Latest Posts

Latest Posts

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
Bicentennial Intern Researches History of IU East Campus and Community Art Partnerships

Bicentennial Intern Researches History of IU East Campus and Community Art Partnerships

, , , , , Interns, Library Resources, Student Workers
Brittany Yoder, summer 2018 IU Bicentennial Intern, is delving into the IU East Archives to research the Whitewater Valley Annual Art Competition and other campus-community art collaborations at IU East. A primary focus is on the late Tom Thomas, an IU East art professor for over 30 years, who brought the campus and community together through various art programs.  An online exhibit of Brittany’s research will be uploaded to Omeka, an online presentation site that is publicly accessible. Combs, Jessica.  (2009, October/ November) An array of art continues for 31st WVAAC. Howler, pg 4. [Robert Van Sickle, Robert Ladd, Betty Muhl with art]. (November 1, 1974). The Pioneer Press 2(4), pg. 4. Featuring resources from the IU East archives, the … Continued
Fake news fatigue? Never fear!

Fake news fatigue? Never fear!

, , Library Resources, Website
Since fake news came to wider prominence in 2016, many of us are increasingly skeptical of news accuracy and news quality.  While it makes sense to scrutinize various news sources, most Americans find mainstream media biased.   Only about 32% of Americans trust mainstream news, and this figure dropped eight percentage points from the previous year’s study (2015-2016.)  Unfortunately, some of that mistrust is earned.  Still, even in the era of faster news cycles, instantaneous information and “alternative” press, there are a few solutions. One is to become an advocate for truth, or as oceanographer and director of LUMCON Craig McClain puts it, a “Nerd of Trust.”  According to McClain, while up to 82% of scientists use Facebook regularly, very few … Continued