Alice Cann
@alicecann.bsky.social
Uni business librarian, Mum, Researcher. #SystematicReview, searching. Books & reading, esp. scifi (& on tv). Hashtag obsessive. Blogger: https://researcherlibrarian.wordpress.com #AliceWrites
Past focuses: left wing politics, aphantasia, gentle parenting
Past focuses: left wing politics, aphantasia, gentle parenting
Pinned
Alice’s 2025 Year in Review
An academic librarian’s reflections on activities and learning throughout 2025, professionally and personally.
researcherlibrarian.wordpress.com
I’ve been reviewing 2035 & reflecting on some of my activities, professionally & personally. My new blog post includes:
Reviewing & change at work
Teaching
Research
DARTS9 conference
EBSCO
Reflection & record-keeping
Professional Development
Holidays, Reading & Theatre
Plans for 2026 #AliceWrites
Reviewing & change at work
Teaching
Research
DARTS9 conference
EBSCO
Reflection & record-keeping
Professional Development
Holidays, Reading & Theatre
Plans for 2026 #AliceWrites
Reposted by Alice Cann
Today I was back at work, and on campus. I spent a long time finding information and constructing it into a spreadsheet for use for things that I have yet to do. The kind of thing that feels like I’m wasting time to begin with but comes to fruition as it develops. #GentleJanuary #Day5
January 5, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Today I was back at work, and on campus. I spent a long time finding information and constructing it into a spreadsheet for use for things that I have yet to do. The kind of thing that feels like I’m wasting time to begin with but comes to fruition as it develops. #GentleJanuary #Day5
Reposted by Alice Cann
Check out my recent publication (co-authored with my mum!) which explores how #aphantasia is often widely understood as a deficiency, a disorder, or dehumanising. Such understandings were common in social media posts, but also in scientific literature in the field. (1/4)
doi.org/10.58544/ims...
doi.org/10.58544/ims...
Disordered, deficient, and dehumanised: How biomedical and cognitive approaches are limiting our understandings of aphantasia
| International Mad Studies Journal
doi.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Check out my recent publication (co-authored with my mum!) which explores how #aphantasia is often widely understood as a deficiency, a disorder, or dehumanising. Such understandings were common in social media posts, but also in scientific literature in the field. (1/4)
doi.org/10.58544/ims...
doi.org/10.58544/ims...
I got home nearly 4 hours ago. Have been on my feet doing the non- librarian job of cooking & clearing & parenting & wifing(?). Nice to finally sit down with my book (& my phone). Though as I’m in the middle section of my book it will stay flat open & I have been reading while cooking & cleaning.
January 5, 2026 at 10:21 PM
I got home nearly 4 hours ago. Have been on my feet doing the non- librarian job of cooking & clearing & parenting & wifing(?). Nice to finally sit down with my book (& my phone). Though as I’m in the middle section of my book it will stay flat open & I have been reading while cooking & cleaning.
Today I was back at work, and on campus. I spent a long time finding information and constructing it into a spreadsheet for use for things that I have yet to do. The kind of thing that feels like I’m wasting time to begin with but comes to fruition as it develops. #GentleJanuary #Day5
January 5, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Today I was back at work, and on campus. I spent a long time finding information and constructing it into a spreadsheet for use for things that I have yet to do. The kind of thing that feels like I’m wasting time to begin with but comes to fruition as it develops. #GentleJanuary #Day5
Reposted by Alice Cann
This evening I have finally managed to delete enough photos from my phone to get it to back up, having tried quite a bit over recent weeks. No matter how much I think I’ve already tried, there are always more random WhatsApp groups and random photos and screenshots to weed. #GentleJanuary #Day4
January 4, 2026 at 10:42 PM
This evening I have finally managed to delete enough photos from my phone to get it to back up, having tried quite a bit over recent weeks. No matter how much I think I’ve already tried, there are always more random WhatsApp groups and random photos and screenshots to weed. #GentleJanuary #Day4
My daughter got (on request) a weighted blanket for Christmas. As I sit here on the settee drinking my coffee and knowing that I’ll have to force myself to get ready and go out in the cold soon, I’m thinking about how amazing this is going to be on work from home days.
January 5, 2026 at 6:53 AM
My daughter got (on request) a weighted blanket for Christmas. As I sit here on the settee drinking my coffee and knowing that I’ll have to force myself to get ready and go out in the cold soon, I’m thinking about how amazing this is going to be on work from home days.
This evening I have finally managed to delete enough photos from my phone to get it to back up, having tried quite a bit over recent weeks. No matter how much I think I’ve already tried, there are always more random WhatsApp groups and random photos and screenshots to weed. #GentleJanuary #Day4
January 4, 2026 at 10:42 PM
This evening I have finally managed to delete enough photos from my phone to get it to back up, having tried quite a bit over recent weeks. No matter how much I think I’ve already tried, there are always more random WhatsApp groups and random photos and screenshots to weed. #GentleJanuary #Day4
Reposted by Alice Cann
Talking and writing about this had got me thinking about the book (Germinal, by Emile Zola), and lots of others I studied in my European Realism module, and other modules. I’m setting myself a vague target to reread all these books, probably as audiobooks.
