition to this script, use data such as in this report www.imls.gov/publications... to give specifics of how IMLS benefits your state/community.
imls.gov
Public Libraries' Role in Workforce and Small Business Development: A Look Across Ten Public Library Systems
As part of the IMLS-funded Measures that Matter Initiative, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), released new research examining the role U.S. public libraries play in supporting work...
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Alt Library of Congress @altlofc.altgov.info · 15/03/2025
Libraries are the hubs of the community. Whether one is in school working on a book report in 6th grade, cramming for finals at the university, or at the public library picking out the latest novel from your favorite author— libraries are central to our society’s ability to better ourselves.
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Ericka Brunson-Rochette @ebrochette.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
If libraries have ever benefited you in any way, small or big, this is your time to speak up. Libraries quite literally exist to support community, to support *you*. Please don't let this administration strip away support for libraries. The impact will be devastating for us all. bit.ly/41QMGmL
bit.ly
ALA statement on White House assault on the Institute of Museum and Library Services
An executive order issued by the Trump administration on Friday night, March 14, calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s only federal agency for America...
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pwb2025.bsky.social @pwb2025.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
This could have severe repercussions in rural areas where public libraries often supplement local funding through IMLS grants to offer literacy, programs, and services to their communities. Breaks my heart as libraries and librarians are one of the best uses of tax dollars.
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
🔔”In fast-tracking the reading and writing of a literature review, there is the possibility of bypassing the thinking process of engaging deeply with the literature. We have lost opportunities to build valuable knowledge and cognitive skills such as close reading from the process.”
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
Resolve to visit your local public library in the new year.
Photo of poster promoting Las Vegas library system. On the old Hollywood style poster, a guy is yelling out a window that the library is amazing.
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Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
20-year-old Ashanti Downey was walking to a Dollar Tree in Sanford, North Carolina, when someone came behind her, poured a flammable liquid on her, and set her on fire Her family is asking for help with medical expenses www.wral.com/news/local/h...
A photo of Ashanti Downey in her graduation gown, holding a bear
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 25/12/2024
@3kingvisions.bsky.social Watching your episode of Queer Eye! 😭😭😭👊🏾
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Colleagues & I presented a paper over the summer. Another faculty member (Dr. Jenna Hartel) loved it so much she transformed the paper into a video AND coloring book. I am in awe of her creativity & honored to be part of her video series. 🎉🥰 #librarians youtu.be/QfcMHv3rI7Y?...
youtu.be
Surfacing the 'Silent Foundation'... | What Makes This Paper Great? (#12)
YouTube video by INFIDEOS
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Africa 📚 @africahands.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
ed.buffalo.edu/news-events/...
ed.buffalo.edu
GSE faculty recently awarded prestigious grants
Throughout 2024, GSE researchers have made significant progress in advancing educational research and practice by securing prestigious grant funding.
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cottonquiltsedi.bsky.social @cottonquiltsedi.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
Looking for some me time over the holidays? Maybe this will work for you. pearlsandrubys.slj.com/2024/11/30/m...
pearlsandrubys.slj.com
M’DEAR
M’DEAR is Midwinter Drop Everything and Read. I hope you'll join us!
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