The Authority File Round-Up: August 2022

A quick overview of last month's episodes, in case you missed them

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Last month, we had two great series. First, we took a deep dive into Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM), exploring AI’s impact on clinical practices, data organization, and patient autonomy. Our speaker addressed questions of security and ownership, providing a closer look at the importance of transparency and how AIM can empower patients. Ethics proved a crucial component of AIM, with our guest detailing the impact of systemic bias and ways to handle sensitive medical data. 

The importance of ethics also rang true for guests in our second series. Looking at scholarly publishing, the guests examined the peer review process, flexible access strategies, and how publishing in the Humanities and Social Sciences can further social justice initiatives. The series also considered how publishers can implement intentional DEI policies and increase community engagement. 

Here’s a quick round-up of the episodes, in case you missed them. We hope you find the conversations informative, immersive, and inspiring. Thanks for listening!


Artificial Intelligence in Medicine book cover.

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) & Ethics

In this first series, Dr. Niklas Lidströmer, specialist physician, researcher, and co-editor of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, analyzes the impact of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM). Niklas discusses the ethics of AIM, covering issues of bias and privacy. Niklas also explores how AIM shapes doctor-patient relationships and details upcoming innovations and trends. Brought to you by Springer Nature.

Episode one: Introductions and AI Scene-Setting

  • Niklas describes his research and co-edited title Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. How is artificial intelligence currently used in medicine? What impact can AI have on librarianship? Listen to episode one here.

Episode two: The Benefits and Challenges

  • What does the task of creating standardized medical data processing practices entail? How can AIM improve the doctor-patient relationship? Listen to episode two here.

Episode three: Safety, Privacy, and Bias

  • Niklas provides background on ethics in AIM, touching on issues of safety, privacy, and prejudice. How important is transparency in AI decision-making? What is the through line in data protection between AIM and librarianship? Listen to episode three here.

Episode four: Trends and Looking Ahead

  • What lies ahead for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine? How will upcoming innovations impact clinical practices? How will librarianship fit into the increased availability of medical data? Listen to episode four here.

How HSS Scholarly Publishing Supports Social Justice

Our second series features Felicity Plester, Editorial Director for Humanities, and Tamsine O’Riordan, Editorial Director for Social Science, both at Palgrave Macmillan. The speakers discuss how the publisher prioritizes social justice through recruitment, publication practices, and DEI policies. Felicity and Tamsine also highlight emerging digital trends and the role of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) in fostering interdisciplinary work. Brought to you by Palgrave Macmillan.

Episode one: Bringing Together Social Sciences and Humanities

  • Felicity and Tamsine detail Palgrave Macmillan’s merger with Springer Nature and situate the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) within the broader scholarly publishing ecosystem. What role do publishers play in affecting change through research, innovations, and trends? Listen to episode one here.

Episode two: DEI Policies and Practices

  • What DEI policies are in place at Palgrave Macmillan? How do internal policies translate into external changes? What effect does burnout have on researchers and editorial teams? Listen to episode two here.

Episode three: Imprint Evolution and Community Engagement

  • How can publishers maintain traditional coverage of HSS disciplines while pursuing emerging areas of research? How does Palgrave Macmillan approach reviewer recruitment and open publishing? What role does the publisher play in community engagement? Listen to episode three here.

Episode four: Future Formats and Emerging Topics

  • How does the rise in digital impact publishing and scholarly dissemination? How can publishers strike a balance between staying current and ensuring longevity? Tamsine and Felicity also highlight the upcoming Palgrave Macmillan Annual Lecture Series. Listen to episode four here.

Autobiography as Indigenous Intellectual Tradition book cover

Missed July’s episodes? We’ve got you covered.

Deanna Reder, Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies and English at Simon Fraser University and author of Autobiography as Indigenous Intellectual Tradition: Cree and Métis âcimisowina, joined the program to discuss her contributions to the field of Indigenous Studies. Deanna detailed her work in building an Indigenous literary archive, spotlighting Indigenous writers, and creating support networks for Indigenous editors. Deanna also looked at the impact of the latest generation of Indigenous authors and acknowledged what work is yet to be done to further the field. You can listen to the series here.


What’s Coming Up in September

This month’s series brings together a professor, student, librarian, and publisher to discuss their recent research project on the undergraduate workflow. The speakers explore hurdles and solutions, along with the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Click here to listen to the first episode.


You can find more episodes of the Authority File here on our websiteApple PodcastsSpotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening! See you next month.


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