Libraries Hacked

A new library data post! Get it while it's hot because they're rare these days.

blog.librarydata.uk/requesting-d...

A small bit on FOI requests to get hold of public library data. Not ideal but it can benefit libraries, especially if followed up with open data publishing.

#OpenData #LibraryData

Interesting new paper on the challenge increasing numbers of SUVs pose to climate efforts.

“The current trend runs the risk of undoing climate achievements and solidifying unsustainable mobility habits unless there is a structural change in both urban design and consumer norms.”

You know that tool you're using to protect your privacy? Well everyone should have to go through a verification process before using one of those.

My brother was taken from us. I don’t know what to do Life will never be the same again.

Sad, moving piece on the death of a sibling out of the blue by @hannahsbee.bsky.social www.newstatesman.com/comment/pers...

Glad to see the challenge on the poor public interest test here.

Have seen too many recently where the public interest test is going through the motions. It should be a strict test where there is significant weight in the reasons for not providing information if that is the route taken.

Then beyond that, even if very broadly adopting the term racism, it's possible to discuss how lived experiences can differ (not be better or worse) depending on the type.

All of this could be easily established by talking reasonably to people.

Yes it's discussion, and when conducted in good faith it's mainly semantic. Even a quick Google search will show authorities that differ on defining racism - not sure it matters whether someone calls it racism or prejudice.

In the case of antisemitism, that's a term which in itself can be used.

No, 'senile dementia' is not a thing, and is incidentally far more clunky terminology.

But, to give you the benefit of the doubt, rather than being ageist, she seems perfectly able to still discuss racism.

Probably because for close to 4 decades she has spoken on all forms of racism and does so in her own terms and life experience.

That's probably clunky, certainly in modern politics and crafted statements.

But her words are certainly worth doing the justice of good faith engagement.

No, just today's politics looks at generating scandals by intentionally misreading intentions and not seeing the reality of who people really are.

Of course Diane Abbott does not believe the holocaust was minor prejudice. If you're in doubt about that go to a surgery in her constituency.

It's quite easy to just reckon that Diane Abbott is antisemitic and wants to pretend that it's not possible for Jews to be victims of racism.

Except that's disproved by her entire history as an MP, particularly within her constituency.

AI and creative sectors convene to tackle copyright issue - UKTN Representatives from the AI and creative sectors will convene into working groups to seek solutions to the ongoing issue of copyright.

The image from UK Tech News suggests Damon Albarn may be there, with Graham Coxon perhaps.

So that's ok.

www.uktech.news/ai/ai-and-cr...

"and actually, we offered the Observer the chance to talk to us, as long as they wouldn't publish anything, but they wouldn't!"

The enthusiasm does seem to have generally been disorganised but mainly by not being ahead of the game.

Basically it seems very easy to throw a spanner in their organisation that the media lap up by a hugely unlikely source.

And 'let's see how it all pans out' is largely irrelevant to the news.

Not sure anyone would claim he's 'making this up'. The scrutiny would be where is the briefing coming from, is it someone with genuine knowledge of this, has he seen it himself? Is it likely that people would want to brief against this quickly?

You know, I suppose, journalism.

A picture of Gabriel Pogrund from his twitter account

I suppose it could be possible that he is a big insider on the labour left, and isn't just reporting briefings he's getting from elsewhere

Just may be worth investigating if one persons tweet reminds you of that same persons book, maybe the common factor is that person?

Also by Pogrund? He seems to get a surprising amount of insider info

Interesting - is there a link to any information on this? Not sure who Gabriel_Pogrund is

Why can't McSweeney just read something good and useful, like Charlotte's Web, or The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark?

Ah, no worries at all and glad it was all being sorted!

@swrls.bsky.social Hey folks - I'm sure you're on this. Was just gonna raise the alert that you're web domain needs renewing and is now marked for deletion which means it could be up for grabs if not renewed soon!

Poster with map of Scotland that reads 'Why libraries matter. Final report: The value and impact of Scotland's public libraries.'

Text on orange poster reads: We surveyed 2,000 library users across Scotland. You told us about: How invaluable library staff are The financial relief libraries afford An endless variety in community activity within your libraries A safe and welcoming space for marginalised identities

Poster with a closed sign at the top. It reads: 'Our research indicates that 1 in 8 of Scotland's public libraries have closed between 2008 and 2024. That's 97 libraries.

The copy of this poster is a list of recommendations based on the research Scottish Book Trust has produced. The copy reads: 'Our recommendations: 1. Scottish Government publishes a legal definition of what an 'adequate' public library service is 2. Scottish Government empowers local authorities with sufficient funding and resources 3. Local authorities train and support their librarians 4. Local authorities publish annual reports that detail their library provision 5. Public libraries are supported to develop a service improvement culture 6. More members of the public engage with their local library'

Why does your library matter to you? ❤️📚

We asked 2,000 Scots that question and this is what they told us: www.scottishbooktrust.com/our-research...

A quote by Pete Wishart: "The Minister keeps saying that we have existing copyright laws that are there to protect the creative industries and our artists, but practically our whole creative heritage is being scraped. There are probably songs in the top 40 that have been totally designed by AI, and there will be books in the top 30 or 40 bestsellers that will be based on AI—probably fully AI. This is happening right now. Surely artists and creators should know when their works are being used. That is why Lords amendment 49B is so important for transparency."

He seems to be a person who very much goes by the things he reckons may be true.

If anything it's great we have such varied communities. People know and love them.

The main problem is the inequalities, not the diversity. And those inequalities are regardless of immigration.

But Jenrick's probably not gonna point out we have poor and rich communities, who are strangers.

Yes. Though wouldn't call MSOAs very small area geographies.

In census terms they're fairly big. And commonly used when discussing distinct communities which certainly vary a lot.

Definitely worth putting the wider picture though.

On Tuesday 27 May 1-2pm, I'm presenting a webinar on behalf of @ciliplgbtq.bsky.social, "How to be a good ally to trans*, non-binary and gender-conforming people"

I've spoken about this before but allies are more vital than ever now...

Register and share please!

www.cilip.org.uk/events/Event...

Library lending isn't really just an alternative to buying for those who can't afford books, it's a different but mutually beneficial process.

Plus authors get royalties for loans via Public Lending Right, which is a decent return for many.

Does Library data storytelling count? Those are the Queen's favourite stories

It feels like another lifetime when the library alt text bot was highlighting tweets from libraries that didn't include alt text.

Some library services really engaged and upped their tweeting. Quite a few hated the idea of accessibility.

Even though twitter was destroyed, add alt text to images!