Dr. Ben Mitchell
@drlibraryben.bsky.social
(he/they) Scholar. Geek. Nova Scotian. 🌍 Libraries (#GLAM), medical humanities, history/public history, neurodiversity and disability studies. 🌍 Geekier at: @willow0wisp.bsky.social
Pinned
Dr. Ben Mitchell
libraryben.trubox.ca
Lots of new follows and following after being on those lists. Folks who are interested can see some of my work and video recording of recent talks I've given on my website: libraryben.trubox.ca
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
in the q&a, tonight’s speaker nails my fave thing abt being able to learn at #HSS2025 — it is deliciously interdisciplinary. i’m no historian by trade, but i have been tracking a unique history (HCQ’s spectacularization) that relies on science to be understood, n thus i look forward to reading this!
So what can historians of science do?
Valencius answers by citing an exciting, forthcoming resource for #histSTM & #STS practitioners--A Historian's Handbook to Saving the World, edited by @alixhui.bsky.social & @emilypawley.bsky.social.
More info: docs.google.com/document/d/1... #HSS2025 #histSTM
Valencius answers by citing an exciting, forthcoming resource for #histSTM & #STS practitioners--A Historian's Handbook to Saving the World, edited by @alixhui.bsky.social & @emilypawley.bsky.social.
More info: docs.google.com/document/d/1... #HSS2025 #histSTM
Historians' Handbook for Saving the World TOC
A Historian’s Handbook for Saving the World: Responding to the Global Climate Emergency Co-organized by Alexandra Hui and Emily Pawley Table of Contents Acknowledgements and List of Contributors ...
docs.google.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:06 AM
in the q&a, tonight’s speaker nails my fave thing abt being able to learn at #HSS2025 — it is deliciously interdisciplinary. i’m no historian by trade, but i have been tracking a unique history (HCQ’s spectacularization) that relies on science to be understood, n thus i look forward to reading this!
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
The wonderful people at @uncpress.bsky.social sent me an advance copy of my book and I think I’ll have a little cry now. You can order it from here and it will arrive soon (use code 01UNCP30) for a discount uncpress.org/978146968920...
November 13, 2025 at 11:33 PM
The wonderful people at @uncpress.bsky.social sent me an advance copy of my book and I think I’ll have a little cry now. You can order it from here and it will arrive soon (use code 01UNCP30) for a discount uncpress.org/978146968920...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Journalists rarely treat my autistic son with respect—instead foisting negative stereotypes on him; never seeing him as the human he is. But @stevesilberman.bsky.social always treated Leo as a fellow traveler. He had my complete trust. And I miss him so much.
thinkingautismguide.com/2024/12/reme...
thinkingautismguide.com/2024/12/reme...
Remembering Steve Silberman
NeuroTribes author Steve Silberman centered autistic voices, and was just a mensch. Anne Borden King and Shannon Rosa discuss his legacy.
thinkingautismguide.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Journalists rarely treat my autistic son with respect—instead foisting negative stereotypes on him; never seeing him as the human he is. But @stevesilberman.bsky.social always treated Leo as a fellow traveler. He had my complete trust. And I miss him so much.
thinkingautismguide.com/2024/12/reme...
thinkingautismguide.com/2024/12/reme...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
combining the humanities, social sciences, and climate science into our new School of AAAARRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH
November 14, 2025 at 7:43 PM
combining the humanities, social sciences, and climate science into our new School of AAAARRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
‘Liverpool went from having a single slave ship in 1709 to more than a hundred six decades later. By 1795 it controlled almost half of the European slave trade.’
John Kerrigan on Liverpool, the Atlantic slave trade and m. nourbeSe philip’s long poem 𝘡𝘰𝘯𝘨!
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
John Kerrigan on Liverpool, the Atlantic slave trade and m. nourbeSe philip’s long poem 𝘡𝘰𝘯𝘨!
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
John Kerrigan · No Illusions: Syntax of Slavery
Slavery was accepted across most of the early modern world. No one wanted to be a slave, except when the alternative was...
www.lrb.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 7:10 PM
‘Liverpool went from having a single slave ship in 1709 to more than a hundred six decades later. By 1795 it controlled almost half of the European slave trade.’
