Jo Simons (she/her)
@josimons.bsky.social
Dr. Jo, Pākehā, Academic Librarian in Aotearoa NZ, Plant enthusiast, fibre crafter, hoarder of pens, herder of children and cats
Working with Digital Library team at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, opinions mine not my employers
Working with Digital Library team at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, opinions mine not my employers
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
In a crowded field of evil corporates, Elsevier is unethical and antisocial enough to really stand out. Fully support unis across our part of the world refusing to bow to them.
Elsevier should be made to eat it at every opportunity.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Elsevier should be made to eat it at every opportunity.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Universities in 'battle of the century' with journal publisher Elsevier
One New Zealand university told its staff all universities in New Zealand and Australia would "lose some degree of access" to the publisher's 1600 titles from the start of next year.
www.rnz.co.nz
November 15, 2025 at 6:50 AM
In a crowded field of evil corporates, Elsevier is unethical and antisocial enough to really stand out. Fully support unis across our part of the world refusing to bow to them.
Elsevier should be made to eat it at every opportunity.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
Elsevier should be made to eat it at every opportunity.
www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
I love all the colours but jewel tones more than pastels. I particularly love blues greens and purples. But also like to highlight with contrasting yellow and orange. I wear browns well but don’t often buy them as they don’t catch my eye the same way. #SecretSantaAoNZ
Today's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
November 15, 2025 at 3:05 AM
I love all the colours but jewel tones more than pastels. I particularly love blues greens and purples. But also like to highlight with contrasting yellow and orange. I wear browns well but don’t often buy them as they don’t catch my eye the same way. #SecretSantaAoNZ
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Today's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
November 14, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Today's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Spinoff asked local tyre shops where the bed places to eat are. And it's clear tyre sellers are the experts on ranking restaurants.
thespinoff.co.nz/kai/13-11-20...
thespinoff.co.nz/kai/13-11-20...
Michelin who? The finest places to eat in Aotearoa, according to local tyre shops
Tread experts across the country share their best local culinary tips for free.
thespinoff.co.nz
November 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Spinoff asked local tyre shops where the bed places to eat are. And it's clear tyre sellers are the experts on ranking restaurants.
thespinoff.co.nz/kai/13-11-20...
thespinoff.co.nz/kai/13-11-20...
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
ALT Text benefits everyone
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
November 13, 2025 at 11:41 PM
ALT Text benefits everyone
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
Alt text helps with accessibility, identifying/explaining elements you might not get to in your posts and makes your posts/work more discoverable - Make sure to toggle it on to “require alt text” in your settings
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
“What a great reel about why we don’t digitize everything and why digitization creates an additional set of preservation problems that require even more resources to maintain. Let me just open the comments to see —“
a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a mountain range
Alt: a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a mountain range, an explosion catches up with him and he disintegrates
media.tenor.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:41 PM
“What a great reel about why we don’t digitize everything and why digitization creates an additional set of preservation problems that require even more resources to maintain. Let me just open the comments to see —“
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Spydere Man, Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
November 13, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Spydere Man, Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Now that the book's been out for over a month, I'm re-posting this great review by @hawkwinglb.bsky.social of Queen Demon, for people who have had time to read the book and like really deep smart dives: locusmag.com/review/queen...
Queen Demon by Martha Wells: Review by Liz Bourke
Queen Demon, Martha Wells (Tor 978-1-250-82691-6, $28.99, 400pp, hc) October 2025. Cover by Cynthia Sheppard. I’ve loved Martha Wells’s fantasy novels ever since I picked up The Element of Fire. Qu…
locusmag.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Now that the book's been out for over a month, I'm re-posting this great review by @hawkwinglb.bsky.social of Queen Demon, for people who have had time to read the book and like really deep smart dives: locusmag.com/review/queen...
I’m full omnivore. Food is awesome.
Allergies: I have a brazil nut allergy but OK with other nuts.
I love spicy things, dark chocolate, Russian fudge - the gritty sort, macarons, dried pineapple, bread, kumara chips, aioli, feijoas, blackberries, marshmallows - foods for morale!
#SecretSantaAoNZ
Allergies: I have a brazil nut allergy but OK with other nuts.
I love spicy things, dark chocolate, Russian fudge - the gritty sort, macarons, dried pineapple, bread, kumara chips, aioli, feijoas, blackberries, marshmallows - foods for morale!
#SecretSantaAoNZ
Time for another question #SecretSantaAoNZ
What are your favourite foods? Least favourite? What can't you eat? What are your go to foods FOR MORALE?
Quote or reply with your answers.
What are your favourite foods? Least favourite? What can't you eat? What are your go to foods FOR MORALE?
Quote or reply with your answers.
November 13, 2025 at 7:22 AM
I’m full omnivore. Food is awesome.
