Tech Time @ McWherter Library & the Sandbox

Podcast Kit

Podcast Kits Available for Checkout

During the pandemic, most people were forced inside their homes in unprecedented numbers. This lead many to discover new podcasts and even start their own as they looked to fill their free time. As you may already know, there are a multitude of podcasts available on any number of subjects: science, entertainment, finance, video games, the list goes on. And these podcasts are made by people at every skill level, professional and amateur. If you have an interest you are passionate about and want to create your own podcast, whether it be for a class, a side hustle, or just for fun, McWherter Library is now offering a great way to start your journey. The Circulation Department is offering podcast kits that include a Blue Yeti microphone with USB connector cord, a pair of studio headphones, and a webcam (for all you vloggers out there). It will be a nonrenewable three day check out if you want to give it a try. We here in the Sandbox Creatorspace also recommend using programs like Audacity or Adobe Audition to record if using a PC and Garage Band for the Macintosh crowd. Hopefully, this will help you begin your own podcast adventure so you can join the ever-growing conversation of this burgeoning world.

Watch for Future Maker Mondays

Maker Monday: ROCK OUT!

Are you a guitar aficionado? Someone learning to play in their spare time? Or maybe just someone that enjoys cool tech and memorabilia? This coming Monday, September 26, the Sandbox Creatorspace at McWherter Library will be hosting its first Maker Monday event of the Fall Semester: ROCK OUT! We will be guiding you through the process of making your very own guitar pick with the library’s Glowforge Laser Cutter. We will also have a SpecDrum kit to explore if you want to just relax and make your own beats. If you are interested, sign up here so your spot is reserved. Also feel free to drop by the day of, explore what the Sandbox has to offer, and create your own musical memories.

National Voter Registration Day 2022

Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications

On September 20, the country will recognize National Voter Registration Day, an annual effort to educate the public on their right to vote. Many of these celebrations are paired with voter sign-up drives, whose mission is to bring more people into the national conversation that surrounds local, state, and national elections. For many young people, including college students, gaining the ability to vote at the age of 18 is their first real opportunity to express their voice in the political arena. There are any number of issues that have energized young voters in recent years: access to healthcare; the implementation of clean energy initiatives; the future of the U.S economy and the stock market; the fight over education and what students should learn; legalization of marijuana and other drugs; and student loan forgiveness and who can get it. National Voter Registration Day’s goal is to inform everyone about their ability to vote, and, most importantly, make sure people who want to vote are registered to do so. Gaining the right to vote has been a long and often arduous process, particularly for women, minorities, immigrants, and young people themselves. Concern over voter suppression and properly run elections is at one of the highest points in recent memory. Ultimately, one of the greatest privileges as an American citizen is being able to show up to the polls or, increasingly, vote by mail and make one’s voice heard. Protecting these rights is of the utmost importance.

The University of Memphis Libraries is also doing its part to promote Voter Registration Day this year. First, a big thanks is owed to Perveen Rustomfram, the head of the University Libraries Government Publication Department, for working tirelessly to organize these festivities. The Shelby County Election Commission will have a table set up in front of the McWherter Library entrance on Tuesday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; if you aren’t currently registered to vote and are on the University of Memphis Main Campus, drop by and the volunteers working there will guide you through the process of registering in person or online. On the same day from 12:30 to 1:30, McWherter Library and the Government Publications Department will be hosting a panel discussion entitled ‘Power of the Youth Vote.’ It will include Ebony Dawkins-Meeks from Political Science, Otis Sandford from Journalism and Strategic Media, and Cookie Woolner from History. Please plan to attend this wonderful educational opportunity, where University of Memphis professors will discuss the role of young voters now and in the future. It will be held in the McWherter Library Second Floor Commons; refreshments will be provided, including pizza. We hope to see you there!

There is no question that voting is one of the most important rights we can exercise as Americans. We here in the Government Publications Department would also like to share some online resources if you want to explore this topic further:

George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver

Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications

In recognition of Black History Month this year, Government Publications wants to bring attention to resources spotlighting the life and works of George Washington Carver. Carver, who was born into slavery in Missouri, is often studied by students due to his work with peanuts while at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama during the early 20th century. For this very reason, he is often called the ‘Peanut Man,’ as he gained national fame for his research on a number of crops while meeting numerous influential political figures and testifying before Congress in 1921 concerning a peanut tariff; there, despite the specter of segregation, he wowed by displaying a variety of uses for peanut based products. However, it is a disservice to Carver’s legacy to only look at this one aspect of his life and career.

