 Image generated with ChatGPT. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of those topics where the conversation can quickly become either utopian or apocalyptic. Depending on who you ask, AI is either going to solve every problem or take every job (and sometimes both). The truth, as usual, is more interesting and more complicated. That is why I found this video useful and wanted to share it. It takes a calm, practical look at artificial intelligence without pretending the risks are imaginary. The central message is a good one: AI is real, powerful, and disruptive, but it is still a tool.Today’s AI does not think, scheme, or secretly plan a robot uprising. It predicts patterns, generates plausible responses, analyzes data, and helps people navigate complex information. That makes it useful. It does not make it trustworthy by default. One of the strongest parts of the video is that it separates artificial intelligence from chatbots. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and image generators are the most visible examples of AI right now, but they are only one part of a much larger field. AI is already used in medicine, logistics, fraud detection, recommendation systems, spam filtering, scientific research, manufacturing, and infrastructure. In many cases, AI is not dramatic at all. It is invisible machinery helping complicated systems function better. That point matters for digital literacy. If we only think of AI as “the chatbot that writes essays or makes funny images”, we misunderstand both its usefulness and its risks. AI is better understood as a broad set of tools for recognizing patterns, generating drafts, sorting information, and supporting decisions. Sometimes that is extremely helpful. Sometimes it is dangerously misleading.The video also explains one of the most important habits for using AI well: Verification. Large language models are not databases of truth. They are pattern engines. They can summarize, draft, explain, translate, code, and brainstorm, but they can also produce confident nonsense. The practical lesson is not to reject AI or trust it blindly. The lesson is to guide it, question it, check it, and understand what kind of task it is suited for. I also appreciated the discussion of jobs. The video does not pretend disruption will be painless. Some work will be automated. Some career paths will change. Some people will be hurt by bad transitions. But it also avoids the simplistic conclusion that AI automatically makes human beings obsolete. New tools often amplify human capability.They change what skills matter, what work is valuable, and how people enter professions. That is one of the real questions for schools, libraries, workplaces, and public institutions: How do we help people adapt when the tools change this quickly?For anyone looking for a quick rundown of artificial intelligence, this video is a useful place to start. It is not a short five-minute explainer, but it is clear, accessible, and grounded. It covers the promise, the risks, the economic disruption, the limits, and the need for human judgment. My main takeaway is practical: Learn how AI works, use it carefully, do not surrender your judgment to it, and do not assume tomorrow’s machines are already here today. Don’t panic. Pay attention. Stay curious. Recommended Viewing: ‘Don’t Panic: A Guide to Artificial Intelligence’ by Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur.
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OpenAlex is a free, open catalog of the world’s scholarly research system. It provides structured metadata about research works (articles, books, datasets, preprints, etc.) and the entities connected to them (authors, institutions, sources/journals, topics, funders, publishers). All OpenAlex data is released under CC0 (Creative Commons Zero), meaning the data has been released into the public domain for unrestricted use by anyone, for any purpose, without needing permission or attribution. What You Can Do With ItUse OpenAlex to:
How To Use OpenAlex1) Search Go to OpenAlex and search for a topic, author, institution, or journal/source. Click a result to view the associated works and available filters. 2) Filter To Open Access Only OpenAlex includes Open Access metadata for works and supports filtering by:
3) Omit Retracted Works OpenAlex enables users to remove retracted items: Use ‘Add filter’, find “retracted”, and set it to “is not”. 4) Export What You Found Above a Works results set, use ‘Export’ to download results. Website exports are limited to a maximum of 100,000 works. Why This Resource Belongs In Your ToolkitOpenAlex is a CC0-licensed, searchable map of research outputs and their relationships, built to support discovery and analysis without requiring a paywalled index. If you’re doing research support, collection intelligence, bibliometrics, or simply trying to understand how scholarship connects across authors, institutions, and topics—OpenAlex is worth knowing. Sources
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On June 23, 2025, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory unveiled its first celestial masterpiece—an ultra-wide-field image capturing roughly 10 million galaxies in the southern region of the Virgo Cluster. Located about 55 million light-years away, the Virgo Cluster is the largest collection of galaxies relative to our own Milky Way. What You're SeeingA mesmerizing blend of blue‑to‑red stars from our own galaxy and spiral, elliptical, and merging galaxies both near and far (many redshifted and incredibly distant). You’ll also be able to see streaks from asteroids crossing the frame when toggling “with asteroids” in Skyviewer’s display settings. The image was built from 1,185 exposures over seven nights, covering ~25 square degrees of sky. For context, each individual exposure by the Rubin Observatory spans 10 square degrees (roughly the area of 45 full moons). Explore It YourselfHead over to the Skyviewer Explorer to pan, zoom, and lose yourself in this cosmic tapestry. I highly recommend the guided tour titled Rubin’s Cosmic Treasure Chest, which highlights major objects like Messier 49, Messier 61, NGC 4334, NGC 4343, galaxy mergers, and more. Why It MattersThis is just a first glimpse of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). The LSST is a decade-long mission in which the Rubin Observatory will capture hundreds of images each night of the Southern Hemisphere sky. Over ten years, Rubin will spot supernovae, track asteroids, inventory our Solar System, map the Milky Way, and deepen our understanding of dark matter and dark energy. Go get lost among the galaxies. This image captures a small slice of the Virgo Cluster as seen by the NSF/DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory, revealing a rich mix of spiral galaxies, merging systems, distant galaxy groups, stars from our Milky Way, and more. Sources
