James Neal
@james3neal.bsky.social
Civil Servant: Urban explorer | Access/Equity - Libraries - Technology (Views are my own) - jazz, art, literature, film, food ...
George Oates, founding executive director of @flickrfdn.bsky.social, is leading the effort to preserve Flickr's history for the next century.
@rabble.nz, creator of diVine, reflects on how much culture disappeared when Vine shut down with no archive to protect it.
Full episode out now.
@rabble.nz, creator of diVine, reflects on how much culture disappeared when Vine shut down with no archive to protect it.
Full episode out now.
November 25, 2025 at 6:20 PM
"...there's a growing sense of nostalgia for the comparatively peaceful years of Mobutu's reign. An exhibit celebrating the former dictator's life opened recently in the capital Kinshasa, and it's proven a surprising success" #DRC #DRCongo www.npr.org/2025/11/23/n...
In DR Congo, exhibit reveals nostalgia for former dictator Mobutu
Nostalgia is rising in Congo for Mobutu Sese Seko — the kleptocratic strongman as a new museum exhibit glorifying him draws crowds in Kinshasa.
www.npr.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM
"...there's a growing sense of nostalgia for the comparatively peaceful years of Mobutu's reign. An exhibit celebrating the former dictator's life opened recently in the capital Kinshasa, and it's proven a surprising success" #DRC #DRCongo www.npr.org/2025/11/23/n...
Reposted by James Neal
Dwellers in the Marshes, 1983
https://botfrens.com/collections/27/contents/5197
https://botfrens.com/collections/27/contents/5197
November 25, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Dwellers in the Marshes, 1983
https://botfrens.com/collections/27/contents/5197
https://botfrens.com/collections/27/contents/5197
Reposted by James Neal
Honored to serve on Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social Transition Committee on Technology. For too long, too many New Yorkers have been left behind. NYC deserves governance that centers affordability, equity, and the public good-looking forward to the work ahead. www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announces transition committees
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced Monday the creation of 17 transition advisory committees made up of more than 400 people.
www.cbsnews.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Honored to serve on Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social Transition Committee on Technology. For too long, too many New Yorkers have been left behind. NYC deserves governance that centers affordability, equity, and the public good-looking forward to the work ahead. www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news...
Reposted by James Neal
Colleagues, I'm excited to share that applications are being accepted for the 2026 Minnesota Institute for Early Career Libarians! I'll be co-leading the Institute with Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros, and with support and participation of Ione Damasco! Learn more & apply here: tinyurl.com/yc6yhbha
Minnesota Institute | University of Minnesota Libraries
The Minnesota Institute for early career librarians from traditionally underrepresented groups focuses on the development of library leaders from diverse backgrounds.
tinyurl.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Colleagues, I'm excited to share that applications are being accepted for the 2026 Minnesota Institute for Early Career Libarians! I'll be co-leading the Institute with Pamela Espinosa de los Monteros, and with support and participation of Ione Damasco! Learn more & apply here: tinyurl.com/yc6yhbha
Reposted by James Neal
As part of @rwjf.org and Urban’s Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program, six organizations are collecting local #data and elevating community voices to address transit access and #transportation safety in their #communities. Learn more in this new blog post. @caasanfrancisco.bsky.social
Using Local Data to Reshape Transportation Access and Safety
How six organizations are collecting data and elevating community voice as they address barriers to safe and accessible transportation.
localdataforequitablecommunities.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:59 PM
As part of @rwjf.org and Urban’s Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program, six organizations are collecting local #data and elevating community voices to address transit access and #transportation safety in their #communities. Learn more in this new blog post. @caasanfrancisco.bsky.social
Many rivers to cross. The music lives on ... Thank you Mr. Cliff ... apnews.com/video/jimmy-...
Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant, dead at 81
Jimmy Cliff, the reggae pioneer and actor who preached joy, defiance and resilience in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and starred in the landmark movie “T...
apnews.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Many rivers to cross. The music lives on ... Thank you Mr. Cliff ... apnews.com/video/jimmy-...
Reposted by James Neal
NPR’s awesome Books We Love package is out today: Such bounty! There goes my nightstand! Here is my blurb for Jeff Chang’s magisterial cultural biography of Bruce Lee.
