Jane Pothecary
@janepoth.bsky.social
University Librarian and mum of three with a special interest in pedagogy, information literacy and social justice. Socialist and trade unionist. I like red pandas. Slowly realising I'm happiest in nature. She/her
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
We can't help noticing that academic conference season has arrived! We hope everyone attending is having a lovely time but also thought it might be a good opportunity to share a thread on some top tips for an accessible conference experience, whether attending, presenting or organising 1/
July 7, 2025 at 2:44 PM
We can't help noticing that academic conference season has arrived! We hope everyone attending is having a lovely time but also thought it might be a good opportunity to share a thread on some top tips for an accessible conference experience, whether attending, presenting or organising 1/
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
We agree but add this: the #GreatSchoolLibraries campaign highlights that all children need a school library because adequately funded, staffed school libraries deliver enhanced & independent learning as well as reading & curriculum support & contribute to building lifelong readers. #Staffed
Rachel Reeves pledges a library in every primary school in England
Rachel Reeves pledges a library in every primary school in England
Exclusive: Chancellor also set to unveil plans to get young people back into work in party conference speech
Rachel Reeves will deliver a library in every primary school in England as part of Labour’s plans to give all children the best start in life regardless of their background.
The scheme, which will create libraries in the 1,700 primaries currently without them, will be funded from £132.5m of dormant assets that will be unlocked to give young people access to cultural opportunities. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:32 AM
We agree but add this: the #GreatSchoolLibraries campaign highlights that all children need a school library because adequately funded, staffed school libraries deliver enhanced & independent learning as well as reading & curriculum support & contribute to building lifelong readers. #Staffed
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
Love opening a conversation by randomly shuttering the biggest employer in most towns. The fact that this is clearly his pet policy line to get into the news isn’t really making it any better
'He added: "But also close down half of universities and turn them into vocational colleges just to open the conversation."'
September 30, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Love opening a conversation by randomly shuttering the biggest employer in most towns. The fact that this is clearly his pet policy line to get into the news isn’t really making it any better
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
I was asked for a comment on the UK's journal big deal negotiations. We are in a sector-wide consultation and so not appropriate to talk specifics - but there is an apparent lack of understanding by some publishers of the current financial position of UK HE
Many UK universities likely to walk away from journal agreements after publishers put forward proposals with “year-on-year price rises” rather than cheaper deals demanded by national negotiators, @davidprosser.bsky.social tells @jgro-the.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/busines...
‘Business-as-usual’ offers from publishers raise walk-away fears
Disappointing offers which ‘miss financial reality’ faced by UK higher education have heightened speculation that institutions will ditch proposed deals
www.timeshighereducation.com
August 21, 2025 at 8:39 AM
I was asked for a comment on the UK's journal big deal negotiations. We are in a sector-wide consultation and so not appropriate to talk specifics - but there is an apparent lack of understanding by some publishers of the current financial position of UK HE
My 5 year old son is going through a massive Janet and Allan Ahlberg phase. He’s loving them all. Tonight we’re reading Funny Bones. Altogether now - there was a dark dark town…
July 31, 2025 at 6:38 PM
My 5 year old son is going through a massive Janet and Allan Ahlberg phase. He’s loving them all. Tonight we’re reading Funny Bones. Altogether now - there was a dark dark town…
I think my five year old is the only person pleased that England v Spain is going to penalties as it significantly extends his bedtime
July 27, 2025 at 6:39 PM
I think my five year old is the only person pleased that England v Spain is going to penalties as it significantly extends his bedtime
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
"Be kind to yourself and hard on the system."
Burnout is clinically understood as a combo of 6 factors—work overload, lack of control, insufficient rewards, breakdown in community, absence of fairness, & value conflicts—and only a fraction of it is under your control. Burnout is a systemic problem, so be kind to yourself and hard on the system.
Hey gang I've had to learn recently that the whole "burning out" thing is real so if you find yourself being panicked every waking second that you're not working on something, despite those seconds being very rare, you should maybe listen to the signals and take an intentional break before you crash
July 14, 2025 at 2:39 AM
"Be kind to yourself and hard on the system."
When there was a mumps outbreak at uni, I was shocked to find out I wasn't fully protected as I'd had all the jabs offered. If you're in this age range too, probably best to not assume you had the full MMR.
