Elizabeth South

Elizabeth South

Celebrating 237 years of the U.S. Constitution

Celebrating 237 years of the U.S. Constitution

, Library Resources, outreach
On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates of the Constitutional Convention, our founding fathers, signed and enacted the United States Constitution. This document establishes the “checks and balances” system among the three branches of government: Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. We have celebrated this milestone with Constitution Day on September 17th each year, marking 237 years in 2024. The celebration began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day,” following a resolution by Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was observed on the third Sunday in May. In 1952, it was renamed “Constitution Day” and moved to September 17th to honor the original signing date. In 2004, Congress renamed it again to “Constitution and Citizenship Day” to also recognize new U.S. … Continued
Graphic Narratives: Exploring the Visual Stories at Our Library

Graphic Narratives: Exploring the Visual Stories at Our Library

, , books
The IU East Campus Library is expanding its graphic novel collection! Although graphic novels have been around for some time, the past decade has seen a surge in the variety of stories, ideas, and subjects conveyed through visual illustrations. Even classic novels are getting the graphic novel treatment, inspiring a new generation of readers, or reengaging long-time fans. Graphic novels are an exciting and engaging medium that combines visual art with narrative text, offering a unique reading experience that can enhance literacy. They present stories through a sequence of illustrations and text, often leading to a more immersive and interactive form of storytelling. This visual aspect can be particularly beneficial for reluctant readers or those struggling with traditional texts or … Continued
The Synergy of Communities of Practice and Mentoring

The Synergy of Communities of Practice and Mentoring

, , outreach
On July 18th, two IU East Librarians will be attending the Academic Libraries of Indiana’s (ALI) Unconference on Communities of Practice and Mentorship. Assistant Librarian of Access Services Beth South currently chairs ALI’s Mentorship Committee and will be presenting on the work of the mentorship committee and mentoring within libraries. Assistant Librarian of Instruction KT Lowe is also a member of the mentorship committee and will discuss communities of practice within libraries. In terms of personal and professional development Communities of Practice (CoPs) and mentoring are two powerful tools that everyone should consider taking part in at some point in their studies or career. Each concept has its own strength and can stand well on its own, but when combined, … Continued
Expand Your Research: The Creative Commons Certificate

Expand Your Research: The Creative Commons Certificate

, , Website
This past spring, Assistant Librarian of Access and Technical Services Beth South enrolled in the Creative Commons for Librarians certificate course with fellow librarian Peter Whiting from University of Southern Indiana and Instructional Designer Shannon Barnes from Earlham College. All three applied for a scholarship offered by Academic Libraries of Indiana’s (ALI) Affordable Learning Committee and the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) to participate in the rewarding experience. The Creative Commons (CC) started as a non-profit in 2001, and by 2002, created a set of open licenses that allowed content creators and researchers world-wide to openly share their work with the public, proactively giving people the ability to use the works to further their own creative and educational pursuits within … Continued
Cicada Broods and Beyond: Navigating Scientific Journals for Rare Natural Wonders

Cicada Broods and Beyond: Navigating Scientific Journals for Rare Natural Wonders

, , Library Resources
On April 8, 2024, a large swath of Indiana was treated to a total solar eclipse, a rare event that last happened in 1869. And in May, parts of Indiana are experiencing another rare occurrence in nature – the emergence of two different cicada broods. In the north and southwest counties of Indiana there is the emergence of Brood XIII (17-year brood) and Brood XIX (13-year brood), a happening last took place in 1803. It will be another 221 years before these two broods sync again (Burga). Over a trillion red-eyed cicadas across the Midwest will emerge from underground burrows, where four U.S. cicada species live for 13 years and three U.S. species live for 17 years. They will spend … Continued