Library Resources

Library Resources

Resources for the Skies

Resources for the Skies

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
On Christmas Day in 1758, Halley’s Comet appeared in the sky, sighted by Johann Palizsch.  This time, though, its appearance had been predicted in advance by the man it would come to be named after, Edmond Halley, who realized the comet was subject to Newtonian laws of motion and successfully connected it to historical sightings of particularly impressive comets at roughly seventy-five year intervals. Predicting other celestial phenomenon was well known – eclipses had been predictable for centuries.  Christopher Columbus, for example, had used the technique to intimidate the peoples of Jamaica into cooperation on his fourth trip to the Americas, in 1504; suggesting to them that he had much more power than he actually did.  But many cultures had … Continued
Open Pedagogy: create and collaborate

Open Pedagogy: create and collaborate

, , , , Library Resources
Open Pedagogy is a concept in teaching that overlaps with other schools of pedagogical thought, especially as we now work, create, and learn in a digital environment and engage more with collaborative work, such as: Constructivist Pedagogy – learning based on the idea that we construct our own knowledge through direct experience (Hands-on learning). Critical Digital Pedagogy – focuses not just on the tools we use in teaching, but how we are connecting as human beings. Connected Learning – active participation in learning, collaboration with peers, mentors, etc. The term Open Pedagogy was first cited in 1979 by a Canadian named Claude Paquette and he “outlines three sets of foundational values of Open Pedagogy: autonomy and interdependence; freedom and responsibility; … Continued
Archeology and Intercultural Dialogue

Archeology and Intercultural Dialogue

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
In recent blogs, library tools related to archeology and sustainability have been explored, in support of a documentary film and a presentation by assistant professor of anthropology Dr. Aaron Comstock, given on November 10.  The video, Common Ground: The Story of Bears Ears documents the many competing concerns over the Bears Ears monument in Utah, including the preservation of  art and historical artifacts (materials of outsized importance in understanding pre-literate native cultures), conservation, the development of energy and rare resources, and providing space to live.  The need for input from all shareholders, particularly from Native Americans, is a primary and ongoing concern. In his work, Aaron Comstock has sought to foster dialogue with and inclusion of Native American stakeholders in … Continued
Climate Resilience and Sustainability at IU East

Climate Resilience and Sustainability at IU East

, , Library Resources, outreach, Programs
The 2021 UN Climate Change Conference took place in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 to November 12.  Aligned with that, there were several events at the IU East campus focused on climate change, climate resilience, and sustainability.  Participation by student organizations included the College Democrats of Indiana and the Animals and Earth Club. A Climate March for Our Lives event in the campus quad on October 26 inspired discussion on the importance of sustainability efforts, both small and large, and how there is much that we can still do at the campus, community, and state levels to make a difference. An active member of the Campus Climate Resilience Committee, Assistant Librarian of Access and Technical Services Beth South worked with the … Continued
Cheers for Archeology

Cheers for Archeology

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Archeology Month highlights the importance of studying human activity and culture through time.  The fields of archeology, ethnology, anthropology, and folklore can offer insight to modern problems and context to societal behavior patterns.  The state of Indiana’s focus for Archeology Month this year was on the production and use of alcohol in Indiana. The Campus Library has many resources available about a variety of archeological topics. One major source is the Wiley Online Library, which offers dozens of journals and other sources on anthropological topics. Another resource is JSTOR, which has a slightly smaller selection of journals but a much deeper historical perspective.  Thousands of hours of streaming video are available through Ethnographic Video Online including ethnographic films (both traditional … Continued