If you were born between 1970-1990 you may not have full MMR protection, even if you had parents who took you for all your jabs. The NHS will give you a free booster. With cases surging, this is a great way to protect yourself & your community. I’m getting mine tomorrow www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
July 21, 2025 at 10:06 AM
When there was a mumps outbreak at uni, I was shocked to find out I wasn't fully protected as I'd had all the jabs offered. If you're in this age range too, probably best to not assume you had the full MMR.
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
If you were born between 1970-1990 you may not have full MMR protection, even if you had parents who took you for all your jabs. The NHS will give you a free booster. With cases surging, this is a great way to protect yourself & your community. I’m getting mine tomorrow www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
July 20, 2025 at 10:54 AM
If you were born between 1970-1990 you may not have full MMR protection, even if you had parents who took you for all your jabs. The NHS will give you a free booster. With cases surging, this is a great way to protect yourself & your community. I’m getting mine tomorrow www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
Is it normal for goalkeepers to *take* a penalty shootout?
July 17, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Is it normal for goalkeepers to *take* a penalty shootout?
Great thread on crafting alt text - I hadn't realised screen readers don't make it clear when they are moving from reading text in the main body to alt text.
This is a really lovely thread about how to get better at writing alt text for images - do recommend a read.
There are LOTS of different screen reader experiences, but some things to keep in mind:
There's often no scrubber - the only control you have is to restart the reading. Ideally the user will be able to restart just the alt text, but they might have to restart the whole post. Put important things 1st
There's often no scrubber - the only control you have is to restart the reading. Ideally the user will be able to restart just the alt text, but they might have to restart the whole post. Put important things 1st
July 17, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Great thread on crafting alt text - I hadn't realised screen readers don't make it clear when they are moving from reading text in the main body to alt text.
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
Has a mentor made a real difference in your Professional Registration journey? Why not nominate them for CILIP’s annual Mentor of the Year award and help celebrate those who inspire and support others. Deadline: Friday 29 August. cilip.org.uk/page/Mentoro... pic.x.com/1iLjPHJ3hL
July 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Has a mentor made a real difference in your Professional Registration journey? Why not nominate them for CILIP’s annual Mentor of the Year award and help celebrate those who inspire and support others. Deadline: Friday 29 August. cilip.org.uk/page/Mentoro... pic.x.com/1iLjPHJ3hL
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
Are you an experienced Project Manager who's passionate about climate action? Join #CILIP as Project Manager - Green Library Hubs to lead the delivery of an exciting new #NationalLottery funded project. Deadline: Weds 16 July: informationprofessionaljobs.com/jobs/project...
Project Manager, Green Library Hubs, Hybrid (Tavistock Square, London)
Project Manager, Green Library Hubs Team/group: Research and Development Reports to: Director, Research and Development Normal place of work: Hybrid (London Office – Tavistock Square) Contract: Three ...
informationprofessionaljobs.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Are you an experienced Project Manager who's passionate about climate action? Join #CILIP as Project Manager - Green Library Hubs to lead the delivery of an exciting new #NationalLottery funded project. Deadline: Weds 16 July: informationprofessionaljobs.com/jobs/project...
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
Bigotry erodes the critical faculties because it is a cognitive shortcut: what you don’t care for, leaves you, and over time “should I google anything about Ian Wright or the England football team?” just gets eroded away.
There just seems to be a serious laziness of thought to it.
If you can't even be bothered to quickly google Ian Wright before using him as an example, you shouldn't expect me to assume you have made more effort in the rest of your output.
If you can't even be bothered to quickly google Ian Wright before using him as an example, you shouldn't expect me to assume you have made more effort in the rest of your output.
July 15, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Bigotry erodes the critical faculties because it is a cognitive shortcut: what you don’t care for, leaves you, and over time “should I google anything about Ian Wright or the England football team?” just gets eroded away.
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
New Absolute Units episode!
This time, we're continuing our conversation with @dollyjorgensen.bsky.social by delving into the symbolism of pigs. What do pigs mean in our myths and religious texts? What do pigs teach us about ourselves?
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
This time, we're continuing our conversation with @dollyjorgensen.bsky.social by delving into the symbolism of pigs. What do pigs mean in our myths and religious texts? What do pigs teach us about ourselves?
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
July 10, 2025 at 12:21 PM
New Absolute Units episode!
This time, we're continuing our conversation with @dollyjorgensen.bsky.social by delving into the symbolism of pigs. What do pigs mean in our myths and religious texts? What do pigs teach us about ourselves?