Allergies: I have a brazil nut allergy but OK with other nuts.
I love spicy things, dark chocolate, Russian fudge - the gritty sort, macarons, dried pineapple, bread, kumara chips, aioli, feijoas, blackberries, marshmallows - foods for morale!
#SecretSantaAoNZ
Allergies: I have a brazil nut allergy but OK with other nuts.
I love spicy things, dark chocolate, Russian fudge - the gritty sort, macarons, dried pineapple, bread, kumara chips, aioli, feijoas, blackberries, marshmallows - foods for morale!
#SecretSantaAoNZ
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
A historic day for Victoria.
Australia will see its first ever treaty with Aboriginal people signed and formalised as law today.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Australia will see its first ever treaty with Aboriginal people signed and formalised as law today.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Australia's first treaty with Aboriginal people becomes law in Victoria
Victoria's first treaty with Aboriginal people has been signed by members of the Aboriginal community, the premier and state governor.
www.abc.net.au
November 12, 2025 at 10:32 PM
A historic day for Victoria.
Australia will see its first ever treaty with Aboriginal people signed and formalised as law today.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Australia will see its first ever treaty with Aboriginal people signed and formalised as law today.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Labour will repeal the Regulatory Standards bill.
November 13, 2025 at 5:23 AM
Labour will repeal the Regulatory Standards bill.
Definitely both, and all. Espresso, flat whites, chai, black gumboot tea, green tea, fruity herbals, plunger coffee, freeze dried coffee. Not to mention most chilled versions of either. Learnt to drink caffeine however it came when first a post-grad student, but do like a treat too. #SecretSantaAoNZ
November 12, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Definitely both, and all. Espresso, flat whites, chai, black gumboot tea, green tea, fruity herbals, plunger coffee, freeze dried coffee. Not to mention most chilled versions of either. Learnt to drink caffeine however it came when first a post-grad student, but do like a treat too. #SecretSantaAoNZ
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Auckland North Shore peeps: the new NZ Blood donor centre is very comfy, right next door to Constellation bus station and has plenty of parking. Get yourselves in there and, if you can donate plasma, please do coz they're having to import it.
November 11, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Auckland North Shore peeps: the new NZ Blood donor centre is very comfy, right next door to Constellation bus station and has plenty of parking. Get yourselves in there and, if you can donate plasma, please do coz they're having to import it.
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
A reminder about the keydates for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Sign-ups are open now and close on the 19th, so spread the word and get all signed up so no one misses out!
Sign-ups are open now and close on the 19th, so spread the word and get all signed up so no one misses out!
November 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A reminder about the keydates for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Sign-ups are open now and close on the 19th, so spread the word and get all signed up so no one misses out!
Sign-ups are open now and close on the 19th, so spread the word and get all signed up so no one misses out!
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Huge thanks to all our @britishlibrary.bsky.social colleagues who've been working so hard on this for so long!
We’re launching our new catalogue on Monday 8 December.
To keep our collections safe while we do this, access and ordering will be suspended for a week before launch and all requests for 8 December onwards must be made on the new system when it launches.
Find out more: bit.ly/CollectionSu...
To keep our collections safe while we do this, access and ordering will be suspended for a week before launch and all requests for 8 December onwards must be made on the new system when it launches.
Find out more: bit.ly/CollectionSu...
November 11, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Huge thanks to all our @britishlibrary.bsky.social colleagues who've been working so hard on this for so long!
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Early bird registration for the 2026 #Climate & #Cryosphere conference in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, closes next week. I'm looking forward to chairing a session on Communicating cryospheric change for diverse audiences @clicwcrp.bsky.social Full details: clic2026.com/wp-content/u...
November 7, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Early bird registration for the 2026 #Climate & #Cryosphere conference in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, closes next week. I'm looking forward to chairing a session on Communicating cryospheric change for diverse audiences @clicwcrp.bsky.social Full details: clic2026.com/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
People Watching: 'Mega-strike' - Healthcare staff, educators and firefighters march in central Auckland on a Thursday
November 11, 2025 at 6:38 PM
People Watching: 'Mega-strike' - Healthcare staff, educators and firefighters march in central Auckland on a Thursday
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
#30DayMapChallenge Day 11: Minimal Map – Hikurangi Subduction Zone 🪡
A single sweeping line of tambour beading traces where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Australian Plate along Aotearoa’s east coast.
The Hikurangi Subduction Zone is New Zealand’s largest and most active fault boundary.
A single sweeping line of tambour beading traces where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Australian Plate along Aotearoa’s east coast.
The Hikurangi Subduction Zone is New Zealand’s largest and most active fault boundary.
November 11, 2025 at 6:46 AM
#30DayMapChallenge Day 11: Minimal Map – Hikurangi Subduction Zone 🪡
A single sweeping line of tambour beading traces where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Australian Plate along Aotearoa’s east coast.
