Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Counting on the Census

Counting on the Census

With a count of 331,449,281 residents, the 24th decennial Census of the United States is beginning to release the newest data about the current demographics of our country.  This procedure, a Constitutionally-mandated enumeration of the citizens and residents of the country, is a vital research tool – but it is also a source of conflict and controversy.  Since many consequential issues hinge on the results of the Census – principally the apportionment of representatives in the Congress and funding for government programs that include roads, schools, health, and emergency services – it has become a flashpoint for competing (and highly politicized) ideologies. The Census has long been plagued by controversy.  Both George Washington and Thomas Jeffeson thought the original 1790 … Continued
Climate Change and Sustainability: Where to Learn More and Engage Locally

Climate Change and Sustainability: Where to Learn More and Engage Locally

Global warming is steadily accelerating, and it is increasingly apparent as this year alone we’ve had deadly flash floods, wildfires, and persistent heatwaves and drought throughout the world. Recently, more than 200 climate scientists met to finalize a report “summarizing how the Earth’s climate has already changed and what humans can expect for the rest of the century” (Hersher, 2021). This report, released August 9, 2021, is the 6th edition. Climate science research has progressed significantly since the last report came out in 2013 and this new report is the most detailed and accurate picture of the global climate to date, as the computer models and the data scientists use to predict future climate patterns has advanced. A major goal … Continued
A sneak peek at the Mary Fell collection

A sneak peek at the Mary Fell collection

IU East was lucky enough to enjoy the teaching expertise of award winning poet Mary Fell for over 30 years.  Earlier this year, she donated a number of books, documents and ephemera to the IU East Campus Archives.  And today, we’ll take a brief look at some of the treasures we’ve seen so far.  Let’s go! Class planning materials A working writer relies on a number of tools to complete their work.  Whether it’s the perfectly balanced pen, the elegantly laid cream wove paper or the delicious cup of coffee in the best coffee mug, each writer assembles their tools to begin the day’s task of crafting words.  Mary consulted a number of books related to poetry in order to … Continued
Find us on Facebook!

Find us on Facebook!

Interested in fascinating facts, reliable resources, and delightful databases? Then be sure to “like” us on the IU East Campus Library Facebook page for weekly highlights of databases found in our A-Z Index. Here are some recent highlights. Arts African American Music is rich with variety. Learn more about musicians Nina Simone, Millie Jackson, Roberta Flack, and other great African American artists in the International Index to Music Periodicals database. What do Harriet Hosmer, Edmonia Lewis, and Emma Stebbins have in common? They were famous neoclassical women sculptors from the mid-19th century. Learn more about them and their work, in the Oxford Art Online database. It contains more than 200,000 articles spanning ancient to contemporary art and architecture, as well as over … Continued
Much Ado about Shakespeare

Much Ado about Shakespeare

More than 450 years after William Shakespeare’s birth, the Bard of Avon remains one of the most indelible and influential authors of all time.  His works continue to find relevance and meaning today; as their subtlety and wit and understanding of human drives and foibles offer a mirror which still cogently reflects society (as seen in numerous adaptions that easily translate the action to modern settings).  His writings – principally plays, sonnets, and poems – remain among the most widely reproduced writings in history, and modern literature is full of allusions to his texts.  His unparalleled literary influence supports contemporary poet Ben Jonson’s analysis that Shakespeare was “not of an age, but for all time”. Shakespeare’s rich, colorful language is … Continued