The Authority File

This week we conclude our four-part series with Paul db Watkins, author of Soundin’ Canaan: Black Canadian Poetry, Music, and Citizenship, by reflecting on the power of remixing. Digging into the book’s unique design elements, Paul explains that he wanted readers to “feel a little bit like a kind of DJ themselves” through an active, auditory reading experience. We also talk about Paul’s website for the book, which offers resources like relevant poems, lectures, discussion questions, and audio files. In addition, Paul shares how he aimed to disrupt traditional scholarly communication practices by holding poetry readings, open mics, and interviews at the book’s launch events to underscore the title’s multimedia elements. Last, Paul reflects on the willingness (or lack thereof) of major musical acts to speak about political or social issues. Though perhaps not a solution to today’s ongoing crises, Paul underscores that poetry and music can act as an “antidote to apathy…[and] a catalyst for change.”

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 the third episode of this four-part series, Paul db Watkins, author of Soundin’ Canaan: Black Canadian Poetry, Music, and Citizenship, discusses themes of citizenship and multiculturalism examined in his book. He first digs into how he uses the word “sounded,” touching on music and poetry as acts of belonging and resistance. Next, he explores his adaptation of Vincent Andrisani’s concept of “sonic citizenship.” He argues that reading and listening to the artists featured in Soundin’ Canaan is a form of sonic citizenship as the reader explores the poets’ and musicians’ lived experiences as Canadian citizens, showcasing the malleability of cultural identity and multiculturalism. In closing, Paul relates ideas of citizenship to the practice of remixing or sampling music, highlighting Somali-Canadian artist K’naan’s song “Wavin’ Flag,” which grew to global significance when used by FIFA and remixed by international artists.

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 the second episode of this four-part series, Paul db Watkins, author of Soundin’ Canaan: Black Canadian Poetry, Music, and Citizenship, expands on the writing process of his book. To start, he shares how he applied a “DJ Methodology” to the title. Highlighting the incorporation of different types of materials—close readings, author interviews, insights on cultural history—Paul discusses how this approach foregrounds Soundin’ Canaan’s through line of the intersections between poetry, musicality, and justice. In addition, Paul reflects on the process of decentering himself to write the book, and how that relates to white scholars writing about Black literature, art, and culture. As academia remains a primarily white institution, Paul explains that his role as an instructor is to amplify Black literature, build curiosity, and resist “absolute truth” in his research. In closing, Paul spotlights several poems from his book that combine aesthetic and rhetorical qualities, including Zong! by M. NourbeSe Philip.

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

This month we welcome Paul db Watkins, Professor of English at Vancouver Island University and author of Soundin’ Canaan: Black Canadian Poetry, Music, and Citizenship. His book looks at how Black Canadian poets are influenced by Black musical artists and song, and what this creative intersection reveals about multiculturalism and citizenship. In the next four episodes we discuss Paul’s research and writing process and the influence his work as a DJ had on his approach to the book. Further, we delve into the meaning of “sonic citizenship,” incorporating playlists and liner notes in an academic text, and the importance of decentering himself to write about Black literature, art, and culture.

In the first episode of this four-part series, Paul introduces us to the themes of Soundin’ Canaan. He first outlines the distinctive features of the aesthetic and rhetorical functions of poetry and music and how they intertwine and enhance one another. Next, he shares the background behind the book’s title, explaining the meaning of the term “Canaan” and how it connects to Black liberation and migration to Canada. Last, he reflects on the complexities of establishing a Black Canadian literary canon. While Paul acknowledges the value and significance of recognizing Black Canadian literary figures, he also resists the rigidity of canon formation, instead aiming “to draw attention to the power of Black voice and song in Canada.”