I was telling my daughter this morning about leading a couple of seminars while at university (about a book) and she asked whether everyone would have read the book, or would some people have just watched an overview on YouTube. And I had to tell her that YouTube didn’t exist!
January 3, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Talking and writing about this had got me thinking about the book (Germinal, by Emile Zola), and lots of others I studied in my European Realism module, and other modules. I’m setting myself a vague target to reread all these books, probably as audiobooks.
I might go through some of this activity to think about my job, but will likely come to different conclusions from the author of the blog. The belief there is no value in people doing research & ‘delivering basic content’ is depressing. Research & basic content are key for understanding & inspiring.
January 4, 2026 at 9:21 AM
I might go through some of this activity to think about my job, but will likely come to different conclusions from the author of the blog. The belief there is no value in people doing research & ‘delivering basic content’ is depressing. Research & basic content are key for understanding & inspiring.
Reposted by Alice Cann
This afternoon we went out to try & research & decide about a holiday for the summer. I managed to do quite a bit of research, but not to come to any conclusions. Holiday planning isn’t my forte! Still had a nice time sitting in the warm with a glass of wine and a bowl of chips. #GentleJanuary #Day3
January 3, 2026 at 11:14 PM
This afternoon we went out to try & research & decide about a holiday for the summer. I managed to do quite a bit of research, but not to come to any conclusions. Holiday planning isn’t my forte! Still had a nice time sitting in the warm with a glass of wine and a bowl of chips. #GentleJanuary #Day3
This afternoon we went out to try & research & decide about a holiday for the summer. I managed to do quite a bit of research, but not to come to any conclusions. Holiday planning isn’t my forte! Still had a nice time sitting in the warm with a glass of wine and a bowl of chips. #GentleJanuary #Day3
January 3, 2026 at 11:14 PM
This afternoon we went out to try & research & decide about a holiday for the summer. I managed to do quite a bit of research, but not to come to any conclusions. Holiday planning isn’t my forte! Still had a nice time sitting in the warm with a glass of wine and a bowl of chips. #GentleJanuary #Day3
Talking and writing about this had got me thinking about the book (Germinal, by Emile Zola), and lots of others I studied in my European Realism module, and other modules. I’m setting myself a vague target to reread all these books, probably as audiobooks.
I was telling my daughter this morning about leading a couple of seminars while at university (about a book) and she asked whether everyone would have read the book, or would some people have just watched an overview on YouTube. And I had to tell her that YouTube didn’t exist!
January 3, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Talking and writing about this had got me thinking about the book (Germinal, by Emile Zola), and lots of others I studied in my European Realism module, and other modules. I’m setting myself a vague target to reread all these books, probably as audiobooks.
Reposted by Alice Cann
It’s wonderful to think that I had the opportunity to read lots of literature for my ‘job’ as a student. But am aware that, while I had a paid job working twice a week, this was at a time with much less fees than now, and with parental support. So I did have the time.
January 3, 2026 at 1:10 PM
It’s wonderful to think that I had the opportunity to read lots of literature for my ‘job’ as a student. But am aware that, while I had a paid job working twice a week, this was at a time with much less fees than now, and with parental support. So I did have the time.
I was telling my daughter this morning about leading a couple of seminars while at university (about a book) and she asked whether everyone would have read the book, or would some people have just watched an overview on YouTube. And I had to tell her that YouTube didn’t exist!
January 3, 2026 at 11:59 AM
I was telling my daughter this morning about leading a couple of seminars while at university (about a book) and she asked whether everyone would have read the book, or would some people have just watched an overview on YouTube. And I had to tell her that YouTube didn’t exist!
Reposted by Alice Cann
Today I started running again-going right back to Couch to 5K Week 1 Day 1 for the 1st time since 2022. I’ve started again at week 4/5 many times (& got to the end & beyond). But decided I need to go back to basics, having not run since the summer. I felt really good afterwards. #GentleJanuary #Day2
January 2, 2026 at 11:50 PM
Today I started running again-going right back to Couch to 5K Week 1 Day 1 for the 1st time since 2022. I’ve started again at week 4/5 many times (& got to the end & beyond). But decided I need to go back to basics, having not run since the summer. I felt really good afterwards. #GentleJanuary #Day2
Today I started running again-going right back to Couch to 5K Week 1 Day 1 for the 1st time since 2022. I’ve started again at week 4/5 many times (& got to the end & beyond). But decided I need to go back to basics, having not run since the summer. I felt really good afterwards. #GentleJanuary #Day2
January 2, 2026 at 11:50 PM
Today I started running again-going right back to Couch to 5K Week 1 Day 1 for the 1st time since 2022. I’ve started again at week 4/5 many times (& got to the end & beyond). But decided I need to go back to basics, having not run since the summer. I felt really good afterwards. #GentleJanuary #Day2
Reposted by Alice Cann
6. Making It So, by Patrick Stewart
7. Humans: A Monstrous History, by Surekha Davies (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 2/2 I’ve 2 books I’m likely to finish in the 1st day or 2 of January, that I’m frustrated I’ve not finished as they would’ve taken me to my target of 90 for the year. Oh well!