John Kerrigan on Liverpool, the Atlantic slave trade and m. nourbeSe philip’s long poem 𝘡𝘰𝘯𝘨!
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
John Kerrigan on Liverpool, the Atlantic slave trade and m. nourbeSe philip’s long poem 𝘡𝘰𝘯𝘨!
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
I curated some readings for class on "data tensions" and the list felt worth sharing. Come on a tour of datasets, books, the web, and AI with me...
We'll start with this piece on the Google Books project: the hopes, dreams, disasters, and aftermath of building a public library on the internet.
1/n
We'll start with this piece on the Google Books project: the hopes, dreams, disasters, and aftermath of building a public library on the internet.
1/n
Torching the Modern-Day Library of Alexandria
“Somewhere at Google there is a database containing 25 million books and nobody is allowed to read them.”
www.theatlantic.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I curated some readings for class on "data tensions" and the list felt worth sharing. Come on a tour of datasets, books, the web, and AI with me...
We'll start with this piece on the Google Books project: the hopes, dreams, disasters, and aftermath of building a public library on the internet.
1/n
We'll start with this piece on the Google Books project: the hopes, dreams, disasters, and aftermath of building a public library on the internet.
1/n
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
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 Dr. Ben Mitchell
Call for Proposals – 2026 Atlantic Canada Studies Conference
From Harbour to Horizon: Recharting Atlantic Canada Studies
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 3rd-5th
Proposal Deadline: December 19, 2025
niche-canada.org/2025/11/12/c...
#envhist #cdnhist #cdnstudies
From Harbour to Horizon: Recharting Atlantic Canada Studies
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 3rd-5th
Proposal Deadline: December 19, 2025
niche-canada.org/2025/11/12/c...
#envhist #cdnhist #cdnstudies
Call for Proposals - 2026 Atlantic Canada Studies Conference
Acadiensis looks forward to receiving submissions resulting from the 2026 Atlantic Canada Studies Conference that will be held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 3rd-5th.
niche-canada.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Call for Proposals – 2026 Atlantic Canada Studies Conference
From Harbour to Horizon: Recharting Atlantic Canada Studies
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 3rd-5th
Proposal Deadline: December 19, 2025
niche-canada.org/2025/11/12/c...
#envhist #cdnhist #cdnstudies
From Harbour to Horizon: Recharting Atlantic Canada Studies
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island from June 3rd-5th
Proposal Deadline: December 19, 2025
niche-canada.org/2025/11/12/c...
#envhist #cdnhist #cdnstudies
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
I have been dreaming of this day for over five years. Proctorio’s lawsuit against me is forever over. I’ve won my life back!
linkletter.org/update-33-th...
linkletter.org/update-33-th...
Update #33: The lawsuit is over! | Stand Against Proctorio's SLAPP!
linkletter.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:49 PM
I have been dreaming of this day for over five years. Proctorio’s lawsuit against me is forever over. I’ve won my life back!
linkletter.org/update-33-th...
linkletter.org/update-33-th...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
I always feel lucky when I get to share space with @mahabali.bsky.social, who has taught me so much over the years about making open education and our classrooms more hospitable to more learners. This episode is a joy and I hope you’ll enjoy listening as much as I did recording it.
In a new episode of Community of Praxis, Brenna interviews Maha Bali about her edited collection Open at the Margins and the ways open education is not always already equitable. @brennacgray.bsky.social @mahabali.bsky.social On your favourite platform or at
www.wlupress.wlu.ca/...
www.wlupress.wlu.ca/...
November 13, 2025 at 10:21 PM
I always feel lucky when I get to share space with @mahabali.bsky.social, who has taught me so much over the years about making open education and our classrooms more hospitable to more learners. This episode is a joy and I hope you’ll enjoy listening as much as I did recording it.
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Research linking gut microbes to autism is deeply flawed, critics say | Science | AAAS www.science.org/content/arti...
Research linking gut microbes to autism is deeply flawed, critics say
Amid growing investment in the field, a new paper argues it rests on shaky foundations
www.science.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Research linking gut microbes to autism is deeply flawed, critics say | Science | AAAS www.science.org/content/arti...