Historian Mark Hersey argues that Carver should also be remembered for his efforts as an ecologist and conservationist, using his research and methods to encourage African American farmers to form a closer relationship with the land as a means of economic and social uplift. When one looks closer, it becomes clear that Carver ardently promoted the planting of crops such as peanuts and sweet potatoes to rotate away from cotton, which is a taxing crop to grow, and replenish the rich but depleted soil of his new Alabama home. Considered by many as both a man surrounded by mythology and an important historical figure in agricultural, environmental, and African American studies, Carver leaves behind an intriguing legacy that is worthy of further exploration. If you are so inclined to look more into his accomplishments, here are some resources available both online and through Government Publications and McWherter Library that can make that exploration a rich journey.

Online Resources

Resources Through Government Publications and McWherter Library

Constitution Day 2021

Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications

Every year, the Government Publications Department at the University of Memphis likes to bring attention to Constitution Day to honor, as you may have guessed, the U.S. Constitution. We have all likely seen news stories debating whether a law or court ruling is ‘constitutional.’ And I am sure, like me, you have wondered: what exactly does that mean? Constitutionality can pertain to most hot button issues in our modern society, whether it be immigration reform or gun control or the power to wage war. Luckily, there are resources available through the federal government that interpret such situations in a way that is accessible to everyday citizens and not just those versed in constitutional law.

One such resource is known as the ‘Constitution Annotated,’ curated by the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and available online at Congress.gov. This invaluable and periodically updated document provides short essays examining new interpretations of the governmental powers outlined in the Constitution and its Amendments. As mentioned before, there is always debate about what our government can and cannot legislate, and how rights protected by the Constitution, such as free speech, are affected by things such as new technologies and controversial events.

The Constitution is often considered a living document. Every year, the U.S. Supreme Court decides on cases that affect how our society will function based on this concept. Thankfully, the ‘Constitution Annotated’ provides understandable analysis through its essays on the ongoing evolution of how the Constitution shapes our lives. And, though tempting, I advise you to never skip the footnotes in these essays: they provide links to landmark court cases that, whether you realize it or not, determine how our country governs and how the Constitution protects the rights of American citizens.

Other resources

  • If you would like to view the print version of the ‘Constitution Annotated,’ also known as the ‘Constitution of the United States: Analysis and Interpretation,’ it is available in PDF format at Govinfo.gov.
  • Before diving into the interpretive essays of the ‘Constitution Annotated,’ you may want to read the original source material, the U.S. Constitution, here at the National Archives website.
  • There is a wonderful display celebrating Constitution Day, put together by our very own Betsy Eckert, in McWherter Library between the Rotunda and the Government Publications Department. And while you are there, grab a complimentary Pocket Constitution to refer to wherever you go!

A (Very) Brief History of the U.S. Census

Census Enumerator in Hawaii, 1960

Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications

As you may know, 2020 is a Census year! It is a distinct possibility that many of you have already filled out your Census forms, either through mail or online. In fact, 2020 will be the first time the Census Bureau will ask most people to respond online. But why exactly do we answer these questions sent to us by the federal government? Having an accurate Census is extremely important: it determines representation within Congress for individual states, affects the makeup of the Electoral College, and determines federal funding for countless programs and organizations. The history of the U.S. Census is actually quite complicated and reflects the story of our nation’s progress. The Census has even balanced on the cutting edge of data collection and tabulation for most of its existence, something that we experience every day in all parts of life.

Beginnings

The simple counting of people that live within the United States, along with the gathering of more detailed information on the population and the country itself, has been a mandate of the federal government since its inception. Article I, Section 2, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution outlined how representation in Congress would be determined and called for the ‘enumeration’ of the nation’s people every 10 years. Thus, in 1790, the first Census was held, asking only six questions, which have grown in number and variety during the two centuries since. It was handled by the State Department under the guidance of then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. The actual gathering of data was overseen by U.S. Marshals, who hired 650 assistants to cover their respective districts; Marshals continued with this duty until 1879, when the responsibility was handed over to professional enumerators due to concerns over accuracy.

Changes Over Time

The Census has certainly never been a static part of American governance. In 1849, the Department of the Interior took responsibility for holding the 1850 Census, which would be the first to count the population of California as part of the United States. Further changes came over the next 75 years; in 1902, the U.S. Census Bureau became a permanent agency within the Department of Commerce and Labor, ultimately remaining as part of Commerce when it became an independent department in 1913.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Census has been how the collection of data progressed over the years. As mentioned earlier, U.S. assistant Marshals went door-to-door asking questions, often in rugged rural areas. The tabulation of this information was a painstaking operation that often took years. In the late nineteenth century, Herman Hollerith, a former Census employee, created an electric tabulation machine that used punch cards to quickly process data. In the mid-twentieth century, the Census Bureau received UNIVAC I, the first nonmilitary computer, to further help tabulate data covering the exploding American population. As the Census begins to move online, new ways of gathering and storing information are certainly on the horizon for 2030 and beyond.

Census Fun Facts!

