The Authority File

“As an incarcerated or formerly incarcerated person, you don’t have a lot of room to move. You don’t have a lot of choice in terms of narratives that are available to you.” Simon Rolston, author of Prison Life Writing: Conversion and the Literary Roots of the U.S. Prison System, found a pattern in prison life writing. Of the many books he read by incarcerated authors, the vast majority followed a conversion narrative—you enter prison a certain type of person, and emerge as another. But what about the stories that don’t follow that pattern? What can they tell us about the narratives we choose to publish—and those we leave behind?

In this third episode, Simon discusses the limits of the conversion narrative, and how its complexities reflect on the genre and system of incarceration. He digs into James Carr’s autobiography Bad, which utilizes both African American folk storytelling traditions and prison storytelling customs to tell his violent, hyper-sexualized, and controversial story. Simon also explains how the history of the US prison system’s treatment of incarcerated women—a focus on the return to the “domestic sphere” and curbing supposed promiscuity—continues to influence female prison life writing.

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In recent years, universities have become target-rich environments for cyberattacks. But why? What do hackers want from academic institutions? According to Alan Brill, Senior Managing Director in the Cyber Risk practice at Kroll, information. Because of universities’ breadth of non-public data and extensive interconnectivity across campus and state networks, institutions have become a hot bed of cybercrime. “Once you understand the scope of the risk, you have to start asking the question: Are we matching our preventive and detective tools to that risk? And if we’re not, why not, and what are we going to do about it?”

In this second episode, Alan digs into why proactive measures—rather than reactionary—can help mitigate cyber risk. He explains the threats in and outside of an institution, what a “zero-day attack” is, and why zero-day risks require such immediate alarm and action. Plus, Alan shares his advice on how librarians can prepare for and fend off these attacks—don’t delay updating your software!

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

In recent years, universities have become target-rich environments for cyberattacks. But why? What do hackers want from academic institutions? According to Alan Brill, Senior Managing Director in the Cyber Risk practice at Kroll, information. Because of universities’ breadth of non-public data and extensive interconnectivity across campus and state networks, institutions have become a hot bed of cybercrime. “Once you understand the scope of the risk, you have to start asking the question: Are we matching our preventive and detective tools to that risk? And if we’re not, why not, and what are we going to do about it?”

In this second episode, Alan digs into why proactive measures—rather than reactionary—can help mitigate cyber risk. He explains the threats in and outside of an institution, what a “zero-day attack” is, and why zero-day risks require such immediate alarm and action. Plus, Alan shares his advice on how librarians can prepare for and fend off these attacks—don’t delay updating your software!

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

When researching for his new book, Prison Life Writing: Conversion and the Literary Roots of the U.S. Prison System, Simon Rolston found an intriguing pattern: conversion. If entering the prison system as apolitical, uneducated, or violent, incarcerated writers would craft their stories to emerge as a revolutionary, poet, or believer. So why the need for conversion? How does this pattern work in conversation with the American prison system’s own narrative of rehabilitation? As Simon asks, “If they’re following the same process, what’s the ideological work that’s happening there?”

In this second episode, Simon teases out how the prison system’s transformative narrative relates to incarcerated writers’ own tales of conversion. Simon also details Malcolm X’s well-known transformation, explaining how he flipped the prison’s educative tools to understand himself not as a criminal, but a victim of oppression. Last, Simon digs into how incarcerated writers use the conversion narrative to shape their image in society, highlighting the story of Shaka Senghor in the process.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

What steps do you take to safeguard your digital information? Maybe you change your passwords every other month. Turn on two-factor authentication. Keep your Netflix log-in under lock and key. But what about at your workplace? How does your campus protect its information, and what role do you play in successful cybersecurity implementation?

Alan Brill, Senior Managing Director in the Cyber Risk practice of Kroll, believes that cyberattack prevention requires collective action across an institution. The administration, registrar’s office, faculty, library staff, and more must all do their part to achieve strong, preemptive cybersecurity. In other words, no siloing off cyber responsibilities to the IT or risk management departments.

Throughout this four-part series, Alan digs into what campus-wide cybersecurity look like, why universities have become such a rich target for hackers, and how the library fits into the effort of information protection and cybercrime prevention.

In this first episode, Alan explains why effective cybersecurity has become more challenging in our interconnected world, and the importance of the university library’s close partnership with the IT department. Plus, Alan offers up his best tips to protect your workplace—number one: trust, but verify.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

The autobiographical genre of life writing takes many forms: personal essays, memoirs, diary entries, letters—all forms that the currently and formerly incarcerated write in. But what are the characteristics and complexities of prison life writing? How does it mirror the history of incarceration? What’s its relationship with resistance literature?

While studying for his master’s degree, Simon Rolston, author of Prison Life Writing: Conversion and the Literary Roots of the U.S. Prison System, mapped reading groups in and around Alberta. Other students chose to map groups who read romantic fiction, others westerns, but Simon wanted to study the reading habits of those incarcerated; more specifically, those at the maximum-security prison, Edmonton Institution, and a provincial jail, Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre. Through his research, he received numerous recommendations for books by incarcerated authors, thereby inspiring Prison Life Writing.

