Jane Pothecary

Overhead view of a raked auditorium with an audience seated throughout

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/

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

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

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…

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

Just want you to hear!!

Yes, that’s when I checked and it turned out I hadn’t had the mumps part. Might be worth checking!

"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...

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.

Smiling woman with folded arms

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

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 ...

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...

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.

Absolute Units: three very big sheep hover over the English countryside.

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!

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?

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect.

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...

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

Terrific reporting by Chaminda.

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

Some very awesome library designs here - especially the final one! www.theguardian.com/environment/...

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 …

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...

Photo of book cover of to be taught if fortunate by Becky chambers. Illustration shows a rocky space canyon drenched in sun.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Photo of the book A history of the world in 47 borders by John elledge

Just finished The History of the World in 47 Borders by John Elledge and really enjoyed it. I also learnt a huge amount about the Holy Roman Empire.

EKLIPs Summer Social EKLIPs (Edinburgh Knowledge, Library and Information Professionals) warmly welcomes you to its summer social event. This first evening event is intended to be slightly different...

If you're in the Edinburgh-ish area, and are/want to be a librarian, knowledge manager, info pro etc come along for an evening social event on the 11th June. A good excuse to get together and gossip outside of work time! scotcourts.libcal.com/calendar/Pub...

Are you interested in supporting fellow UK LGBTQ+ librarians?

I'm stepping down as chair of LGBTQ+ Network at the end of my 2 year term in the summer. Maybe you'd like to take over?

Great opportunity to push your agenda, get know in the sector & build a wide range of skills.

Happy to prelim chat