Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Organizing Your Research

Organizing Your Research

, , Library Resources, Library Services, Matt Dilworth, Research
Research is changing. Experts from the EBSCO corporation, which produces library databases, spoke recently with IU East library staff about their internal studies on how students used their products – and what the emerging trends are that they plan to address.  Their evidence shows that more students are doing initial research for final projects and papers much earlier in the semester, and doing it more frequently on a smartphone or mobile device, making note of or saving those materials to look through in greater depth closer to the project’s due date.  Generally, students still choose to read them on a traditional computer or laptop, but the importance of mobile devices to the research process has never been greater. But there … Continued
Working skills for everyone

Working skills for everyone

, , books, Programs
Beth South is Coordinator of Campus Library User Services and Archivist at Indiana University East. This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the Library Management Skills Institute in Bloomington, IN, sponsored by the Association of Research Libraries and Indiana University Bloomington Libraries. It was an intensive and engaging three-day workshop, led by consultant DeEtta Jones. Participants included librarians in varied positions at different libraries and at various stages in our careers, but we all shared similar concerns and issues. Whether we have been managers for years, in a new position, or have yet to enter a management position, we were all looking for ways to prepare ourselves for these leadership roles, or to perform better in these roles. … Continued
Rhyme with Reason: The Summer Poetry Teachers Institute – KT Lowe shares her experience

Rhyme with Reason: The Summer Poetry Teachers Institute – KT Lowe shares her experience

, Programs
This past July, I was fortunate to attend the Summer Poetry Teachers Institute.  Sponsored by the Poetry Foundation, which furthers the understanding and appreciation of poetry, the institute was at their headquarters in Chicago, IL.  The application was competitive, with only 100 teachers and librarians from across the US, from kindergarten to college, selected to take part in the program.  Throughout five days, we explored poetry resources, nationally and internationally recognized poets, and classroom ideas, in order to create a curriculum designed to benefit students in the community. (Children’s section of the Poetry Foundation library) Because of my work with slam poetry as part of National Poetry Month, my section was focused on middle school students.  In addition to education … Continued
Ann Tobin: Campus/Community Liaison for the Center for Service-Learning (CSL)

Ann Tobin: Campus/Community Liaison for the Center for Service-Learning (CSL)

, , , , , Ann Tobin, outreach, Programs
Throughout the 2018-19 academic year, we’ll be celebrating the many individuals in the Campus Library and Center for Service-Learning who do so much to contribute to student success and create an inclusive and welcoming experience for all students. This week’s blog features Ann Tobin, our campus/community liaison for the Center for Service-Learning. Ann creates community connections by engaging IU East students in service for course requirements, work study, career exploration, volunteerism, special projects, tutoring/mentoring, graduate school applications, and personal enrichment. She explains, “It’s all about relationships –those with the community partners and with the IU East students.” Answering needs of community organizations is a top priority, and many partners contact CSL with a need for service students. Answering the needs … Continued
Un-conventional Writing

Un-conventional Writing

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Recently, I had the privilege of volunteering at Teen Con, an annual sci-fi, fantasy, and comic convention held by the New Castle – Henry County Public Library.  It featured games, vendors, costumes (I was dressed as the Red Power Ranger), and panel discussions with local professionals about producing and self-publishing art, including writing, graphic works, and animation.  Lots of local authors were featured, who have written predominantly in the sci-fi, urban, and fantasy genres, including Laura VanArendonk Baugh, Stephanie Cain, Hans Cummings, and George Kramer.  They were all delighted to talk about their tradecraft, and Hans Cummings and Stephanie Cain led one of the informative panel discussions. Some of them had self-published their books, using a service such as Lulu, … Continued