Peter Barr
@tweeterbarr.bsky.social
Head of Content & Collections, University of Sheffield Library. These views, though, are my own
Reposted by Peter Barr
⚡We are recruiting🌟
We are looking for a fixed-term Digitisation Officer and a fixed-term Digital Engagement Officer (with possibility to extend) to work in our Special Collections, Heritage and Archives team!
Find out more info here 👀👀➡️ tinyurl.com/4epkcfp2
We are looking for a fixed-term Digitisation Officer and a fixed-term Digital Engagement Officer (with possibility to extend) to work in our Special Collections, Heritage and Archives team!
Find out more info here 👀👀➡️ tinyurl.com/4epkcfp2
October 29, 2025 at 1:09 PM
⚡We are recruiting🌟
We are looking for a fixed-term Digitisation Officer and a fixed-term Digital Engagement Officer (with possibility to extend) to work in our Special Collections, Heritage and Archives team!
Find out more info here 👀👀➡️ tinyurl.com/4epkcfp2
We are looking for a fixed-term Digitisation Officer and a fixed-term Digital Engagement Officer (with possibility to extend) to work in our Special Collections, Heritage and Archives team!
Find out more info here 👀👀➡️ tinyurl.com/4epkcfp2
I leave the University of Sheffield 3 weeks today 😢. As such I am clearing out my google docs folders. So please allow this retrospective of the nonsense they have allowed me to get away with over the last ten years #libraries #skybrarians
October 24, 2025 at 8:53 AM
I leave the University of Sheffield 3 weeks today 😢. As such I am clearing out my google docs folders. So please allow this retrospective of the nonsense they have allowed me to get away with over the last ten years #libraries #skybrarians
Reposted by Peter Barr
Uk library peoples! Concerned about inter library loans and copyright in the light of potential journal cancellations? Well m’colleague and all round delightful chap, Andrew Johnson, has written all about it here so hopefully you can stop your panics doi.org/10.1629/uksg...
Interlibrary loans, subscriptions and copyright in the UK academic library sector | Insights
doi.org
October 14, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Uk library peoples! Concerned about inter library loans and copyright in the light of potential journal cancellations? Well m’colleague and all round delightful chap, Andrew Johnson, has written all about it here so hopefully you can stop your panics doi.org/10.1629/uksg...
Reposted by Peter Barr
💥New: How scholarly publishers wield soft power
✍️Eleonora Colangelo
#AcademicPublishing #ScholComm #SciComm
✍️Eleonora Colangelo
#AcademicPublishing #ScholComm #SciComm
How scholarly publishers wield soft power - Impact of Social Sciences
Scientific publishers exercise 'soft power' through their role in managing and curating research, but how is this role changing in an open research landscape?
blogs.lse.ac.uk
September 25, 2025 at 10:12 AM
💥New: How scholarly publishers wield soft power
✍️Eleonora Colangelo
#AcademicPublishing #ScholComm #SciComm
✍️Eleonora Colangelo
#AcademicPublishing #ScholComm #SciComm
Reposted by Peter Barr
📢 Come work with us! The Open Research Manager is a reformulated role in our team - it would suit someone with a strong research support background, but I'm happy to chat to anyone about the role and criteria.
🔊 Vacancy: Open Research Manager, University of Sheffield Library (full-time, open-ended). The role will involve supporting projects across Sheffield and nationally with the @ukrepro.bsky.social to accelerate open research practices. Closing date 22 October: jobsite.sheffield.ac.uk/job/Open-Res...
Open Research Manager
Open Research Manager
jobsite.sheffield.ac.uk
September 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
📢 Come work with us! The Open Research Manager is a reformulated role in our team - it would suit someone with a strong research support background, but I'm happy to chat to anyone about the role and criteria.
"An unreasonable expectation would be if that librarian felt the need to make sure that that patron, or any patron, never had a negative thing to say about the library. In my experience, it appears that librarians and libraries seem to have high expectations of influence."
Going around in Circles: Interrogating Librarians’ Spheres of Concern, Influence, and Control by Jordan Moore
Going around in Circles: Interrogating Librarians’ Spheres of Concern, Influence, and Control – In the Library with the Lead Pipe
www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org
September 24, 2025 at 8:12 AM
"An unreasonable expectation would be if that librarian felt the need to make sure that that patron, or any patron, never had a negative thing to say about the library. In my experience, it appears that librarians and libraries seem to have high expectations of influence."
