Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Under Construction

Under Construction

As construction continues apace in the library, the louder sounds of power tools accompany the more traditional whispers usually heard here.  Stacks of construction materials move in – steel and drywall and paint and glass and tiles.  Electricians and plumbers and painters handle their specialized tasks.  And as different as the fields of construction and libraries are, there are lessons we can learn from our builder colleagues. After all, this is the time of year that your research should be ‘under construction’, as well.  Now that we are over a third of the way through the semester, if you have not already done at least some of your final research by this point, you are falling behind.  Now, chances are … Continued
Some “Green” Resources to Sustain Your Research

Some “Green” Resources to Sustain Your Research

The IU East Sustainability Council held their first meeting of 2019 on February 7, the same day that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Ed Markley (D-Mass) introduced the “Green New Deal” to the U.S. House of Representatives. People are becoming increasingly concerned for our planet’s wellbeing and are now looking more towards sustainable living practices. Hello, tiny houses, natural cleaners, and community gardens! Goodbye plastic straws and bags! More brands are promising to work towards “green” or “eco-friendly” initiatives, and college campuses, cities, and local communities are working to be more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and overall, healthier. Sustainability is such a broad concept and it can branch into all subject areas: science, business, politics, health, society, even art. … Continued
How accurate is Hamilton?

How accurate is Hamilton?

Hamilton, the ten dollar Founding Father musical released in May 2015, is among the most successful musicals in history.  With the all-time best selling cast recording and a total gross of $463 million by January 2019, not to mention 11 Tony awards and a thoroughly lovable collection of alternative “Hamildrops,” the musical continues to remain in the popular imagination.  But one question that needs to be asked is – Just how true to its history is Hamilton? Alexander Hamilton, by John Trumbull (1806) Nobody listens to a musical for a history lesson.  While a new play by novelist Ishmael Reed asks rather pointed questions about the musical’s accuracy, it can be stated that Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, went … Continued
All are welcome here

All are welcome here

“Indiana University East is an inclusive and welcoming campus that recognizes, celebrates and embraces differences and commonalities.” This first sentence from the Indiana University East Diversity Mission Statement is a guiding principle for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Appointed by IU East Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe, members of the DI Committee can provide program support, facilitate program planning, and promote opportunities for diversity education of students, faculty, and staff. There are a variety of curricular and co-curricular happenings on campus throughout the Spring semester. The Diversity and Inclusion resource guide highlights events ranging from cultural food days and Black History month films, to several LGBTQ programs and an Appalachian poet and woodworker.  Meetings of the DI Committee are open and we … Continued
Where to Get Things

Where to Get Things

If you’ve been anywhere near Hayes Hall recently, you’ve probably encountered a lot of construction, and the attendant noise that accompanies it.  Navigating the current quirks of the building – for example, the only working elevator is currently the one that goes through the library, the School of Business offices, and the custodial supply room; not the main one – can be like going on an adventure.  So, while we would love to have you in the library (and we are still fully open for business, with plenty of computers and study spaces arranged in our book stacks), we understand if, just for this one semester, you would like to avoid us as much as possible. But you still need … Continued