Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Archeology and Intercultural Dialogue

Archeology and Intercultural Dialogue

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
In recent blogs, library tools related to archeology and sustainability have been explored, in support of a documentary film and a presentation by assistant professor of anthropology Dr. Aaron Comstock, given on November 10.  The video, Common Ground: The Story of Bears Ears documents the many competing concerns over the Bears Ears monument in Utah, including the preservation of  art and historical artifacts (materials of outsized importance in understanding pre-literate native cultures), conservation, the development of energy and rare resources, and providing space to live.  The need for input from all shareholders, particularly from Native Americans, is a primary and ongoing concern. In his work, Aaron Comstock has sought to foster dialogue with and inclusion of Native American stakeholders in … Continued
Climate Resilience and Sustainability at IU East

Climate Resilience and Sustainability at IU East

, , Library Resources, outreach, Programs
The 2021 UN Climate Change Conference took place in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 12.  Aligned with that, there were several events at the IU East campus focused on climate change, climate resilience, and sustainability.  Participation by student organizations included the College Democrats of Indiana and the Animals and Earth Club. A Climate March for Our Lives event in the campus quad on October 26 inspired discussion on the importance of sustainability efforts, both small and large, and how there is much that we can still do at the campus, community, and state levels to make a difference. An active member of the Campus Climate Resilience Committee, Assistant Librarian of Access and Technical Services Beth South worked with the … Continued
Digital Gardening: A new way to think about digital literacy

Digital Gardening: A new way to think about digital literacy

, , Programs
Most of us know the basics of gardening – tilling the soil, digging holes, adding plants, weeding, watering.  It’s a useful metaphor, however, for other subjects and ways of thinking, and IU has done just that.  Digital gardening is a method of instill digital literacy and digital competency in students, starting with their very first semester on campus.  On October 1, IU East librarians KT Lowe and Beth South participated in the Digital Gardener Summit, a day-long workshop addressing digital gardening and how it can be infused into a classroom curriculum. Digital literacy incorporates a number of ideas related to understanding media.  Not only does it include fact-checking fake news, deepfake videos and memes, but also a greater understanding regarding … Continued
Graves: lost and found

Graves: lost and found

, , Frances Yates, Jesse Whitton, outreach, Uncategorized
Photographing graves that family and others have not visited due to time, location, or other factors is currently a focused extension of the Home is History: Dead Tell Tales project. For Graves: Lost and Found, IU East Assistant Archivist Jesse Whitton is visiting cemeteries throughout the counties IU East serves, and fulfilling requests for photographs that are posted at Find a Grave. The idea for Graves: Lost and Found developed from Jesse’s collaboration with IU East library director and Home is History project coordinator Frances Yates, along with Union County Middle School English teacher Emily Snyder. Jesse assisted 8th grade students with locating graves that have had photo requests via Find-A-Grave. Despite not knowing section numbers and there being 4,647 … Continued
Cheers for Archeology

Cheers for Archeology

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Archeology Month highlights the importance of studying human activity and culture through time.  The fields of archeology, ethnology, anthropology, and folklore can offer insight to modern problems and context to societal behavior patterns.  The state of Indiana’s focus for Archeology Month this year was on the production and use of alcohol in Indiana. The Campus Library has many resources available about a variety of archeological topics. One major source is the Wiley Online Library, which offers dozens of journals and other sources on anthropological topics. Another resource is JSTOR, which has a slightly smaller selection of journals but a much deeper historical perspective.  Thousands of hours of streaming video are available through Ethnographic Video Online including ethnographic films (both traditional … Continued