Have you ever spotted a bright “star” gliding across the night sky, or wondered when the next eclipse or satellite pass will occur? One great resource I'd like to share is Heavens-Above, a free, web-based tool for skywatchers, science educators, and anyone curious about satellites and space phenomena. This site provides a wealth of real-time and predictive information about what’s happening above us - from satellite flyovers to deep-space missions – all tailored to your location. Users can set their observing location (by city or coordinates) for personalized sky data and even create an optional login to save their preferences. It’s completely free to use (though donations are appreciated to help cover costs). In short, Heavens-Above is a one-stop shop to learn what’s up in the sky at any given moment. Navigating Heavens-Above: Main SectionsHeavens-Above’s homepage is organized into six main sections:
This clear layout makes it easy to jump to whatever interests you. Whether you’re checking tonight’s satellite visibility or planning for a future eclipse. Tracking Satellites and Space StationsHeavens-Above specializes in satellite tracking–arguably its biggest draw. Once you’ve configured your location, the site can show you a listing of upcoming passes for visible satellites. It features a searchable database of satellites (past and present) and daily predictions for brighter satellites. You get 10-day forecasts for popular objects like the International Space Station (ISS), the Hubble Space Telescope, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. This means you’ll know exactly when and where to look to spot the ISS flying overhead or a chain of newly launched Starlink satellites. Heavens-Above also provides interactive visualizations, including a Live Sky View, Starlink - Dynamic 3D Orbit Display, and ISS Interactive 3D Visualization. These show satellite positions and orbits around Earth in real time. It’s thrilling to watch the ISS circling the globe and realize that it’s right above a specific point on Earth at that particular moment. For each satellite pass prediction, you can click to get a detailed sky chart showing the path of the satellite against the stars for your location and time. In short, Heavens-Above makes satellite spotting easy and fun. Deep Space Missions and PerspectiveHeavens-Above’s Spacecraft escaping the Solar System page offers a unique perspective on humanity’s farthest journeys. There are top-down and side views of the Solar System with plots of the current positions of our first interstellar probes (Pioneers 10 & 11, Voyagers 1 & 2, and New Horizons). The page displays their distances, speeds, and even which constellations they’re headed toward. It’s a powerful reminder of the size of the universe and the great distances between stars. On the diagram’s scale the nearest star would be about 100 meters away and Voyager 1 would take ~70,000 years to reach it. Space is vast and our first emissaries to the stars have just begun their journey into this cosmic ocean. This feature can be awe-inspiring in the classroom or during outreach, helping convey just how far (and how not-far) our probes have gone. Solar Eclipses and Other Astronomy ToolsAnother highlight of Heavens-Above is its comprehensive Solar Eclipses page. If you’re excited about an upcoming eclipse, this tool is a must-see. The site provides details for every solar eclipse from 1900 to 2100, complete with interactive maps and animations showing the eclipse path and where it will be visible. For any given eclipse (past or future), you can view a world map with the swath of the Moon’s shadow, clearly marking regions of totality, annularity, or partial eclipse visibility. Beyond eclipses, the Astronomy section offers a rich set of observing tools: An interactive sky chart that shows the stars and planets overhead at any time and location, tables for the Sun and Moon (rise/set times, phases), planetary positions, and data on visible comets and asteroids. Information is presented in clear, data-driven charts and maps. Whether you’re identifying two bright “stars” at dusk (perhaps planets!) or checking when astronomical twilight begins, Heavens-Above’s astronomy tools have you covered. Use Cases: From Classrooms to Community EventsPerhaps the best part about Heavens-Above is how broadly it can be used. It’s accessible and useful to both beginners and experienced observers. For educators, Heavens-Above offers engaging ways to bring astronomy alive. Teachers can generate sky charts to enhance lessons or have students track the ISS and calculate its orbital period. Information on Solar Eclipses can be used in science classes or public library programs to illustrate why an eclipse might only be partial in one location and total in another. For librarians, astronomers, and program coordinators, this site is a goldmine for planning community events. Imagine hosting an ISS viewing party. Heavens-Above can tell you the exact time the Station will pass overhead and where to look. Planning a Mars opposition observation night or a workshop on satellites? Print out Heavens-Above star charts or satellite pass schedules for your location. Even casual sky observers and curious individuals will find value. You can identify that mysterious bright light you saw moving last night, or simply get a heads-up that SpaceX’s Starlink train will be visible at 6 AM tomorrow. Because the site tailors predictions to your set location, it takes the guesswork out. No more wondering if an online timetable is in UTC or meant for another city. Heavens-Above empowers everyone to engage with the sky in an informed way, turning a casual glance upward into a chance for discovery. Explore It YourselfThe next time you plan a night under the stars, hear about a satellite launch, or get excited for an eclipse, give Heavens-Above a try. Its robust and user-friendly tools will enrich your understanding of what’s happening in the sky above. Whether you’re an astronomer, a teacher, a librarian, or just someone curious with eyes on the sky, this resource will quickly become an indispensable companion in your cosmic explorations. Happy Observing!  Image generated with ChatGPT.
