Matt Dilworth

Matt Dilworth

From Beyond IU

From Beyond IU

, ILL, Matt Dilworth
Being a part of Indiana University enables free access to a dazzling array of academic resources.  However, even the largest institution doesn’t have everything, and eventually any scholar will find a citation for a vital resource to which they do not have access.  Perhaps a book, or an article, or even a DVD.  Whatever it is, you know it would make your research deeper and better.  But it can only be found through a paywall Fortunately, the library can help you get those hard-to-acquire resources.  For books that any IU library owns, you can get them transferred from another campus easily – from IUCAT, Indiana University’s catalog, you can request books be sent here from by clicking the red ‘Request … Continued
New Graphic Novels

New Graphic Novels

, , books, Matt Dilworth
The library has recently added substantially to its graphic novel collection, and they have been moved to right by the circulation desk, in the front of the library.  Many titles in many genres have been added – if you like comics, now would be an excellent time to browse for something to read. New volumes include compilations of classic comics and newspaper strips, such as Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, The Far Side, Uncle Scrooge, and Pearls Before Swine.  Humorous and easy to read, many of these characters are deeply embedded in the popular consciousness. The library has also expanded its selection of manga, Japanese comic books, with titles like Death Note, about a sociopath who discovers a supernatural notebook that … Continued
Black History and the Military

Black History and the Military

, Matt Dilworth
February is Black History Month, and a perfect opportunity to spotlight black excellence – great inventors, leaders, social reformers, entertainers, and freedom fighters.  Often, we view this last group through the lens of social activism – people who sought equality under the law.  But African Americans have been safeguarding physical freedom as long as this country has existed, from the opening shots of the American Revolution, and the vigilance of black soldiers should not be forgotten. During demonstrations against the British in Massachusetts in 1770, sailor Crispus Attucks, an unarmed protestor, became the first American martyr when he was shot down by British troops.  Four other Americans died in the shooting, which touched off the Revolutionary War.  His body lay … Continued
Popeye Belongs to All of Us

Popeye Belongs to All of Us

, , Matt Dilworth
On January 1st each year, Public Domain Day, new materials fall out of copyright and become free to use and adapt for anyone, without needing to clear rights or pay royalties.  These include audio recordings first copyrighted in 1924, and books, films, plays, musical compositions, artwork, and characters copyrighted in 1929.  In recent years, these have included the original iterations of Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse, who have featured in a plethora of new marketable for-profit works; most notoriously low-budget horror films. This year, books like William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury have now become free to use, adapt, and sell, as well as Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, Agatha Christie’s ninth novel, The Seven Dials Mystery … Continued
The Christmas Eggnog Riot

The Christmas Eggnog Riot

, Matt Dilworth
In 1802, West Point Military Academy was founded, a pathetic joke of a military institution whose lax recruitment standards, negligible resources, and few teachers contributed little to the nation’s safety.  Then the War of 1812 happened, and losing the White House to the British convinced Congress that it would be prudent to train better officers and soldiers.  In 1817, Colonel Sylvanus Thayer was appointed as superintendent.  Thayer was a hero of the War of 1812 who had studied in France, and a man known for strict discipline in every sense of the word – both military and personal.  He quickly moved to change the character of the institution, and the character of the men who graduated. He created a stable four-year … Continued