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
This time, we're continuing our conversation with @dollyjorgensen.bsky.social by delving into the symbolism of pigs. What do pigs mean in our myths and religious texts? What do pigs teach us about ourselves?
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
Is anyone out there using Mentimeter for teaching #InformationLiteracy? I'm using it and liking the in-built interactivity but struggling a bit when I need to show something graphically. How are others finding it?
July 4, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Is anyone out there using Mentimeter for teaching #InformationLiteracy? I'm using it and liking the in-built interactivity but struggling a bit when I need to show something graphically. How are others finding it?
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on.
slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com/technology/2...
Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect.
slate.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on.
slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
I don't think I have to tell most people who follow me why libraries are important, or that they're under threat in the UK. But I want to make sure everyone knows Lambeth libraries are going on strike and there's a solidarity hardship fund HERE linktr.ee/savelambethl... #KidlitUK #SaveLibraries
Save Lambeth Libraries | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Linktree. Make your link do more.
linktr.ee
June 25, 2025 at 7:05 AM
I don't think I have to tell most people who follow me why libraries are important, or that they're under threat in the UK. But I want to make sure everyone knows Lambeth libraries are going on strike and there's a solidarity hardship fund HERE linktr.ee/savelambethl... #KidlitUK #SaveLibraries
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
Terrific reporting by Chaminda.
NEW: Labour's planned disability benefit cuts could affect the majority of current working-age claimants with ischaemic heart disease, inflammatory arthritis, hip and knee disorders and Crohn’s disease, according to analysis of new DWP data
By me, for the Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
By me, for the Big Issue:
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Majority of PIP claimants with heart disease, arthritis and Crohn's at risk of cuts
DWP data obtained by Big Issue shows that the majority of people with heart failure, HIV and arthritis are at risk of losing their benefits.
www.bigissue.com
June 25, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Terrific reporting by Chaminda.
Some very awesome library designs here - especially the final one! www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Indonesia’s stunning microlibraries draw young readers – in pictures
Using passive design and local materials such as ice cream buckets, these modern community spaces offer a respite from urban heat and hustle
www.theguardian.com
June 2, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Some very awesome library designs here - especially the final one! www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I wrote a thing (the first thing I have written in a really long time!) reflecting on online teaching and joy. thespacebetween.blog/2025/05/30/f...
Finding Joy in Online Teaching
Joyful Cardiff flowers, captured April 2025 during the LILAC Conference Since returning from maternity leave in early 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have found myself thrown into a new world …
thespacebetween.blog
May 30, 2025 at 4:07 PM
I wrote a thing (the first thing I have written in a really long time!) reflecting on online teaching and joy. thespacebetween.blog/2025/05/30/f...
Just finished reading Becky Chambers’ gorgeously titled To Be Taught if Fortunate. Wonderful solar punk sci fi, beautifully written and inclusive. Interesting exploration of community funded space travel. Wished it was longer - too short to really do justice to either the topic or the characters.
May 28, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Just finished reading Becky Chambers’ gorgeously titled To Be Taught if Fortunate. Wonderful solar punk sci fi, beautifully written and inclusive. Interesting exploration of community funded space travel. Wished it was longer - too short to really do justice to either the topic or the characters.
An academic is giving me 3 hours with their MA/MSc students next term and I am unbelievably excited about it. Gonna do so much gooooood stuff!
a black and white photo of a woman sitting on a couch with a scarf around her neck .
Alt: A black and white gif of Morticia Addams from the Addams Family sitting on a couch rubbing the tips of her fingers together in a plotting motion.
media.tenor.com
May 23, 2025 at 9:26 AM
An academic is giving me 3 hours with their MA/MSc students next term and I am unbelievably excited about it. Gonna do so much gooooood stuff!
Reposted by Jane Pothecary
We are not islands. We are not strangers.
Thank you @michaelrosenyes.bsky.social for this poem in @theguardian.com. I work with amazing people from all over the world. Spain, Ireland, Philippines, India, Iraq, Syria, Poland and many other countries. Labour's language around immigration is so disappointing.
May 20, 2025 at 7:43 AM
We are not islands. We are not strangers.
I’m not into #Eurovision2025 at all but I am really into how into it you all are! Eurovision fans really know how to fan!
May 15, 2025 at 7:29 PM
I’m not into #Eurovision2025 at all but I am really into how into it you all are! Eurovision fans really know how to fan!