I can't believe I hadn't heard of ‘The Canadian Library Challenges Database’ until this year... though perhaps I did in University or at some point in the past. Either way, it never came to my attention when I was actually dealing with a materials challenge. Its scope is broader than I expected, covering not just collection items but also challenges to displays, programs, room bookings, and computer access. After just discovering, I wanted to share to help make library board members, fellow librarians, and anyone with the responsibility of addressing a materials request for a library aware of it. The Canadian Library Challenges DatabaseThe Canadian Library Challenges Database is maintained by CFE-CFLA/FCAB and documents challenges faced by Canadian libraries. Each entry provides the following information about the challenge:
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With the rise in forest fires becoming a significant concern across Canada, staying informed is more important than ever. Recent years, particularly 2018 (British Columbia wildfires), 2019 (Alberta wildfires), 2021 (Lytton wildfire), and 2023 (Alberta wildfires) have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons, significantly impacting air quality and public health. Currently, Manitoba is experiencing many active wildfires, leading to the closure of many provincial parks. Nopiming Provincial Park has been particularly hit hard, highlighting the need for reliable, timely information. One invaluable resource I've discovered and want to share is FireSmoke Canada. FireSmoke CanadaFireSmoke Canada provides real-time visualizations and forecasts of wildfire smoke across Canada and North America. Its interactive map clearly illustrates the density and movement of smoke, offering valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, health precautions, and travel planning. Given the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, FireSmoke Canada is a must-bookmark site. Whether you're sensitive to air quality or simply want to monitor environmental conditions, this tool provides essential, timely data to keep you informed and prepared. Stay safe, stay informed, and share this resource to help your community navigate wildfire seasons effectively.  Image generated with ChatGPT.
On May 6th and 7th, I attended the Manitoba Libraries Conference hosted by the Manitoba Library Association (MLA). As an MLA member, I deeply appreciate this gathering. It's an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, discover innovative practices, and reflect on my own professional growth. This year was especially exciting as I co-presented a session titled "Demystifying ChatGPT: AI Innovations for Libraries & Digital Repositories" alongside Mike Ellis.  Day 1: Insights, Ideas, and AI InnovationsThe conference began with a powerful keynote by Niigaan Sinclair. Niigaan, an Anishinaabe professor from Peguis First Nation, immediately captured my attention with his compelling storytelling and incisive commentary. He contextualized Manitoba’s past and present, thoughtfully reflecting on the Legislative building and the statues toppled in recent years. His point about the absence of Indigenous representation being akin to starting a story at chapter two was particularly impactful. Niigan’s discussion on generational change, highlighted by Manitoba electing Canada’s first Indigenous premier, Wag Kinew, provided insight and perspective. His masterful balance between serious topics, such as residential schools and red dress day, and his use of humour underscored the value of open and straightforward conversations. The first session I attended, “Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults and Building Community Using Storytime and Music Programs”, led by Austin Matheson and Brittany Lagasse from Winnipeg Public Library, was delightful. It expanded my perspective on adult programming and reminded me of the potential for community-building through creative initiatives like ukulele jams. Given that my previous assistant branch head occasionally serenaded us with her ukulele, this session triggered some memories. After preparing the laptop for my presentation, I quickly assembled a delicious lunch plate, though I had to temporarily stash it behind the projector screen. Despite starting slightly late due to the lunchtime rush, Mike and I had an impressive turnout, with attendees overflowing onto the floor! Mike’s engaging case study on PastFORWARD, Winnipeg Public Library’s digital repository, showcased an innovative AI application in archiving and elicited both laughter and lively participation from the audience. Although time for questions was limited, attendees raised insightful queries about generative AI trained on creative commons materials and the environmental implications of AI. Post-session, I enjoyed meaningful one-on-one discussions about generative AI and potential applications, including possibilities for interlibrary loan systems. Afterward, I enjoyed my lunch in the main hall and had an engaging conversation with Trevor, a new connection who shared interests in generative AI, libraries, astronomy, camping, and world travel. The afternoon continued with enlightening lightning talks on diverse library initiatives, from updating furniture (“Hold on to Your Seat - Or Don't!”) to