Books We Love
Here are 380+ great reads from 2025 handpicked just for you by NPR staffers and trusted critics.
apps.npr.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:24 PM
NPR’s awesome Books We Love package is out today: Such bounty! There goes my nightstand! Here is my blurb for Jeff Chang’s magisterial cultural biography of Bruce Lee.
Rise Up DC. I am hoping the Washington Spirit win tonight.
November 23, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Rise Up DC. I am hoping the Washington Spirit win tonight.
Reposted by James Neal
Jellybean Johnson, founding drummer of Prince's band the Time, has passed away
The Time Drummer Jellybean Johnson Dead At 69
Jellybean Johnson, the founding drummer of Prince’s band the Time, has passed away. The musician born Garry George Johnson celebrated his birthday earlier this week, and his death was announced by his...
stereogum.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Jellybean Johnson, founding drummer of Prince's band the Time, has passed away
"A Victory for IMLS as Court Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Dismantle Agency" www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/Victor...
A Victory for IMLS as Court Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Dismantle Agency
In a summary judgment on November 21 in Rhode Island v. Trump, Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ruled that the Trump administration’s attempt to shut down the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
www.schoollibraryjournal.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:49 PM
"A Victory for IMLS as Court Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Dismantle Agency" www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/Victor...
"Meet the 2026 NEA Jazz Masters: Lundy, Moreira, Rushen, Hamilton" @natechinen.bsky.social www.wrti.org/arts-desk/20...
Meet the 2026 NEA Jazz Masters: Lundy, Moreira, Rushen, Hamilton
The 2026 NEA Jazz Masters are singer Carmen Lundy, keyboardist Patrice Rushen, percussionist Airto Moreira, and broadcaster Rhonda Hamilton. They'll be honored with a concert in April.
www.wrti.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:37 PM
"Meet the 2026 NEA Jazz Masters: Lundy, Moreira, Rushen, Hamilton" @natechinen.bsky.social www.wrti.org/arts-desk/20...
"Roblox, Where Kids Game and Chat, Will Analyze Their Faces to Verify Age---The popular gaming platform said the tool was designed to stop children from chatting with older users they didn’t know"
The online gaming platform Roblox this week rolled out a new system to estimate users’ ages by analyzing images of their faces. The feature was designed to stop children from chatting with older users they didn't know, the company said. Here's what to know.
Roblox Rolls Out Face Scans for Age Verification: What to Know
The popular gaming platform said the tool was designed to stop children from chatting with older users they didn’t know.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM
"Roblox, Where Kids Game and Chat, Will Analyze Their Faces to Verify Age---The popular gaming platform said the tool was designed to stop children from chatting with older users they didn’t know"
Reposted by James Neal
CUNY is hiring a University Librarian. Amazing opportunity.
Academic library leaders, come join us at CUNY! Application review begins 12/10. cuny.jobs/new-york-ny/...
Jobs | City University of New York
cuny.jobs
November 20, 2025 at 9:45 PM
CUNY is hiring a University Librarian. Amazing opportunity.
"Linda May Han Oh Rides an Uncertain Wave---bassist discusses her album 'Strange Heavens,' a chordless trio recording w/ Ambrose Akinmusire & Tyshawn Sorey that explores anxiety, release, and the human tendency to choose familiar comfort over unknown possibility" www.thetonearm.com/surfin-bass-...
Linda May Han Oh's 'Strange Heavens' | The Tonearm
The bassist discusses her album 'Strange Heavens,' a chordless trio recording with Ambrose Akinmusire and Tyshawn Sorey that explores anxiety, release, and the human tendency to choose familiar comfor...
www.thetonearm.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:46 PM
"Linda May Han Oh Rides an Uncertain Wave---bassist discusses her album 'Strange Heavens,' a chordless trio recording w/ Ambrose Akinmusire & Tyshawn Sorey that explores anxiety, release, and the human tendency to choose familiar comfort over unknown possibility" www.thetonearm.com/surfin-bass-...
"How ending the Digital Equity Act has disrupted programs to help people get online" www.npr.org/2025/11/12/n...
How ending the Digital Equity Act has disrupted programs to help people get online
President Trump ended the Digital Equity Act that funded equipment and services for communities and organizations that are underserved by high-speed Internet. We look at who's affected and how.
www.npr.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:25 PM
"How ending the Digital Equity Act has disrupted programs to help people get online" www.npr.org/2025/11/12/n...
