The 2012 Tools of Change Keynote — LeVar Burton Uses the Two Most Important Words
LeVar Burton’s keynote from Tools of Change is amusing, interesting, and inspiring.
Can He Fix it? CrossRef Launches 'Toon to Inspire Young Publishers
Will a new cartoon designed to lure children into digital publishing work? Yes, it can.
A Little Library Can Make a Big Difference — With Your Help
A little library has big plans, and you can help.
Achieving the "Golden Age of Librarians" — An Ambitious Project of Deep Redefinition
Are you a library or a librarian? How you answer that question may have a direct bearing on your ability to adapt to the digital age, T. Scott Plutchak tells us in a recent paper based on a 2011 lecture.
The Price of Parody in an Era of Scorched-Earth Publishing Politics
Why is there such invective around certain topics in scholarly publishing? Perhaps when you ask questions and play with ideas, you’re bound to get some backlash. But how far is too far?
Libraries Receiving a Shrinking Piece of the University Pie
Over the past three decades, the research library has been receiving a smaller proportion of the university budget. Does this trend reflect the failure of library administrators and the declining relevance of libraries? Or does it tell the story of self-control and growing efficiency against a backdrop of spiraling higher education costs?
Criss-cross Applesauce — Multiplication in Japan
A fascinating video showing another way to multiply moderately big numbers, courtesy of Japan.
Experiments in Free Education: The Audacity of Udacity
A new education initiative seeks to shift students away from academia. Is this the shape of things to come?
Glass in the Information Age — Corning's Vision of a World It Helps Create
A vision created by corporate scientists — of a future filled with their products — proves arresting and inspiring.
Apple and Textbooks: A Second Look
Apple’s move into the education market may be just a bare-knuckled move designed to sell more iPads. Does Apple truly support the education market? Or is it hoping the education market will support Apple?
The Research Works Act: Is It Time For a Rally To Restore Sanity?
When it comes to discussions about access, the silent majority focused on doing science is presented with real choices, not all of which square with the scorched-earth rhetoric that too often dominates.
A First Take on Apple's New Education Tools
Some early thoughts on Apple’s recent announcement for tools for developing educational content. It’s not about the product; it’s a game of platform wars.
Trickle-Down Thinking — Does Anyone Understand Why Universities and Not-for-Profits Have Large Endowments?
Follow the money in academic publishing, and you find ponds that resemble the larger lakes of academia in general. By mimicking endowment practices originating at large universities, are not-for-profits limiting their ability to grow?
Ask the Chefs: "What Was the Best Conference You Attended This Year, and Why?"
Conferences are a vital place to exchange information and ideas for publishers and other information specialists. Which meetings stood out in 2011?
No Such Thing As a Bad Book? Rethinking "Quality" in the Research Library
Two great examples of books that contain more error than fact raise some important questions of what belongs in a library, and the purpose of acquisitions practices.