John Liebhardt

I am a Librarian at an academic library in the United States.

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Latest posts by John Liebhardt

Open Access Africa: Spreading Knowledge, Increasing Collaboration

  28 October 2011

We celebrate Open Access Week with a special focus on Open Access Africa. As the internet lowers the bar for publishing and disseminating information, print-era publishing models still keep African researchers and students separated from colleagues in different countries and their ideas. How has Open Access changed scholarship in Africa?

Libya: Mourning Mohammed Nabbous

Mohammed Nabbous, founder of Libya's AlHurra TV, died while reporting from a firefight in Benghazi. Known as "Mo" to his many fans, he brought the brutal repression of Muammar Al Gaddafi's forces home to viewers and journalists from the Middle East and around the world. He leaves behind a wife and an unborn child.

Yemen: ‘Friday Massacre in Sanaa’

Protesters against the rule of long-standing president Ali Abdullah Saleh have once again been fired upon by Yemeni forces, who killed an estimated 40 people and wounding at least 200. Afterwards, Saleh blamed the deaths on a violent faction of anti-government forces and declared a state of emergency.

Libya: All Eyes on Benghazi (Video)

Benghazi is the Libya's second-largest city and the political heart and rebellious soul of the movement against Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi. With once fast-charging rebel forces now under considerable attacks by Gaddafi forces, however, Benghazi could become a last stand for Libyan freedom.

Yemen: Did Government Use Nerve Gas on Protesters? (Videos)

Doctors say the protesters attacked by Yemen's security forces on Tuesday (March 8) showed different symptoms than those usually exhibited by victims of tear gas. Some of the protesters had convulsions, they lost muscular control and some were even temporarily paralyzed. It begs the question: Did Yemen's government use some form of nerve agent on its own people?

Libya: Group Occupies London Mansion Owned by Gaddafi's Son

After long-serving and corrupt rulers and their families leave office, new governments strive to regain state monies lost to dishonesty, cheating and fraud. Often to little success. But a group of squatters under the name 'Topple the Tyrants' now occupy a house in London owned by one of Muammar Al Gaddafi's sons. They want to ensure the money is returned to the Libyan people.

Yemen: Saleh “declares war on Yemen” (Videos)

Once again, Yemen's security forces have shot and killed protesters calling for the resignation of long-term leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. This time, however, the killings took place at Sanaa University, under the nose of international media and observers. With local protesters and opposition members further enraged at the violence, what will the international community do?

Libya: Preparing for the Fight for Sirte (Video)

Rebels are moving towards the city of Sirte, which is the only major city in the far the western side of Libya that remains in government control. However, it's the hometown of Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi and more than a few people claim the city is heavily defended and will special have symbolic significance if it falls to anti-regime forces.

Libya: “Breaking News: Gaddafi is Lying”

  2 March 2011

Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi spoke for more than three hours on state television Wednesday March 2, 2011, denying that anti-government protesters and members of the military were mobilizing against his regime. Instead the dictator, who has been in power for four decades, blamed Islamic terror groups, foreign nations with colonial aspirations and the international media for creating stories about the Libya's descent into chaos.

Libya: The African Mercenary Question (Videos)

One of the more distressing sub-plots in the ongoing two-week uprising against Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi in Libya has been reports of the Libyan leader's alleged use of "foreign" or “African mercenaries” to prop up his falling regime, meaning "Sub-Saharan African" and “Black.” Why put a Black face on the mercenary story?

Yemen: “I beg you to help us NOW”

  26 February 2011

While much of Yemen protested peacefully, the country's military used tear gas and fired live weapons on protesters in the sea port of Aden. President Ali Abdullah Saleh said the demonstrations had been hijacked by separatists. But those on the ground claim non-violent protesters were shot and killed.

Yemen: “Our blood is not cheap” (Videos)

  25 February 2011

Tens of thousands of protesters across Yemen rallied for and against President Ali Abdullah Saleh after Friday prayers. Two protesters were shot dead in Yemen's second-largest city Aden on Friday, February 25, in what appears to be confrontations between anti-Saleh groups and police. At least 34 others have been wounded, mostly by live gunfire.

Libya: “The Point of No Return”

  24 February 2011

The last gasps of Muammar Al Gaddafi could be counted in hours. But after the Libyan leader recently threatened to kill protesters and members of the military defying his regime, the hours will be spent nervously. In areas of the country no longer under Gaddafi control, people are beginning to document human rights abuses.

Yemen: At the Boiling Point? (Video)

  24 February 2011

President Saleh of Yemen has begun offering concessions to opposition protesters, ordering security forces to protect demonstrators. But most people don't appear ready to take the ruler at his word. Meanwhile, large anti-government protests continue to take place. The government's goodwill could be tested in a planned pro-government march on the nation's capital on Friday.