Elizabeth South

Elizabeth South

Electronic Records: Preserve to protect

Electronic Records: Preserve to protect

, , , Library Resources, Website
Electronic records are a major part of our personal and professional lives, from the creative and academic work we publish online via journals, blogs, and social media platforms to the meeting minutes and published policies of individual groups, committees, and organizations. The majority of work is now online and we need to act in order to preserve it, the same as for physical materials. There is even an official day to recognize the importance of electronic records – Electronic Records Day, celebrated annually in October. This is a day dedicated to raising awareness among the general public, government agencies, and public institutions on the importance of preserving electronic records. Archivist Beth South is currently working on several initiatives to preserve … Continued
Human-Animal Bonds: Taking Care of Our Pets

Human-Animal Bonds: Taking Care of Our Pets

, , , Frances Yates, outreach
According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), there are 5 major benefits to owning a pet: alleviate stress fight depression reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness encourage physical activity  facilitate healing and resiliency The Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption of businesses and education in 2020-21 forced many people to isolate, either alone or with their immediate household members, contributing to an increase in depression, loneliness, and stress (Robillard et al. 2020). The pandemic also saw a rise in pet adoption as more people were limited to at-home and outdoor activities. (Ho et al. 2021). During these challenging times, people often turned to their pets for comfort and support. Respondents in a HABRI survey specific to the human-animal bond … Continued
Climate Change and Sustainability: Where to Learn More and Engage Locally

Climate Change and Sustainability: Where to Learn More and Engage Locally

, , , Library Resources
Global warming is steadily accelerating, and it is increasingly apparent as this year alone we’ve had deadly flash floods, wildfires, and persistent heatwaves and drought throughout the world. Recently, more than 200 climate scientists met to finalize a report “summarizing how the Earth’s climate has already changed and what humans can expect for the rest of the century” (Hersher, 2021). This report, released August 9, 2021, is the 6th edition. Climate science research has progressed significantly since the last report came out in 2013 and this new report is the most detailed and accurate picture of the global climate to date, as the computer models and the data scientists use to predict future climate patterns has advanced. A major goal … Continued
Sustainable Summer Idea: Be Plastic Free

Sustainable Summer Idea: Be Plastic Free

, , outreach, Programs
Actions of sustainability can be accomplished every day. Throughout the month of July we can “Choose to refuse” single-use plastic. Plastic Free July is a global campaign that aims for people to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic waste. Plastic is a material that can last for hundreds of years, and with so many household items and packaging made of plastic, plastic pollution is a major threat to our oceans and communities. Single-use plastic is convenient and flexible in its use, and that is why it is so very challenging to eliminate completely. That’s why movements like Plastic Free July are important. Plastic Free July provides resources and tips to help you go plastic free. You can start small, reduce your … Continued
A Pride Worthy Archives Update

A Pride Worthy Archives Update

, , , Programs
IU East LGBTQ+ Archive Just in time for Pride Month, we added several new items to the IU East LGBTQ+ Collection. Current Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Nathan Froebe, recently premiered his new song cycle titled “In Paths Untrodden” on Facebook Live. This song cycle consists of ten poems by Walt Whitman and depicts the navigation of an LGBTQ+ relationship in the messy aftermath of romantic separation. Dr. Froebe composed this music over the last eight years, pulling from his own personal experience, and wrote the voice parts for two ungendered voices. The IU East Archives now has the performance, the performance program, the musical score, and Dr. Froebe’s interview on how and why he created this song cycle … Continued