Matt Dilworth

Matt Dilworth

Image Research

Image Research

, , , Matt Dilworth, Research
Looking for images and not sure what research tools can help you find them? Images may not be as easily discoverable since many tools designed for searching text use metadata (the tags or descriptions or other keywords on a webpage) which may not adequately describe the image content you need. Whatever your reasons for an image search, such as a larger resolution version, learning about its provenance, or determining the copyright holder so you can legally and ethically use it, we have some tips to help you in the image search process! You can try ‘Reverse’ image searching, sometimes called content-based image retrieval. Instead of searching by typing in what you want to find, you upload a picture you already … Continued
The 19th Amendment and Suffrage in Indiana

The 19th Amendment and Suffrage in Indiana

, , , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
January 16th marked the centennial anniversary of Indiana’s ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment (which would become law later in the year, in August of 1920).  A vital milestone in the evolution of equal rights, the women’s suffrage movement had existed in one form or another since the nation’s founding, but had gained particular momentum in the Reconstruction era.  Even today, it continues to resonate, influencing the shape and ideals of modern inclusivity and equal rights movements.  Hoosiers are celebrating the milestone across the state, and after a commemoration led by the Lieutenant Governor, Suzanne Crouch, on the 16th, there will be events, lectures, and travelling exhibits about women’s suffrage to learn from.  A calendar of these events as well as … Continued
‘Freedom’ to Read on the Inside

‘Freedom’ to Read on the Inside

, , , , , books, Matt Dilworth
What do you do if you want a book, but can’t pay for it?  The answer is obvious – get it from the library.  But not all libraries are created equal, and some lack the resources to acquire the material their patrons need.  In particular, prison libraries are more dependent on donations of books than public or academic libraries are, which generally enjoy more public support and stable funding.  This isn’t a small problem – almost 2.3 million people in this country are in prison; and 47,000 in Indiana. However, recent technological advances have resulted in many states issuing e-readers to prisoners, similar to educational initiatives in schools.  This allows incarcerated people to maintain more of the human connection the … Continued
Primary Sources

Primary Sources

, , , , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
“The whole modern method of historical research is founded upon the distinction between original and derivative authorities. By original authorities we mean either statements by eye-witnesses, or documents, and other material remains, which are contemporary with the events which they attest. By derivative authorities we mean historians or chroniclers who relate and discuss events which they have not witnessed but which they have heard of or inferred directly or indirectly from original authorities.” – Arnaldo Momigliano, Studies in Historiography, 1966 When conducting research, you will often need to find and use specific types of resources.  That could include peer-reviewed work, or to use a book or a video as a reference.  One common and very important type of source students … Continued
Organized Research

Organized Research

, , , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
We are now a few weeks into the semester – long enough to get comfortable with the trajectory and expectations of a class, but not far enough, in most cases, to feel pressure from a final paper or project.  More and more, though, students want to keep it that way. If you’re one of this new type of student, you may be doing some of your major research early, to reduce the demands on you at the end of the semester.  A little pre-research, or ‘presearch’, if you will.  And that’s great – that sort of dedication and forethought is commendable.  But how do you make sure the value of what you do now is maximized later?  If you forget … Continued