Reposted by Peter Barr
I mean, that quote seems to indicate that Clarivate has no agency in the embedding. These tools are being actively added to products by without the option of turning them off. Here's a thought. Maybe get the products right before releasing them like an untested virus into the scholarly environment?
MAYBE DON'T FORCE THEM ON US? "Yet, as these tools become embedded in scholarly workflows, the segment faces a complex challenge: how do we balance responsible AI use and the prevention of harmful outputs with the need to preserve academic freedom & research integrity?" clarivate.com/academia-gov...
Guardrails for Responsible AI
Clarivate on AI guardrails: balancing responsible AI, safety, and academic freedom through shared standards and community collaboration.
clarivate.com
September 23, 2025 at 4:50 AM
I mean, that quote seems to indicate that Clarivate has no agency in the embedding. These tools are being actively added to products by without the option of turning them off. Here's a thought. Maybe get the products right before releasing them like an untested virus into the scholarly environment?
Reposted by Peter Barr
32% of researchers use AI tools to support peer review, yet 57% wouldn’t want AI reviewing their work. This is one of several insights from our latest global survey, explored by Laura Feetham-Walker in her Q&A with Research Professional News, marking #PeerReviewWeek.
🔗 ow.ly/BCbU50WXooV
🔗 ow.ly/BCbU50WXooV
Doublethink on AI highlights tensions in peer review - Research Professional News
Survey reveals publishers’ tricky task in balancing efficiency and integrity, says Laura Feetham-Walker
ow.ly
September 16, 2025 at 11:30 AM
32% of researchers use AI tools to support peer review, yet 57% wouldn’t want AI reviewing their work. This is one of several insights from our latest global survey, explored by Laura Feetham-Walker in her Q&A with Research Professional News, marking #PeerReviewWeek.
🔗 ow.ly/BCbU50WXooV
🔗 ow.ly/BCbU50WXooV
"Our job is to look at the big picture - across the university, across our consortia, across the publishing landscape—and make decisions based on that specialized knowledge...[stakeholder] input is critical... but that there’s not a straight line from their input to the final outcomes."
In a Tough Environment, How Should We Make—and Communicate—Collections Decisions?
In this interview, Madeline Kelly discusses the Western Washington University Libraries’ annual collections evaluation process and what she’s learned about sharing news of subscription cancellations.
katinamagazine.org
September 18, 2025 at 9:49 AM
"Our job is to look at the big picture - across the university, across our consortia, across the publishing landscape—and make decisions based on that specialized knowledge...[stakeholder] input is critical... but that there’s not a straight line from their input to the final outcomes."
More news from outside the the library bubble...
Did you know that Dora the Explorer is a significantly more popularly thing to search for than Dora the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment 🤯
Did you know that Dora the Explorer is a significantly more popularly thing to search for than Dora the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment 🤯
September 17, 2025 at 9:07 AM
More news from outside the the library bubble...
Did you know that Dora the Explorer is a significantly more popularly thing to search for than Dora the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment 🤯
Did you know that Dora the Explorer is a significantly more popularly thing to search for than Dora the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment 🤯
New OA Book by Lever Press one of the publishers that @sheffielduni.bsky.social Library supports via its Open Scholarship Fund 🔓📘
BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN by @shanedenson.bsky.social is now available! As the inaugural volume of the film|minutes series, this book offers a minute-by-minute analysis of James Whale's 1935 masterpiece Bride of Frankenstein. Start reading here: buff.ly/U96DFVI
September 10, 2025 at 9:24 AM
New OA Book by Lever Press one of the publishers that @sheffielduni.bsky.social Library supports via its Open Scholarship Fund 🔓📘
While looking for an old @uksg.bsky.social talk, I have stumbled across the other UKSG!! (UK Speedrunning Gathering) where people try and complete computer games quickly.
I expect a WWF style lawsuit...
(we can't have people playing sonic when they should be learning about OA policy)
I expect a WWF style lawsuit...
(we can't have people playing sonic when they should be learning about OA policy)
September 5, 2025 at 9:19 AM
While looking for an old @uksg.bsky.social talk, I have stumbled across the other UKSG!! (UK Speedrunning Gathering) where people try and complete computer games quickly.
I expect a WWF style lawsuit...
(we can't have people playing sonic when they should be learning about OA policy)
I expect a WWF style lawsuit...
