Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Historical Research Resources: real-time and real perspectives

Historical Research Resources: real-time and real perspectives

, , Frances Yates, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
Suppose someone living in the year 2025, or even 2225, wants reliable information about what happened in 2011? Where would be the best place to get information (assuming by then all our brains aren’t pre-wired at birth to the Internet or whatever comes Next)? There are unique considerations when doing historical research, for whatever type of questions you seek to answer.  One facet of historical research is the need for primary sources – that is, things written and said by the people actually involved with those events.  Having access to primary documentation is of vital important to historical study.  Newspapers are also of great value, providing contemporary perspectives that can be critical to understanding the perceptions about events and people … Continued
Intentional Spaces

Intentional Spaces

, , Interns, Library Services, Matt Dilworth
This year, while attending the annual American Library Association conference, graduate intern Sarah Gilchrist presented on “The Library Living Room: Creating Learning Relationships” (you can see her poster behind her in the picture).  Thousands of librarians from all over the country attend the ALA annual conference, and Sarah’s presentation gave us a chance to share with others the success of that unique learning environment, even as she learned about their new ideas.   The Library Living Room is a great space, and an excellent study or hang-out area for students (when classes aren’t running there!).  But it is just one of many intentional spaces in the library.  We’ve changed a lot of rooms in the library to better suit student … Continued
Independence Day

Independence Day

Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Happy Fourth of July!  Whether you celebrate with family or cookouts or fireworks, our country’s birthday is a good opportunity to reflect on freedom. And the freedom that our Founding Fathers most espoused was the freedom of ideas.  “I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Our sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry and porcelain,” John Adams wrote to his wife.  We are a generation with the freedom to study these things, and anything else we want, because of what they did 235 years … Continued
Oriented for Success

Oriented for Success

, Frances Yates, Library Services, Matt Dilworth
Nice to meet you!  Library staff is always happy to participate in the campus-wide orientations for new students. This year, our information table features a bean bag toss game to enhance students’ awareness of library resources and services. For example, do you know the names of our main e-book vendors?  How about what a Libguide is?  And perhaps most importantly, how can you ask us a question?  (If you’re stumped, check the answers at the bottom!) The freebies we give students — book bag, campus map, and bookmarks – are simple reminders to stop by in person or contact us virtually for any and all academic assistance. We don’t know all the answers…but we sure do know how to help … Continued
Meet Sarah Gilchrist

Meet Sarah Gilchrist

Interns, Matt Dilworth
Our newest intern is Sarah Gilchrist, a graduate student at IUPUI in library science.  She received her dual B.A. in Comparative Literature and Slavic Languages and Literature at IU.  She visited Russia during her studies.  Sarah grew up in Indianapolis, but has lived throughout the United States.  After graduating, she plans to do more international travel. Sarah has worked in numerous libraries, where she’s honed an interest in reading, teaching, and community involvement.  Interning at IU East will give her experience with academic libraries, and she’ll be helping with creating a library concierge service, participating in the Communities in Schools Book Arts workshop, First Year Orientation, library instruction, and writing LibGuides.  Sarah will be with us through June and July, … Continued