  • New York City has always been listed as the most populous city in the nation. In 1790, the first Census, its population was just over 33,000. In 2010, it was at almost 8.2 million
  • The most populous State at the time of the first Census was Virginia, with just over 747 thousand people. The winner in 2010: California, which did not gain statehood until 1850, tallying in at just over 37 million.
  • Worried about your data becoming public? By law, Census records aren’t released to the public by the National Archives until 72 years after Census Day, which was on April 1. If you are counting, that will be in the distant future of 2092 for the 2020 edition.

Celebrating Black History Month!

Benjamin Clanton and Meghan Campbell, Government Publications

There is no doubting that African Americans have played an integral role in the armed forces of the United States, from our nation’s inception up to the present day. They have served this country and put themselves in harm’s way to help preserve the ideals of freedom and liberty that have often been denied to them over the past two and a half centuries. Whether it be during the Revolutionary War to found the nation, the American Civil War to save the Union and end slavery, World War II to defeat fascism, or in the modern struggles to find equality and recognition for their contributions, African Americans have given everything possible, including the highest sacrifice, in the American armed forces. For example, recent decades have seen the rise of Colin Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants, to the greatest heights of the United States military, which propelled him to becoming Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administration. We here in Government Publications would like to use this opportunity during Black History Month to highlight some of the resources in our collection that honor and examine the sterling history of African American military service.

Bonus link!

Frederick Douglass is truly one of the great historical figures of the United States. After escaping slavery, Douglass became one of the greatest champions of abolition and social justice in 19th century America. His autobiography is still considered one of the greatest works of American literature ever produced, invaluable in its condemnation of slavery as an institution. Here is a link exploring the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., preserved by the National Park Service. Please enjoy!

 

 

Dissertation Writers Retreat

Are you a late-stage dissertation writer? Attend this free, week-long retreat focusing on both strategies for completing and how to plan for life after the dissertation.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will include workshops and presentations; free lunch and childcare will be provided. CWC consultants will be available to assist with any writing questions, and librarians will be available for research assistance. Register at bit.ly/dwr2020 by December 14 to reserve free childcare provided by the Lipman Early Learning and Research Center, catered lunch, coffee, tea, and breakfast snacks, and study room. Monday and Friday, enjoy quiet space devoted to writing.

Questions? Contact Michael Harris at mwhrris2@memphis.edu.

Below is a tentative retreat schedule:

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Lambuth Library News: November 2019

Written by Lisa Reilly, Lambuth Campus Librarian: 

What’s New 

Just in time for the upcoming holiday breaks, we have introduced a new Leisure Reading collection to the Lambuth Library. The collection includes best-selling, hot-off-the-presses fiction and non-fiction hardcover books ready for you to check-out!

Some popular titles include: 

All these and more can be checked out at the Lambuth Library or through Interlibrary Loan! 

Upcoming Lambuth Library Events: 

December 2-4 Come and Go During Library Hours: Maker Monthly Borrowed Bows – Take a few minutes to refresh between study sessions by making a holiday bow out of a colorful recycled magazine page. Materials will be available for you to use anytime during library hours! 

December 9 from 10:30AM-12:30PM: Therapy Dogs Visit – Exams got you down? Several therapy dogs will be available at the Lambuth Library ready to offer you comfort, relieve your stress, and bring you joy! 

Resource Highlight of the Month 

The Lambuth Library Study Rooms have been popular this semester. There are four study rooms to accommodate groups of 2-6 students. However, larger groups may request the rooms by contacting the campus librarian. Students, reserve a study room by visiting the Lambuth Library website and selecting the “Study Rooms” link!  

Digital Exhibit: Enslaved People in the Southeast

Read the news announcement, and visit the digital exhibit.

From the digital exhibit’s website:

The Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL) announces a new digital exhibit created and curated by the ASERL Special Collections Interest Group. This collaborative online exhibit recognizes the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans sold into bondage in the English Colonies. This date, in 1619, is regarded as the beginning of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade in North America.

The exhibit documents the history of the enslaved in the Southeast and includes material related to the many varied aspects of enslavement, including paper documents and records as well as images. These provide valuable information about the entire infrastructure and system of enslavement as well as the individual and group experiences of enslaved people. Items submitted include photos, letters, bills of sale, emancipation documents, insurance and taxation documents, and maps indicating segregation zones. The exhibit will also explore the legacies of slavery by including documents and images related to convict lease labor and Jim Crow in the 20th century.

Designed to illustrate the social complexity as well as the economic and human impact of the American ‘peculiar institution,’ in all its ugliness, these materials can guide the researchers in accurately depicting the institution of slavery in the Southeastern United States. The goal is to learn from our past and make our resources available to students, researchers, other institutions, and the public.”

The University of Memphis’ University Libraries Special Collections selected and provided materials contributing to this digital exhibit.