(we can't have people playing sonic when they should be learning about OA policy)
"more than 60% of librarians see themselves as key figures in AI guidance at their institution, more than academic staff, more than support staff... and far more than senior leadership"
www.helibtech.com/helibtech-vi...
www.helibtech.com/helibtech-vi...
Librarians in the AI Age: Established Skills, New Technologies
A starting point for anyone interested in library technology in Higher Education
www.helibtech.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:51 AM
"more than 60% of librarians see themselves as key figures in AI guidance at their institution, more than academic staff, more than support staff... and far more than senior leadership"
www.helibtech.com/helibtech-vi...
www.helibtech.com/helibtech-vi...
rewriting a journal article and still grumbling on the feedback "the language choices are esoteric"
But "esoteric" as a descriptor is an esoteric choice in itself.😡
Reviewer, review thyself
But "esoteric" as a descriptor is an esoteric choice in itself.😡
Reviewer, review thyself
September 1, 2025 at 9:12 AM
rewriting a journal article and still grumbling on the feedback "the language choices are esoteric"
But "esoteric" as a descriptor is an esoteric choice in itself.😡
Reviewer, review thyself
But "esoteric" as a descriptor is an esoteric choice in itself.😡
Reviewer, review thyself
Reposted by Peter Barr
In a new #RLUK blog post, @davidprosser.bsky.social looks at how we can anticipate future challenges for research libraries & how this may shape the development of RLUK’s next strategy.
Blog Post | Looking to the Future - Mapping the Environment for Research Libraries - Research Libraries UK
The current RLUK strategy, Transforming the Library, runs until the end of 2025. This year, we have been looking to draft a new strategy that will take us to 2030.
Predicting the environment in which...
bit.ly
August 14, 2025 at 3:19 PM
In a new #RLUK blog post, @davidprosser.bsky.social looks at how we can anticipate future challenges for research libraries & how this may shape the development of RLUK’s next strategy.
Reposted by Peter Barr
Many UK universities are likely to walk away from journal access agreements after several publishers put forward “business-as-usual proposals” with “year-on-year price rises” rather than the cheaper deals demanded by national negotiators, a library chief has predicted. @jgro-the.bsky.social reports
‘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 20, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Many UK universities are likely to walk away from journal access agreements after several publishers put forward “business-as-usual proposals” with “year-on-year price rises” rather than the cheaper deals demanded by national negotiators, a library chief has predicted. @jgro-the.bsky.social reports
It's true there are sustainability problems with S2O, but there is with virtually all academic publishing.
Why not strategically invest in a more sustainable alternative - the end game of which might be that the money doesn't come from the library and those budgets shrink accordingly
Why not strategically invest in a more sustainable alternative - the end game of which might be that the money doesn't come from the library and those budgets shrink accordingly
Subscribe-to-Open Is Doomed. Here’s Why. scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2025/08/18/s...
Subscribe-to-Open Is Doomed. Here's Why. - The Scholarly Kitchen
A scholarly communication ecosystem that relies on voluntary support rather than charging for access to content becomes radically less capable of keeping money in the system.
scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org
August 19, 2025 at 2:35 PM
It's true there are sustainability problems with S2O, but there is with virtually all academic publishing.
Why not strategically invest in a more sustainable alternative - the end game of which might be that the money doesn't come from the library and those budgets shrink accordingly
Why not strategically invest in a more sustainable alternative - the end game of which might be that the money doesn't come from the library and those budgets shrink accordingly
Reposted by Peter Barr
Is there actually no-one in the UK Library landscape who wants to become Chair of the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network, or are we just not getting the message out.
I can't continue - way to much going on, but without a chair, the network folds... If you've been mulling it over, now is the time to get in touch!
I can't continue - way to much going on, but without a chair, the network folds... If you've been mulling it over, now is the time to get in touch!
August 18, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Is there actually no-one in the UK Library landscape who wants to become Chair of the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network, or are we just not getting the message out.
I can't continue - way to much going on, but without a chair, the network folds... If you've been mulling it over, now is the time to get in touch!
I can't continue - way to much going on, but without a chair, the network folds... If you've been mulling it over, now is the time to get in touch!
Reposted by Peter Barr
Since search is dead, how soon do you think Google Scholar is headed for the Google Graveyard? I'm betting it's soon, and academia is NOT prepared
Google Scholar Is Doomed
Academia built entire careers on a free Google service with zero guarantees. What could go wrong?
hannahshelley.neocities.org
August 13, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Since search is dead, how soon do you think Google Scholar is headed for the Google Graveyard? I'm betting it's soon, and academia is NOT prepared
Reposted by Peter Barr
Out now!