In this four-part series, Simon introduces us to the prison life writing genre, highlights stories by George Jackson, Malcolm X, Susan Burton, and more, and explains the prevalence and significance of conversion in stories by the incarcerated. In this first episode, Simon digs into the personal and scholarly genesis of his book and explains why prison life writing often falls under resistance literature—and why he resists that presumption.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

Throughout this four-part series, our guests have drilled down into how to support diverse students on their academic journeys. In this final episode, they zoom out to examine longstanding incentive structures built into the scholarly ecosystem. How can faculty, librarians, and publishers dismantle patterns in academia that disadvantage students from diverse backgrounds?

Dr. Pamela Queen of Morgan State University explains why non-tenure and adjunct faculty play an important role in recruiting and encouraging students of color, women, and international scholars. She also details the non-traditional resources—blogs, newspapers, opinion pieces, and other popular media—that she brings into the classroom to spur discussion and supplement traditional scholarly content.

In addition, Dr. Rihana Mason of Georgia State University highlights why inclusive policies introduced during the pandemic—widespread closed captioning, interactive virtual options, global communication—should remain long after the return to campus.

On the publishers side, Miranda Nunhofer and Todd Baldwin of SAGE Publishing reveal workflow changes in academic publishing that support DEI initiatives. In particular, they highlight proposals like examining existing biases in editorial boards, updating terminology, and establishing new guidelines for book editors, authors, and reviewers.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

For many libraries, tracking user data isn’t simply an effective way to keep tabs on patron habits. Instead, it’s a tool used to justify purchases and champion resources for students and faculty. How can librarians make the most out of their library’s metrics?

In this final episode, Steven Rosato of OverDrive Professional explains the significance of detailed user data in the face of the pandemic and potential budget cuts. He chats about how understanding lending patterns empowers librarians to make smarter, more cost-effective choices that work best for their institution’s needs. Steven also discusses the publisher response to COVID-19, and how OverDrive advocates on behalf of libraries with its publisher partners by pushing for flexible lending options like Cost Per Circ.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

For many libraries, tracking user data isn’t simply an effective way to keep tabs on patron habits. Instead, it’s a tool used to justify purchases and champion resources for students and faculty. How can librarians make the most out of their library’s metrics?

In this final episode, Steven Rosato of OverDrive Professional explains the significance of detailed user data in the face of the pandemic and potential budget cuts. He chats about how understanding lending patterns empowers librarians to make smarter, more cost-effective choices that work best for their institution’s needs. Steven also discusses the publisher response to COVID-19, and how OverDrive advocates on behalf of libraries with its publisher partners by pushing for flexible lending options like Cost Per Circ.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

It’s no secret that the publishing industry is an homogenous field. Issues range from barriers of entry to recruitment strategies to workplace culture. What can scholarly publishers and university presses do to retool outdated, exclusionary practices?

In this third episode, Todd Baldwin and Miranda Nunhofer of SAGE Publishing discuss how to break down the barriers that publishers face in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. They highlight possible strategies, like partnering with universities for outreach programs, expanding the applicant pool via remote work, and investing in academic pipeline programs.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Pamela Queen, a finance professor at Morgan State University, explains how she implements social issues into her case studies to prepare students for the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed in the boardroom, classroom, and elsewhere. To close out the episode, Dr. Rihana Mason, a research scientist at Georgia State University, reveals the importance of transparency and vulnerability with students—breaking down the challenges of academia can help encourage and empower scholars on their academic journeys.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

In March of 2021, the United States Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill included an expansion of health care access, unemployment benefits, and rental assistance—not to mention direct stimulus payments to many Americans. But how has the bill impacted higher education? Can university libraries reap any benefits?

In this third episode, Steven Rosato from OverDrive Professional digs into how COVID aid can help academic institutions subdue the effects of budget cuts from the past year. Whether used to recoup lost revenue or subsidize digital learning investments, Steven explains how the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) III section of ARPA can support universities and their libraries. Steven also shares his long-term purchasing trend predictions and reflects on the staying power of social justice and political titles.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!

The “leaky pipeline” in academia—researchers forgoing a traditional, tenure-track future for corporate, government, or other non-academic jobs—is often regarded as a fundamental problem in higher education, especially when those leaving are academics of color or women. But is this move to outside the academy all that bad?

In this second episode, our guests explore the “problem” of the leaky pipeline and examine why students leave academia. They also share their unique perspectives on how to retain students through innovative programs, initiatives, and encouragement.

First, Dr. Pamela Queen, a professor at Morgan State University, explains how pursuing non-academic ventures can inform research, uncovering the potential fluidity of scholarship. She walks through the challenging culture of postdoctoral work, and how programs like The PhD Project can support diverse students through it.

Next, Dr. Rihana Mason, a research scientist at Georgia State University, digs into academia’s many exit and re-entry points, surfacing an update to the leaky pipeline, the “braided river.” She also discusses her new co-authored book, Academic Pipeline Programs: Diversifying Pathways from the Bachelor’s to the Professoriate, which outlines key elements of effective pipeline programs—mentorships, professional development, and sharing success stories with students.

To wrap up, Todd Baldwin and Miranda Nunhofer of SAGE Publishing highlight new initiatives at SAGE that support diverse students throughout their academic career and beyond.