enhancing bilingual collections and supporting male caregivers in early literacy programs. These brief yet impactful presentations sparked numerous programming ideas for my own library. The day concluded wonderfully with finger foods and mingling, leaving me eager for day two. Day 2: Exploring Library Practice and PhilosophyDay two started with the MLA Annual General Meeting, providing a relaxed and productive beginning to the day. It was wonderful connecting with colleagues over coffee, meeting new faces, and exchanging insights. The first session of the day, “Nature Programs in a Rural Public Library: Hatching Chicks and Growing Vegetables”, inspired fresh ideas for nature-focused programming. Learning about initiatives like donating produce grown in library gardens reinforced the innovative ways libraries serve their communities. “Staff Picks: A Fun, Online Readers’ Advisory Program Model for Your Library” provided practical inspiration for an upcoming autumn ‘Staff Picks’ display. A valuable takeaway from this session was the reminder that “tech should be a tool that supports what you do, not dictate it.” The session “In Search of the Lost Library”, presented by librarians from the University of Winnipeg, demonstrated creative solutions for addressing discrepancies in catalogue entries. While their final solution didn’t utilize generative AI, their recognition of it as a potential solution brought a smile to my face, aligning with my interest in integrating AI into library workflows. Lunch and the awards ceremony, featuring speaker Chimwemwe Undi, were enjoyable and celebratory. Congratulations to all award winners! In the afternoon, Sam Popowich’s session, “The Cultural Politics of Libraries”, was particularly thought-provoking. Sam compellingly argued for recognizing libraries as politically active institutions, examining the 'enlightenment' versus 'social control' perspectives on library history. After the session, Sam generously gifted me his book, "Solving Names: Worldliness and Metaphysics in Librarianship", a thoughtful gesture and a read I’ve already begun to enjoy. The final session I attended, “The Burnt-Out Librarian: Moving on From Vocational Awe”, tackled an important yet often overlooked issue. Carolyn and Monique shared personal experiences and offered practical strategies to address burnout, reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy engagement with our profession. If you’re interested in exploring the content from my session, I’ve included two versions of the presentation slides in PDF format: a short presentation version (as delivered at the conference) and a more detailed version for deeper context and explanation. I hope these resources offer insight into our session and inspire new ways to explore the role of generative AI in libraries. Reflecting on these two enriching days, I felt a great sense of community and connection. The Manitoba Libraries Conference reaffirmed my passion for librarianship, highlighted extraordinary work happening throughout Manitoba, and reinforced my belief that librarians and library workers truly do rule. Until next time!  The digital world is brimming with information—but not all of it is accurate. With AI-generated content flooding our feeds and misinformation becoming more sophisticated, verifying facts has never been more crucial. Whether you're researching for work, keeping up with the news, or simply scrolling through social media, sharpening your fact-checking skills can help you separate truth from deception. Here’s how to sharpen your perception, enhance your awareness, and become a more informed consumer of information.  Generated with DALL·E. Five Key Strategies for Verifying Information1. Research the Author or Organization A source’s credibility matters. Before trusting information, investigate who is behind it:
2. Use Smart Search Techniques Finding reliable sources quickly depends on how you search. Here are a few techniques to refine your results:
3. Verify the Original Source Many articles cite secondhand sources—but are they trustworthy?
4. Consult Fact-Checking Websites Independent fact-checkers help cut through the noise. Some recommended resources include:
5. Pause and Reflect If a claim sparks an emotional reaction, that’s a red flag. Misinformation thrives on outrage and urgency. Before sharing or believing a story, take a step back and ask:
Beyond the Basics: Fact-Checking FrameworksThe SIFT Method: A Fast, Effective Approach Mike Caulfield’s SIFT method offers a quick way to assess information:
The P.R.O.V.E.N. Method: A Deeper Dive For more thorough evaluation, use the P.R.O.V.E.N. method:
Lateral Reading: Thinking Like a Fact-Checker Instead of staying on one page, open new tabs and check:
Final Thoughts: Build Your Information ResilienceAI-generated content isn’t going anywhere, and misinformation continues to evolve. Developing strong fact-checking habits keeps you informed and protects you from misleading claims. Next time you come across a viral story, a surprising statistic, or a claim that seems off, take a moment to verify before you share. The more we question, the better we can navigate today’s information landscape.  Generated with DALL·E. What’s Your Go-To Fact-Checking Method?Have a favourite strategy or a trusted source you rely on? Let’s discuss in the comments!