We've published Issue 07 of @proghist.bsky.social's Bulletin // Boletín // Bulletin // Boletim.
We highlight the French team's call for reviewers, thank a long-term member, and invite you to our first webinar on reuse of PH lessons under CC-BY.
Read it here!
tinyurl.com/bulletin-iss...
We've published Issue 07 of @proghist.bsky.social's Bulletin // Boletín // Bulletin // Boletim.
We highlight the French team's call for reviewers, thank a long-term member, and invite you to our first webinar on reuse of PH lessons under CC-BY.
Read it here!
tinyurl.com/bulletin-iss...
June 27, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Out now!
We've published Issue 07 of @proghist.bsky.social's Bulletin // Boletín // Bulletin // Boletim.
We highlight the French team's call for reviewers, thank a long-term member, and invite you to our first webinar on reuse of PH lessons under CC-BY.
Read it here!
tinyurl.com/bulletin-iss...
We've published Issue 07 of @proghist.bsky.social's Bulletin // Boletín // Bulletin // Boletim.
We highlight the French team's call for reviewers, thank a long-term member, and invite you to our first webinar on reuse of PH lessons under CC-BY.
Read it here!
tinyurl.com/bulletin-iss...
Reposted by Peter Barr
With today's sad news about PubPub, is it time to roll out the much-overused infrastructure image? A reminder that funders, agencies, ministries, and institutions continue to fund outputs and new projects that sit precariously atop software, projects, and community initiatives that go un(der)funded.
June 23, 2025 at 8:14 PM
With today's sad news about PubPub, is it time to roll out the much-overused infrastructure image? A reminder that funders, agencies, ministries, and institutions continue to fund outputs and new projects that sit precariously atop software, projects, and community initiatives that go un(der)funded.
I think this is a positive move. KU has been very effective at getting things OA but its governance has always been a stumbling block for us at Sheffield
Trailblazing open access initiative Knowledge Unlatched has a new home within our organization, returning to nonprofit stewardship for its next chapter.
Read more about the transfer: arevie.ws/KU2AR
Read more about the transfer: arevie.ws/KU2AR
July 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
I think this is a positive move. KU has been very effective at getting things OA but its governance has always been a stumbling block for us at Sheffield
New Release by Lever Press. One of the publishers supported by @sheffielduni.bsky.social Library Open Scholarship Fund
The first book in our Re-Editions series, OUR LITTLE LIFE is now available! With this new edition, author and editor Juan Velasco restores and expands José Antonio Villarreal's original vision for POCHO. It's #OpenAccess so start reading: doi.org/10.3998/mpub.14601741
May 29, 2025 at 7:48 AM
New Release by Lever Press. One of the publishers supported by @sheffielduni.bsky.social Library Open Scholarship Fund
Reposted by Peter Barr
Come and join our team as Production Manager at @uolpress.bsky.social! 📚
The role would particularly suit someone with production experience in academic publishing, interested in #OpenAccess books and the #humanities. More info on the job and how to apply below ⬇️
Please share!
The role would particularly suit someone with production experience in academic publishing, interested in #OpenAccess books and the #humanities. More info on the job and how to apply below ⬇️
Please share!
🚨 * VACANCY! *
We're currently recruiting a new Production Manager to join our small and friendly team. More info below: www.jobs.london.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
⏰ Deadline: Mon 9th June
Please share with your networks!
#PublishingJobs #AcademicPublishing
@oipassoc.bsky.social
We're currently recruiting a new Production Manager to join our small and friendly team. More info below: www.jobs.london.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
⏰ Deadline: Mon 9th June
Please share with your networks!
#PublishingJobs #AcademicPublishing
@oipassoc.bsky.social
Production Manager:London Senate House - Hybrid
www.jobs.london.ac.uk
May 19, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Come and join our team as Production Manager at @uolpress.bsky.social! 📚
The role would particularly suit someone with production experience in academic publishing, interested in #OpenAccess books and the #humanities. More info on the job and how to apply below ⬇️
Please share!
The role would particularly suit someone with production experience in academic publishing, interested in #OpenAccess books and the #humanities. More info on the job and how to apply below ⬇️
Please share!