The Hikurangi Subduction Zone is New Zealand’s largest and most active fault boundary.
A single sweeping line of tambour beading traces where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Australian Plate along Aotearoa’s east coast.
The Hikurangi Subduction Zone is New Zealand’s largest and most active fault boundary.
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
#MetadataMatters - Ruth Elder (University of York) commented that to may be quite 'sobering' for libraries to see the extent of their poor quality records.
Legacy metadata issues can severely impact upon discoverability & interoperability, but libraries rarely have time/capacity to tackle it
Legacy metadata issues can severely impact upon discoverability & interoperability, but libraries rarely have time/capacity to tackle it
It also helps to identify parts of your data (metadata) that need attention - ie the records that need upgrading to ensure that they are not falsely flagged as unique when compared to NBK data
October 22, 2025 at 2:21 PM
#MetadataMatters - Ruth Elder (University of York) commented that to may be quite 'sobering' for libraries to see the extent of their poor quality records.
Legacy metadata issues can severely impact upon discoverability & interoperability, but libraries rarely have time/capacity to tackle it
Legacy metadata issues can severely impact upon discoverability & interoperability, but libraries rarely have time/capacity to tackle it
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
The Getty Museum has made 88,000 artworks available for free under CC0 licenses! This is a huge win for open culture—for art lovers, creators, educators, learners, researchers, and all future generations. Huge congratulations to the Getty for this big step!
getty.edu/art/collection 🖼️
getty.edu/art/collection 🖼️
The J. Paul Getty Museum Collection
Explore the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center and the Getty Villa.
getty.edu
November 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The Getty Museum has made 88,000 artworks available for free under CC0 licenses! This is a huge win for open culture—for art lovers, creators, educators, learners, researchers, and all future generations. Huge congratulations to the Getty for this big step!
getty.edu/art/collection 🖼️
getty.edu/art/collection 🖼️
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
I can't do the 9 books thing. It's fun but I just can't get past the should.
Read whatever brings you joy. With your eyes, your ears or your fingers.
Engage with story and don't let anyone ever tell you that the stories you connect with aren't enough.
Read whatever brings you joy. With your eyes, your ears or your fingers.
Engage with story and don't let anyone ever tell you that the stories you connect with aren't enough.
November 11, 2025 at 6:38 AM
I can't do the 9 books thing. It's fun but I just can't get past the should.
Read whatever brings you joy. With your eyes, your ears or your fingers.
Engage with story and don't let anyone ever tell you that the stories you connect with aren't enough.
Read whatever brings you joy. With your eyes, your ears or your fingers.
Engage with story and don't let anyone ever tell you that the stories you connect with aren't enough.
My team came back from #iPRES2025 with all sorts of sticker swag to share. I’m particularly fond of this one from @dpc-chat.digipres.club.ap.brid.gy but can’t decide where to put it as I have too many things I want to stick it to! #digipres #libraries
November 11, 2025 at 4:17 AM
My team came back from #iPRES2025 with all sorts of sticker swag to share. I’m particularly fond of this one from @dpc-chat.digipres.club.ap.brid.gy but can’t decide where to put it as I have too many things I want to stick it to! #digipres #libraries
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Dozens of M.C. Escher Prints Have Been Digitized & Put Online by the Boston Public Library
Dozens of M.C. Escher Prints Have Been Digitized & Put Online by the Boston Public Library
In addition to the iconic scene in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, or appearances in animated TV shows and video games, M.C.
www.openculture.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Dozens of M.C. Escher Prints Have Been Digitized & Put Online by the Boston Public Library
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
Yes! The thing abt public libraries that is so beautiful & crucial is the idea that *anybody* could do this — you need no credential, there’s no gatekeeping, literally any person can be an intellectual. You can come from absolutely nothing & yet, by means of curiosity + work, create real knowledge
I wrote a significant chunk of my first book at a Chicago Public Library, an amazing public space where people could read books and newspapers, access the internet, or just keep warm for a while on a cold day. This is appalling.
CPL is an absolute palace to the people and these proposed cuts are abominable. Artificial austerity. Chicago folks, read this, check the links to bug the mayor and your alders—this can be fought and won.
November 8, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Yes! The thing abt public libraries that is so beautiful & crucial is the idea that *anybody* could do this — you need no credential, there’s no gatekeeping, literally any person can be an intellectual. You can come from absolutely nothing & yet, by means of curiosity + work, create real knowledge
Reposted by Jo Simons (she/her)
My fave work in the exhibit: “Three Figures,” 2014, which incorporates the famous May 4, 1963, news photo of three Black teen schoolchildren holding hands to stay together while being blasted by high-powered fire hoses during an anti-segregation children’s march in Alabama. Powerful. #art #Blackart
November 11, 2025 at 3:15 AM