Free Webinar on AI Refusal as Feminist Methodology 1 PM (EST) on November 17th - cfshrc.org/glenn-advanc...
Glenn Advancing the Agenda Webinar: Generative AI Refusal as a Feminist Methodology – CFSHRC
cfshrc.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Free Webinar on AI Refusal as Feminist Methodology 1 PM (EST) on November 17th - cfshrc.org/glenn-advanc...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Huge scoop from Ed, who had several years of financial reports leaked to him. OpenAI has been over-reporting their revenue. The company is even less profitable than we knew.
Exclusive: Based on documents viewed by this newsletter, OpenAI spent over $12.4 billion on inference from 2024 to September 2025. As part of its Microsoft revenue share, it sent $493.8m in 2024/$865.8m Jan-Sep 2025, implying lower revenues than previously reported.
www.wheresyoured.at/oai_docs/
www.wheresyoured.at/oai_docs/
Exclusive: Here's How Much OpenAI Spends On Inference and Its Revenue Share With Microsoft
As with my Anthropic exclusive from a few weeks ago, though this feels like a natural premium piece, I decided it was better to publish on my free one so that you could all enjoy it. If you liked or f...
www.wheresyoured.at
November 12, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Huge scoop from Ed, who had several years of financial reports leaked to him. OpenAI has been over-reporting their revenue. The company is even less profitable than we knew.
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Neutrality and objectivity are not the same thing and are, in fact, often contradictory goals. The objective truth is often not neutral in its political implications, and it would be a useless exercise if it was.
Got turned down on a piece about ICE in Chicago for an international news org because they believed I couldn’t be objective about my neighbors getting kidnapped. And well, guilty as charged I guess.
November 12, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Neutrality and objectivity are not the same thing and are, in fact, often contradictory goals. The objective truth is often not neutral in its political implications, and it would be a useless exercise if it was.
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
This will be my thread for thoughts while reading Disabling Intelligences by @fractalecho.bsky.social this week.
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
November 11, 2025 at 1:47 AM
This will be my thread for thoughts while reading Disabling Intelligences by @fractalecho.bsky.social this week.
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
I'm all wrapped up in a fleece blanket, I have my highlighter and page flags, and on page 2 I'm already love their writing style.
🧵
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
There's a lot that Emily Hanford doesn't say in her reporting on SoR. Research on reading points to the complexity, nuance, contextuality, and diverse influences on becoming a successful reader. This is a great overview of a few of the issues with how journalists frame Science of Reading.
November 12, 2025 at 2:10 AM
There's a lot that Emily Hanford doesn't say in her reporting on SoR. Research on reading points to the complexity, nuance, contextuality, and diverse influences on becoming a successful reader. This is a great overview of a few of the issues with how journalists frame Science of Reading.
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
The Neuronormative Paradigm, conceptualised by @dr-nicky.bsky.social names the systems that define & enforce what society considers normal and acceptable.
This exploration piece contrasts the neuronormative paradigm with the neurodiversity paradigm.
autisticrealms.com/the-neuronor...
This exploration piece contrasts the neuronormative paradigm with the neurodiversity paradigm.
autisticrealms.com/the-neuronor...
The Neuronormative Paradigm: Naming The Systems That Harm | Autistic Realms
The Neuronormative Paradigm, conceptualised by Nick Walker, names the systems that define and enforce what society considers normal. This exploration piece ...
autisticrealms.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:43 AM
The Neuronormative Paradigm, conceptualised by @dr-nicky.bsky.social names the systems that define & enforce what society considers normal and acceptable.
This exploration piece contrasts the neuronormative paradigm with the neurodiversity paradigm.
autisticrealms.com/the-neuronor...
This exploration piece contrasts the neuronormative paradigm with the neurodiversity paradigm.
autisticrealms.com/the-neuronor...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
"preliminary evidence" that "ABA therapy may be associated with increased odds of mental health hospitalizations and more frequent hospital stays among autistic youth" journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/... "future inquiry into the safety of ABA and who may or may not be harmed by it is essential..."
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:50 AM
"preliminary evidence" that "ABA therapy may be associated with increased odds of mental health hospitalizations and more frequent hospital stays among autistic youth" journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/... "future inquiry into the safety of ABA and who may or may not be harmed by it is essential..."