Reposted by James Neal
Legendary Malian balafon player Neba Solo and donso n’goni player Benego Diakité’s album 'A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking' is due February 13 on Etoile Audio / Nonesuch. You can hear the opening track, "Djinê Mogo Tiki," and pre-order the album now at nebasolobenegodiakite.lnk.to/DjinnHunter
November 19, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Legendary Malian balafon player Neba Solo and donso n’goni player Benego Diakité’s album 'A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking' is due February 13 on Etoile Audio / Nonesuch. You can hear the opening track, "Djinê Mogo Tiki," and pre-order the album now at nebasolobenegodiakite.lnk.to/DjinnHunter
ICYMI: "Across the United States, scholars are working to preserve the history of the Black press before the brittle pages are lost forever. In a basement at Howard University, uncovered treasures have included Frederick Douglass’ newspaper, The North Star." www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/...
‘We don’t even know all of what we have.’ Howard fights to preserve Black newspapers.
Across the United States, scholars are working to preserve the history of the Black press before the brittle pages are lost forever. In a basement at Howard University, uncovered treasures have includ...
www.csmonitor.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:34 PM
ICYMI: "Across the United States, scholars are working to preserve the history of the Black press before the brittle pages are lost forever. In a basement at Howard University, uncovered treasures have included Frederick Douglass’ newspaper, The North Star." www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/...
"Glasco’s study of how Wilson’s early life in Pittsburgh shaped his outlook as an ‘outsider, warrior, race man, and poet’ is full of fascinating personal details—and sheds invaluable light on the timeless art that Wilson went on to create." upittpress.org/books/978082...
November 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
"Glasco’s study of how Wilson’s early life in Pittsburgh shaped his outlook as an ‘outsider, warrior, race man, and poet’ is full of fascinating personal details—and sheds invaluable light on the timeless art that Wilson went on to create." upittpress.org/books/978082...
"‘Wes Anderson: The Archives’ Retrospective Exhibition Set for The Design Museum in London" deadline.com/gallery/wes-... via @deadline.com
‘Wes Anderson: The Archives’ Retrospective Exhibition Set for The Design Museum in London
Items will range from original storyboards, polaroids, sketches, and famed costumes worn by much-loved characters, to stop-motion puppets.
deadline.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:12 PM
"‘Wes Anderson: The Archives’ Retrospective Exhibition Set for The Design Museum in London" deadline.com/gallery/wes-... via @deadline.com
Reposted by James Neal
ALA is seeking nine librarian advisors to support the "Aging Together: An Evaluation of Library Programs for Older Adults" project. This new project will evaluate and summarize the current state of older adult programming in libraries across the U.S.
Apply by Dec 1, 2025: https://bit.ly/49ZmAn1
Apply by Dec 1, 2025: https://bit.ly/49ZmAn1
Aging Together: An Evaluation of Library Programming for Older Adults
Call for Advisors
www.ala.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:07 PM
ALA is seeking nine librarian advisors to support the "Aging Together: An Evaluation of Library Programs for Older Adults" project. This new project will evaluate and summarize the current state of older adult programming in libraries across the U.S.
Apply by Dec 1, 2025: https://bit.ly/49ZmAn1
Apply by Dec 1, 2025: https://bit.ly/49ZmAn1
"Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Howard Thurman" walterearlfluker.com/howard-thurm...
Howard Thurman Day 2025 – Mystic, Theologian, Philosopher
Celebrate the birthday of Howard Thurman—mystic, theologian, and philosopher—whose enduring wisdom continues to guide generations toward the “sound of the genuine.”
walterearlfluker.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
"Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Howard Thurman" walterearlfluker.com/howard-thurm...
"Azurest Blue: The Life & Legacy of Amaza Lee Meredith, from Saint Heron, is a marriage between archive & narrative, filled w/ personal correspondence, annotated documents, blueprints, photographs, & commissioned essays from contemporary voices of design" www.architecturaldigest.com/story/solang...
Solange and Saint Heron’s Book About Pioneering Black Architect Amaza Lee Meredith Is Here
“Her spirit is demanding to be resurrected in the nowness,” the multi-hyphenate tells AD
www.architecturaldigest.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:20 PM
"Azurest Blue: The Life & Legacy of Amaza Lee Meredith, from Saint Heron, is a marriage between archive & narrative, filled w/ personal correspondence, annotated documents, blueprints, photographs, & commissioned essays from contemporary voices of design" www.architecturaldigest.com/story/solang...