The internet is a vast, ever-expanding landscape of information, social connection, and convenience. But just like any city with bustling streets and hidden alleyways, navigating the digital world requires caution. Online safety isn’t just about avoiding obvious scams—it’s about developing a mindset that keeps your personal information secure, your devices protected, and your digital footprint under control.  Generated with DALL·E. What is Online Safety?Online safety refers to the practices and precautions individuals take to protect themselves, their personal data, and their digital identities from cyber threats. These threats range from phishing scams and malware to identity theft and privacy breaches. Staying safe online means understanding these risks and actively taking steps to reduce them. Main Facets of Online Safety
Tips, Best Practices, and Rules of Thumb1. Strengthen Your Passwords
2. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
3. Protect Your Devices with Security Software
4. Be Mindful of Your Digital Footprint
5. Browse Safely and Avoid Suspicious Websites
6. Stay Vigilant on Social Media
7. Verify Before Trusting Online Information
8. Shop and Bank Securely Online
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay SecureOnline safety isn’t a one-time action—it’s an ongoing practice. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but by staying informed, adopting secure habits, and using common sense, you can navigate the digital world with confidence. Whether you’re shopping, socializing, or simply browsing, a little caution goes a long way in protecting yourself from potential threats. By treating your online presence like you would your home—locking doors (passwords), checking visitors (verifying links), and securing valuables (personal data)—you can enjoy the internet’s benefits while minimizing its risks. Stay safe, stay smart, and stay cyber-aware! Generated with DALL·E.
Over the past two months, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has become an integral part of my daily life, transforming how I manage my health, stay connected, and engage with the world around me. With a pool conveniently located where I live, I was eager to track my swimming to gain a more comprehensive picture of my overall exercise routine. The release of the black titanium version caught my eye, and after carefully weighing the benefits, I decided it was time to make the leap. From the moment I put it on, the watch became more than just a tool—it became a companion. The Fitness Rings motivate me daily, encouraging that extra bit of movement, standing, or exercise. Tracking activities like swimming, outdoor cycling, dance, walking, and yoga has provided new insights, while monitoring my heart rate and blood oxygen levels offers a deeper look at my overall health. Sleep is crucial, even if it's not always easy to get a full eight hours. The Sleep Tracking feature offers valuable data on my rest patterns, helping me recognize when I need more or better-quality sleep. While I could use the Mindfulness app more often, the times I do engage in short breathing exercises and reflections, I notice increased focus, increased awareness, reduced stress, and a greater sense of mindfulness. Connectivity is effortless within the Apple ecosystem. Managing both a personal and work phone used to be cumbersome, but now important personal notifications appear discreetly on my wrist. I can keep my personal phone in my bag and my work phone in my pocket. The large screen makes typing messages comfortable, and the voice-to-text feature is perfect when I'm on the move. I'm now more excited to hike longer and explore deeper into areas without cell coverage. The Waypoints and Compass apps offer reliable navigation right on my wrist, with the ability to backtrack using directional prompts and view maps and distances. This adds both safety and excitement to my outdoor adventures. A variety of other apps further enhance my everyday experiences:
Choosing the Titanium Milanese Band was a decision I haven't regretted. Its versatility suits professional meetings, casual outings, and athletic activities. It's lightweight, breathable, durable, and comfortable—even when sleeping. For anyone exploring band options, it's worth trying on. Battery life has met my expectations, lasting more than two full days and nights even with multiple exercise sessions and constant wear. This means less time worrying about charging and more time enjoying the watch's features. Reflecting on my transition from a Fitbit—which sadly didn't last—I realize how much more the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers. It seamlessly integrates with other Apple products, gamifies health, centralizes essential information, and keeps me engaged on my wellness journey. In essence, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has become more than a wearable gadget; it's a companion that enriches my connection to myself and my surroundings. It reduces reliance on my phone, promoting greater mindfulness and presence in everyday moments. If you're considering a smart watch, I encourage you to reflect on how it might enrich your life and fit holistically with your goals. My Two Favourite Watch Faces
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