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
@nlisn.bsky.social is collecting case studies, to showcase stories from our network and show others like us that they are not alone.
Share your story with us, big or small, about what you’ve learned, the support you’ve found, or how the network has made a difference.
nlisn.org/case-studies/
Share your story with us, big or small, about what you’ve learned, the support you’ve found, or how the network has made a difference.
nlisn.org/case-studies/
Case Studies
NLISN are collecting case studies that showcase stories from the network. We would like to demonstrate what is possible to improve and achieve, show others like us that they are not alone, and demo…
nlisn.org
November 11, 2025 at 9:56 AM
@nlisn.bsky.social is collecting case studies, to showcase stories from our network and show others like us that they are not alone.
Share your story with us, big or small, about what you’ve learned, the support you’ve found, or how the network has made a difference.
nlisn.org/case-studies/
Share your story with us, big or small, about what you’ve learned, the support you’ve found, or how the network has made a difference.
nlisn.org/case-studies/
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
I missed the detail that Mark Carney ditched the luxury tax on private jets, yachts, and vehicles over $100,000 in the budget, though I also can’t say I’m surprised.
The banker-in-chief is serving his Bay Street buddies.
The banker-in-chief is serving his Bay Street buddies.
Here's what each federal department plans to cut under Budget 2025 | CBC News
Tuesday's federal budget offers a glimpse into how dozens of government departments plan to rein in spending following this summer's comprehensive expenditure review. Here's a department-by-departmen...
www.cbc.ca
November 11, 2025 at 4:03 AM
I missed the detail that Mark Carney ditched the luxury tax on private jets, yachts, and vehicles over $100,000 in the budget, though I also can’t say I’m surprised.
The banker-in-chief is serving his Bay Street buddies.
The banker-in-chief is serving his Bay Street buddies.
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Let’s Talk Graphic Medicine | Teen Librarian Toolbox
teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2025/11/10/l...
teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2025/11/10/l...
Let’s Talk Graphic Medicine
Teen Librarian Karen Jensen talks about graphic medicine, a concept developed by librarian Matthew Noe that discusses using comics and graphic novels to talk about health and medicine
teenlibrariantoolbox.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Let’s Talk Graphic Medicine | Teen Librarian Toolbox
teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2025/11/10/l...
teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2025/11/10/l...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Hi #MathSky, I know an Iowa State master's student who needs us! She's exploring how university researchers are/were using Bluesky and Twitter/X.
Her survey only takes 5-10 minutes with an optional follow-up interview. Please share!
uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Her survey only takes 5-10 minutes with an optional follow-up interview. Please share!
uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.
uiowa.qualtrics.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Hi #MathSky, I know an Iowa State master's student who needs us! She's exploring how university researchers are/were using Bluesky and Twitter/X.
Her survey only takes 5-10 minutes with an optional follow-up interview. Please share!
uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Her survey only takes 5-10 minutes with an optional follow-up interview. Please share!
uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Spots still available in my upcoming Talmud class - would love to learn with you!
No experience necessary.
No experience necessary.
Neuroqueer Talmud is back!
Come claim back your tradition as we learn about ableism, power dynamics, and oppression via a Jewish lens.
We will learn together over 5 weeks - all levels of learning welcome!
www.theautisticrabbi.com/autistic-tor...
Come claim back your tradition as we learn about ableism, power dynamics, and oppression via a Jewish lens.
We will learn together over 5 weeks - all levels of learning welcome!
www.theautisticrabbi.com/autistic-tor...
November 9, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Spots still available in my upcoming Talmud class - would love to learn with you!
No experience necessary.
No experience necessary.
Reposted by Dr. Ben Mitchell
Glad I wasn’t the only one to see the parallels with Covid awareness.
It feels like there are fewer and fewer of us who haven’t become rhinos. 🦏
It feels like there are fewer and fewer of us who haven’t become rhinos. 🦏
November 10, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Glad I wasn’t the only one to see the parallels with Covid awareness.
It feels like there are fewer and fewer of us who haven’t become rhinos. 🦏
It feels like there are fewer and fewer of us who haven’t become rhinos. 🦏