Elizabeth South | Library Blog - Indiana University East

Elizabeth South

Creating Accessible Digital Content

accessibility, Elizabeth South, web design January 15, 2024 Website mdilwort

This past summer, the Department of Justice released notice of proposed rulemaking for digital accessibility of state and local government entities that would require the adoption of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, Level AA as the technical standard for web content. This proposed rule is expected to take effect as early as summer of 2024, in which all Indiana University websites, digital content, and applications are expected to comply (although there are exceptions). Accessibility should be a concern for everyone involved in teaching and learning, not just web designers, learning technology consultants, or accessibility coordinators. If you are a content creator of any kind, whether student or faculty, you should check out our 2020 blog post on Accessibility … Continued

Textbook Savings and Customized Teaching: The 2023-2024 Course Material Transformation Fellowship Award Winners

awards, Elizabeth South, oer, Open Education Resources, textbooks December 18, 2023 Programs mdilwort

The Campus Library and the Center for Faculty Development have collaborated once again to offer the Course Material Transformation Fellowship for 2023-2024. This fellowship supports instructors in their efforts to adopt and create affordable course materials, including open educational resources (OER), library licensed content, and open access materials. The Fellowship Program aims to: Lower the cost of college for students in order to contribute to their retention, progression, and graduation. Encourage the development of alternatives to high-cost textbooks by supporting the adoption, adaptation, and creation of Open Educational Resources (OER) Make course material access on the first day of class a reality for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Fellowship recipients will receive a $2,000 stipend from the Center for … Continued

America Recycles

Elizabeth South, environment, sustainability November 13, 2023 outreach mdilwort

An initiative of Keep America Beautiful, we celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15, 2023. Reducing and reusing materials are useful options to reduce waste, but not always possible. While many people care about recycling, it can be confusing about how to recycle properly. According to Keep America Beautiful, in the past year, Americans have recycled 1.8 million pounds of single-stream recycling, 157 thousand pounds of clothing/textiles, and 2.3 million pounds of mixed paper. Benefits of recycling include reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gases and helping to preserve natural resources. Tips for effective recycling: How to recycle Items put in the recycling bin should be empty, clean, and dry. Don’t just throw materials into a recycling bin. It is … Continued

Open Access 2023: Community over Commercialization

Elizabeth South, oer, open access, Open Education Resources October 16, 2023 Library Resources mdilwort

International Open Access Week is October 23-29 and the theme for 2023 is Community over Commercialization, raising awareness on the importance of communities having control of knowledge sharing systems so they can have access to the data and information they need to collectively fight climate change, inequality, and effectively enact public health policies. “Openness can create pathways to more equitable knowledge sharing and serve as a means to address the inequities that shape societies and our response to them.” (International Open Access Week, Theme). As you review the resources and information listed in this blog, the International Open Access community encourages you to consider the theme to this year’s Open Access Week and think critically about which approaches to open … Continued

Dear Diary: Primary Sources at the Campus Library

Elizabeth South, primary sources September 18, 2023 Library Resources mdilwort

One of the best primary source materials for any researcher to explore has always been diaries and letters, the first-hand account of anyone living through a particular place in time or historical event. Today, many people may not write with pen and paper, but describing the daily activities and stories of our everyday life is alive and strong via blogs, social media posts, and emails. Keeping a journal, or writing our ideas and feelings down, no matter to format, can reduce our daily worries and tension, organize our thoughts, maintain goals, and help us develop strategies for dealing with daily challenges and fears. In celebration of National “Dear Diary” Day, on September 22, the IU East Campus Library is highlighting … Continued