I am a Librarian at an academic library in the United States.
Latest posts by John Liebhardt
Open Access Africa: Spreading Knowledge, Increasing Collaboration
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: Gaddafi Calls For Ceasefire as No-Fly Zone Begins (Video)
Tweeps react to the Gaddafi government's call for a ceasefire in response to the UN Security Council-imposed no-fly zone over Libya. Some see the fact that fighting continues around the country as another one of Gaddafi's lies, while others see it as proof a no-fly zone won't work.
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: Debating the No-Fly Zone (Video)
As human rights atrocities continue across Libya, Tweeps, bloggers and netizens continue their debate on the effectiveness of establishing a no-fly zone over Libya to protect protesters, troops and civilians from air attack.
Libya: The Freedom Flag Flies Over Misurata (Videos)
The Libyan cities of Bin Jawad, Ras Lanuf, Az-Zawiyah and Misurata all saw fighting on Sunday 6 March, 2011. We take a look at how regional Tweeps and video journalists viewed the fighting in Misurata, the country's third largest city.
Libya: That's Not Fighting, It's Fireworks and other #DesperateGaddafiLies
Libya's dictator Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi has long been known for eccentricities and blustering actions, odd writings and strange remarks. A new Twitter hashtag #DesperateGaddafiLiesRT collects some of these statements. Of course, Global Voices cannot confirm their veracity.
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.
Yemen: More Protesters Killed as Political Plans Multiply (Videos)
While Yemen's security forces once again fired live weapons and killed opposition demonstrators, politicians and protesters are attempting behind-the-scenes political manoeuvres to solve a growing stalemate after nearly a month of demonstrations aimed at ousting the country's government.
Libya: “Breaking News: Gaddafi is Lying”
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?
Libya: “The only thing we want is our freedom” (Audio)
Sunday, February 27 brought another day of bloodshed in Libya, as an uprising against Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi's 40-year rule continued into the 11th day. Phone calls with Libyans that have been shared online and translated, show that citizens are still struggling with even basic security.
Yemen: “I beg you to help us NOW”
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.
Libya: “They Were Shooting Us Randomly” (Videos)
As each day passes, it seems demonstrators and rebel military factions are coming closer to ousting the 40-year regime of Colonel Muammer Al Gaddafi. Like other days, however, Friday bore more news of violence against civilians, and worries that Gaddafi will soon do something extreme.
Yemen: “Our blood is not cheap” (Videos)
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”
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)
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.
