KT Lowe

KT Lowe

Go to the sources! Primary sources at IU East

Go to the sources! Primary sources at IU East

, Library Resources, Research
A primary source is an original “real thing.” It could be a song written in your favorite artist’s handwriting – maybe even on the back of an envelope.  Or Leonardo da Vinci’s sketch of one of his early paintings.  It could even be your family’s old Bible, with the names of your ancestors written, with dates of birth, marriage and other life events.  “Real things” come in a variety of forms, shapes, contexts and types. Through IU East, you have access to a number of these types of documents. Check out these highlights! African American Communities This database includes a variety of materials related to the African American experience, across multiple communities.  From documentation of segregation and racist activity against … Continued
Why voting matters

Why voting matters

, , outreach
While the right to vote has been part of the US Constitution since the founding of this country. it was originally limited to white male landowners – a wealthy elite in many cases.  The right to vote, considered a cornerstone in the popular conception of democracy, is a hard-won right earned through centuries of war, civic strife, protest and direct petitioning.  In honor of the struggles of those who have come before, and to preserve the liberties that this nation holds dear, it is worth understanding what voting means and why voting is such an important act. The first amendment to the Constitution related to voting came in 1870, almost 100 years from the date of its ratification.  The 15th … Continued
Resources to Support an Everyday Approach to Fighting Racism

Resources to Support an Everyday Approach to Fighting Racism

, , outreach, Programs
“When the looting starts, the shooting starts.”  This deeply racist phrase reentered the public conscience last week after a series of protests surrounding the tragic and brutal death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. The phrase dates to 1967, when Miami, FL police chief Walter Headley used it as part of a series of instructions to the police force in his city.  Its return is unwelcome, and yet understanding why it was said and what makes it racist can help all of us start a meaningful conversation on race and racism.  Here are a host of resources to help you learn about, cope with and combat the events of the past week. First, it is helpful to know that racism … Continued
The Internet Archive, a trove of amazing things

The Internet Archive, a trove of amazing things

, , Research, Website
Founded in 1996, the Internet Archive is a free resource of materials ranging from previous versions of websites to video games to concerts from well known recording artists and much more.  So much, in fact, that it can be quite overwhelming.  As an avid user of Archive.org, KT Lowe, Instruction Librarian, is glad to provide you with a list of her all-time favorite resources. Let us know on Facebook what is YOUR favorite Internet Archive resource! FEATURE FILMS: Sita Sings the Blues – a full length animated film by Nina Paley recounting the Ramayana from the perspective of a divorcee. Terrific animation, a great soundtrack featuring the music of 1920’s jazz chanteuse Annette Hanshaw and a thoroughly enjoyable set of … Continued
Sorting fact from fiction about sexual assault

Sorting fact from fiction about sexual assault

, , outreach, Programs
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an uncomfortable subject for many of us to think about.  Yet it is very important to learn about sexual assault, especially since there are so many myths about it, myths that victimize people ever further after an attack.  Myth: Rape and sexual assault are crimes of passion and cannot be stopped. Truth:  According to the World Health Organization, rape and sexual assault are crimes of power and dominance, often used as a tool of control over the victim.  Sexual assault may occur under a number of different circumstances, usually involves an acquaintance of the victim and always involves lack of consent on the part of the victim. Myth:  Sexual assault isn’t that common, so … Continued