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 the final episode of this four-part series, Harmen van Paradijs, Vice President STM Books Publishing & Books Business Optimization at Springer Nature, discusses future impacts of AI on academic publishing. To start, he chats about whether AI adoption has influenced submission and publication volumes at the publisher. Next, he forecasts how AI tools will shape the competitive landscape in scholarly publishing, noting that publishers’ ability and willingness to build robust AI policies will most influence the environment. Last, Harmen considers the balance between publishers implementing standardized AI policies and staying agile in the market and how AI might shape content agreements between publishers and libraries.

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 the third episode of this four-part series, Harmen van Paradijs, Vice President STM Books Publishing & Books Business Optimization at Springer Nature, addresses research integrity in the implementation of AI in STM book publishing. First, he outlines concerns he’s hearing from libraries on collecting and dispersing quality research in this environment. Underscoring the importance of human-in-the-loop AI strategies and tools, he emphasizes that clear communication on AI use benefits libraries, authors, and publishers. Next, Harmen explains AI research integrity and ethical issues specific to STM subjects, such as protecting patient privacy when handling medical data. To close, Harmen chats about Springer’s AI detection tools currently in use.

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 the second episode of this four-part series, Harmen van Paradijs, Vice President STM Books Publishing & Books Business Optimization at Springer Nature, discusses communicating with authors on current AI innovations. He details both anecdotal author experiences collected by editors, in addition to researcher workshops hosted by Springer to hear academics to share new ways of working. Next, Harmen explains the current AI trends he’s observed in authors and how Springer responds to and even encourages these changes. For example, the publisher offers AI-generated English language translation for manuscripts to aid authors whose native language isn’t English. Harmen also chats about tools developed by Springer that support the editing process, including a reference checker and an AI detection tool, Geppetto, which Springer donated to the STM Association this year for wider use.

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

This past June we looked at innovation in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) publishing. This month, we turn our attention to advancements in book publishing in the Sciences. Joining us for the next four episodes is Harmen van Paradijs, Vice President STM Books Publishing & Books Business Optimization at Springer Nature, who shares Springer’s publishing strategies in the evolving landscape. Examining AI’s impact on scholarly communication workflows, Harmen reflects on authors’ adoption of AI tools, potential standardization of AI policies, and concerns from libraries on research integrity and AI.

In this first episode, Harmen provides a broad look at Springer’s approach to innovative publishing in the Sciences, including examples of the publisher updating its manuscript submission process and procedure for alt text creation to better meet author needs. In addition, Harmen talks open access, advocating for frequent communication with authors on available OA pathways and funding opportunities. Last, Harmen chats about digital book publishing in STEM; although Springer makes all books available as an ebook and in print no matter the discipline, he acknowledges that STEM authors tend to be more comfortable working in digital formats.

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 the final episode of this series, our guests reflect on why today’s political, economic, and social context necessitates the need for libraries to effectively communicate their value on campus. First, Hilary Craiglow, Library Consulting Practice Lead at Attain Partners, Emily McElroy, Vice President of Academic Relations at Taylor & Francis, and Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska System, highlight what libraries are currently up against and what they can do to demonstrate their contributions to an institution’s mission, instructional aims, and research enterprise. Next, Emily shares her experience leading library workers, underscoring why all staff need to be able to explain the library’s strengths and solutions. Last, Hilary and Jeff expand on this point, exploring the benefits of strong narratives attached to metrics and a campus culture aligned by shared values and goals.

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 the third episode of this four-part series, our guests dig into the task of communicating the library’s value across campus. First, Hilary Craiglow, Library Consulting Practice Lead at Attain Partners, and Emily McElroy, Vice President of Academic Relations at Taylor & Francis, chat about the need to “lift the curtain” on library work; rather than making invisible the time, effort, and coordination required to secure resources and provide services, librarians should demonstrate how detailed and essential their work truly is. Further, Emily, Hilary, and Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska System, continue on that thread by sharing why librarians must know how to tell their library’s story, signaling their position as a strategic partner and leader at the institution. Finally, Emily and Jeff explore the importance of library donors. Discussing how to maintain these crucial relationships, Emily and Jeff highlight tips for engagement and campus initiatives made possible through philanthropy.

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