7. Humans: A Monstrous History, by Surekha Davies (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 2/2 I’ve 2 books I’m likely to finish in the 1st day or 2 of January, that I’m frustrated I’ve not finished as they would’ve taken me to my target of 90 for the year. Oh well!
January 1, 2026 at 1:01 PM
6. Making It So, by Patrick Stewart
7. Humans: A Monstrous History, by Surekha Davies (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 2/2 I’ve 2 books I’m likely to finish in the 1st day or 2 of January, that I’m frustrated I’ve not finished as they would’ve taken me to my target of 90 for the year. Oh well!
7. Humans: A Monstrous History, by Surekha Davies (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 2/2 I’ve 2 books I’m likely to finish in the 1st day or 2 of January, that I’m frustrated I’ve not finished as they would’ve taken me to my target of 90 for the year. Oh well!
Reposted by Alice Cann
This evening we watched the last episode of Stranger Things (enjoyed) and the first episode of series 4 of The Traitors (also enjoyed). Good to have great tv to look forward to forward to after finishing something. #GentleJanuary #Day1
January 1, 2026 at 11:25 PM
This evening we watched the last episode of Stranger Things (enjoyed) and the first episode of series 4 of The Traitors (also enjoyed). Good to have great tv to look forward to forward to after finishing something. #GentleJanuary #Day1
This evening we watched the last episode of Stranger Things (enjoyed) and the first episode of series 4 of The Traitors (also enjoyed). Good to have great tv to look forward to forward to after finishing something. #GentleJanuary #Day1
January 1, 2026 at 11:25 PM
This evening we watched the last episode of Stranger Things (enjoyed) and the first episode of series 4 of The Traitors (also enjoyed). Good to have great tv to look forward to forward to after finishing something. #GentleJanuary #Day1
Reposted by Alice Cann
Anyone who knows me will know how much of my life revolves around Twitter for around a decade. I wrote my doctoral thesis on it. It was an important part of the identity. At least, I thought it was.
Turns out life is absolutely fine without it.
Turns out life is absolutely fine without it.
Happy New Year you lovely people.
A reminder that 2026 should be the year you leave X (if you haven’t already!)
A reminder that 2026 should be the year you leave X (if you haven’t already!)
Why you should leave X
A rallying cry to progressives everywhere...
writesbright.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Anyone who knows me will know how much of my life revolves around Twitter for around a decade. I wrote my doctoral thesis on it. It was an important part of the identity. At least, I thought it was.
Turns out life is absolutely fine without it.
Turns out life is absolutely fine without it.
Reposted by Alice Cann
It's the national year of reading in the uk in 2026. Instead of asking "why don't kids read any more", ask "how can I help them find the stories (and non fic) they will fall in love with". Less "get off my lawn whippersnappers" and more "come, sit on the lawn, here's a comic".
January 1, 2026 at 9:47 AM
It's the national year of reading in the uk in 2026. Instead of asking "why don't kids read any more", ask "how can I help them find the stories (and non fic) they will fall in love with". Less "get off my lawn whippersnappers" and more "come, sit on the lawn, here's a comic".
Reposted by Alice Cann
January 1, 2026 at 10:53 AM
1. The Fallen, by Charlie Higson (reread)
2. The Shattering Peace, by John Scalzi
3. Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War (audiobook)
4. Claudia and Mean Janine, by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
5. Chimera, by Alice Thomson (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 1/2
2. The Shattering Peace, by John Scalzi
3. Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War (audiobook)
4. Claudia and Mean Janine, by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
5. Chimera, by Alice Thomson (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 1/2
January 1, 2026 at 12:57 PM
1. The Fallen, by Charlie Higson (reread)
2. The Shattering Peace, by John Scalzi
3. Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War (audiobook)
4. Claudia and Mean Janine, by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
5. Chimera, by Alice Thomson (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 1/2
2. The Shattering Peace, by John Scalzi
3. Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War (audiobook)
4. Claudia and Mean Janine, by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
5. Chimera, by Alice Thomson (audiobook)
#2025reads #DecemberReads 1/2
It was way after midnight when I went to bed last night. My final #DecemberDecisions of 2025 #Day31, yesterday, is spending the day cooking and clearing (with a break to play Catan) before having friends over for the evening, for food and games.
January 1, 2026 at 11:58 AM
It was way after midnight when I went to bed last night. My final #DecemberDecisions of 2025 #Day31, yesterday, is spending the day cooking and clearing (with a break to play Catan) before having friends over for the evening, for food and games.
I’ve just chopped up lots of vegetables small in the food processor prior to cooking them (for a specific recipe) and am wondering why I don’t do this more often. Whenever this is the start of something I’m making it is a delicious meal.
December 31, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I’ve just chopped up lots of vegetables small in the food processor prior to cooking them (for a specific recipe) and am wondering why I don’t do this more often. Whenever this is the start of something I’m making it is a delicious meal.