Library Resources

Library Resources

Mergers

Mergers

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
In late June, ProQuest, one of our largest suppliers of scholarly databases, purchased Alexander Street Press, which is particularly strong on primary sources, music, and video. Some of the many ASP databases IU East uses include VAST, a multidisciplinary video collection, Black Thought and Culture, North American Immigrant Letters and Diaries, Women and Social Movements, Underground and Independent Comics, American Film Scripts, Oral History Online, and Twentieth Century North American Drama. So, there is a lot that we use that will probably look a bit different by next year. In fact, the vast majority of academic library resources at IU East come from one of two vendors – the EBSCO corporation or ProQuest. In many ways, this is great news. … Continued
Join the Revolution

Join the Revolution

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
As we approach Independence Day, it seems like the American Revolution is on people’s minds more than any time in recent history. It is in the news and our entertainment through television shows like Turn: Washington’s Spies and archeological finds like the artifacts recently unearthed at Sandy Hook. But nothing has brought the people who fought the Revolutionary War into popular focus like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary – in all senses of the word – Broadway musical Hamilton, which recently won 11 Tony awards. Based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington, Hamilton is sung in rap music, with all of the principle cast (save King George) played by people of color. Miranda’s … Continued
Open for learning!

Open for learning!

, books, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
There are all types of databases – some for books, some for articles, some for newspapers, some for videos, and some for references. Some focus on controversies, and some specialize in a contiguous historical record. Many of these databases are expensive, costing many hundreds or thousands of dollars to license and use. That content does have a tremendous amount of value and authors need to be compensated for it. However, many authors are willing to forgo any type of compensation, because they believe everyone should have access to this type of intellectual inquiry. So, a lot of writers make their work available for free on the internet. These are generally posted with an open access license, such as Creative Commons. … Continued
The Next Step

The Next Step

Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
Congratulations to the IU East class of 2016! 795 people graduated this year, earning bachelors and master’s degrees. It is a moment of celebration for IU East and you, but it is also a moment of transition for you – the chance to put your new skills and education to use in a job. The job market can be tough, so finding the right job that uses your knowledge and skills and rewards your dedication can be a challenge. IU East invested in your ongoing success, first as a student and then as an alumni throughout life. The IU East Office of Career Services can provide career counseling, job listings, internships, help with writing résumés, and tips for acing interviews, … Continued
Historical Perspectives

Historical Perspectives

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
It is said that ‘victors write the history books’ – that the dominant group shapes the historical narrative and record, flattering itself and distorting or excluding (intentionally or otherwise) the perspectives of any other groups. And often, this is true. An excellent example is World War II – not only are there no significant advocates of the Nazi or Imperial Japanese causes, but the contributions of the United States have been made to eclipse or replace those of our allies. Recent films such as U-571 and Monuments Men replace heroic British figures with Americans, and American battles like the D-Day invasion are remembered while pivotal Soviet engagements like the battle of Stalingrad are ignored or downplayed. And while sometimes this … Continued