Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Digging Into Research

Digging Into Research

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
Learning the principles of good research is a key component of digital fluency, and the freedom that comes with it.  This requires expertise beyond the skills obtained with commercial search engines like Google or Bing.  In conducting scholarly research, it is best to start with repositories of vetted information like academic databases and datasets.  Often these seem more complex to use than free search tools, but their robustness allows for more and richer information than a tool designed to help you find a time for a movie or sporting event, or a place on a map. The library offers a guide to research using these tools, describing what you can find and how you can best find it.  These techniques … Continued
Creating Accessible Digital Content

Creating Accessible Digital Content

, , Website
This past summer, the Department of Justice released notice of proposed rulemaking for digital accessibility of state and local government entities that would require the adoption of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, Level AA as the technical standard for web content. This proposed rule is expected to take effect as early as summer of 2024, in which all Indiana University websites, digital content, and applications are expected to comply (although there are exceptions). Accessibility should be a concern for everyone involved in teaching and learning, not just web designers, learning technology consultants, or accessibility coordinators. If you are a content creator of any kind, whether student or faculty, you should check out our 2020 blog post on Accessibility … Continued
Research lifelines for 2024

Research lifelines for 2024

, , Library Resources, Website
A new year means new classes, new studies and maybe a new approach to doing research.  But all this newness can be difficult to navigate.  Thankfully, there is a solution, available to every student, faculty and staff member on campus.  The IU East Campus Library is here to help, with plenty of databases, finding aids and good advice to help students, staff and faculty in engaging with a new year’s worth of learning. The new A-Z list Looking for a more organized, simpler way to find important databases?  The library recently launched a revised Databases A-Z list, with numerous features that help with finding information.  The library includes databases for all subjects taught at IU East, along with broader spectrum … Continued
The New A-Z Index!

The New A-Z Index!

, Jesse Whitton, Library Resources
The IU East Campus Library has a newly improved A-Z database index! To help orient you through the enhanced, user-friendly layout, we have pointed out where items are located. If you have any questions about navigating through our extensive collection of databases, please Ask Us! Iueref@iue.edu  or simply click this button: 1. Under “Libguides,” you will discover links to our Subject Database, expert guidance on Master Research techniques, and access the IU East Archives. 2. Look under “Library Tools” for a selection of browsing tool resources. BrowZine lets you view articles directly within the journal issue, while Find-it facilitates searching via specific article and database titles. Need a resource we do not currently have? Utilize Interlibrary Loan. Use LibKey Nomad, … Continued
The Sinking of Saint Mary

The Sinking of Saint Mary

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
In 1453, Christian-controlled Constantinople (now called Istanbul) fell to the Ottoman Empire, and the major trade routes to India and China were closed to Europe.  Demand for Eastern goods like silk and spices did not decrease, though, and explorers looked for alternate routes.  In 1492, one of those explorers, Christopher Columbus, convinced the government of Spain to sponsor his attempt to find a Western route, across the Atlantic Ocean.  Instead, on October 12th, he encountered the Caribbean, mistaking it for the East Indies, and met the indigenous Taíno people. Columbus initially traded for gold, spices, and slaves (called ‘naborías’ by the Taíno); but found no silks or any other expected Chinese or Indian luxury goods.  His first voyage concluded towards … Continued