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.
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:
Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications
Most of us have heard terms associated with investing as a part of our daily lives (or just in passing). The stock market and Wall Street. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Growth versus value investing. Treasury bonds and real estate. Bull markets and bear markets. Commodities and futures. And one of the newer topics, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. It can truly make your head spin. But what does it all mean? In 2021, many Americans, including myself, became more interested in this world during what is known as the “Gamestop Saga,” which shone a light on such players as retail investors, hedge funds, and a Reddit community known as Wall Street Bets.
Though this event dealt largely with niche investing, it also led some, including myself, to begin educating themselves on how to invest for their financial future. Luckily, there are a ton of resources available to help you with this journey. The federal government itself makes a point of teaching its citizenry about investing as a part of a larger initiative known as financial literacy. Many of you probably already invest in some form through the workplace, either in a 401(k) or another type of retirement account. However, if you are interested in becoming a bit more proactive and hands-on, I have compiled some websites and books that may help.
A quick reminder before you get started: Many types of investing, especially certain aspects of the stock market and basically all cryptocurrency, come with inherent risks that you need to be informed about; like so many things in life, education and taking it slow are important when investing on your own. And there are any number of investment styles that can cater to you as an individual. So, after all of that, if you still want to explore this surprisingly interesting world, or just want to read up on events and figures that have shaped the way markets operate, take some time to peruse these resources on offer through the Government Publications Department and the University Libraries. At minimum, it could help you better understand what the heck is actually going on when you watch movies like “Wall Street” or “The Big Short.” Enjoy!
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.
The Story of Alabama in Fourteen Foods (specifically Chapter 8, titled “Boiled Peanuts: George Washington Carver, the Wiregrass, and Macon County Farmers”) – Emily Blejwas
Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications
The Government Publications Department here at McWherter Library is proud to call attention to Veterans Day every year in order to honor all of those who have served in the branches of the United States military, including the brave soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice. This year, I wanted to bring attention to the journals and magazines published by these various branches that are on offer in our section. These publications offer both perspective on the role of the military in the history of this nation, as well its evolution in present day and as we move into the future. Here are a few examples of the newer journals that we receive on a regular basis.
Army History and Marine Corps History
As a former history major, I am interested in all manners of study into our nation’s past and development over the past two and half centuries. This includes examinations of how the U.S. military has shaped the story of our country. Army History, published by the U.S. Army Center of Military History, provides a wide variety of articles examining the history of the U.S. armed forces. Covering battles and advances in military history on a variety of conflicts, including the American Civil War and the myriad wars of the 20th century, this journal does an excellent job of providing the reader with in-depth historical analysis, beautiful photographs, and detailed maps of past battles involving the United States Army. Another great feature are book reviews of new studies pertinent to the U.S. military, covering subjects from the nation’s founding all the way up to modern day.
A nice companion to Army History comes from another branch of the U.S. military in Marine Corps History. Published by the History Division of the Marine Corps University, this peer-reviewed journal offers a wide array of articles on the history of the United States Marine Corps. These offerings not only cover the combat aspect of the Marines, but also provide intimate portraits of individuals that have played a vital role in the evolution of this branch. Beyond these primary articles, the journal also contains review essays and shorter book reviews. But perhaps my favorite aspect of this journal are the covers. Each issue features a wonderful piece of artwork displaying the bravery of American Marines as they fulfill their duties.
Military Review
If you are looking for an examination of the modern role of the U.S. military and its potential future, look no further than Military Review, which describes itself as “the professional journal of the U.S. Army.” Like the other two journals, it shows in its bimonthly issues that the U.S. military is much more than just combat and warfare. Examples of articles that appear in this expertly produced journal include deep dives into the role of the U.S. military both today and moving forward in a more advanced and interconnected world; for example, a particularly interesting examination looks in to the ever-developing role of the Army into cyberwarfare, something that has only become an increasing threat in recent history. This displays the efforts of the American armed forces to stay on the cutting edge of emerging technological advancements. It also provides studies into the rapidly changing geopolitical climate that the U.S. military must navigate in the 21st century.
These are but a few of the journals offered by the Government Publications Department. I would encourage anyone interested in military subjects, both historical and ongoing, to visit the current journals shelf by the Government Reading Room near the front of our section. Also, there are a number of periodicals from years past in the collection that are worth a look as well. We are always available to give interested patrons more information on these valuable resources. Finally, if you are in the library, drop by the wonderful Veterans Day display curated by Betsy Eckert, which features a variety of items that are on offer from the Government Publications Department. You can also access a number of related government and historical resources at our newly updated Honoring Veterans Libguide on the library’s website.
I echo the sentiments of so many Americans in thanking those that have served in our nation’s armed forces throughout the years, both in peacetime and in war. It is a day to honor all of their sacrifices and to remember their service to this country.
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!
Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications Department
Every March, numerous private and governmental health organizations from around the country promote what is known as National Nutrition Month. Individuals and businesses have become increasingly aware of what foods and drinks we put in our bodies. The past decade has seen the increased popularization of things such as organically raised meats, vegetables, and fruits (many grown locally in our own communities), along with stores and farmers markets where these items are widely accessible. Thankfully, a variety of online government resources on both the state and federal levels provide information and even recipes that reflect the want and need of Americans to educate themselves about their own health and nutrition.
So, the next time you are looking for nutrition information or a new healthy recipe, for you or your loved ones, for any meal of the day (including snack time!), feel free to peruse these online recipes and other informational resources provided by the State of Tennessee and the Federal Government.
Also, the Government Publications Department here at McWherter Library provides these fun online cookbooks to students and staff to peruse for new meal ideas!
Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications
We in the Government Publications Department at the University of Memphis feel there are few more fitting subjects to explore during Black History Month than Frederick Douglass. Douglass escaped slavery in 1838 and became one of the most towering figures of his time and in all of American history. A tireless orator, abolitionist, and political commentator, he produced autobiographies, speeches, and other works outlining the evils of chattel slavery in the United States. Douglass believed that the nation needed to live up to the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and shake off the scourge of slavery if it were to reach its full potential and truly provide freedom for all its people. His document “A Lecture on Our National Capital,” first given in 1875, a decade after the end of the American Civil War, was reproduced by the Smithsonian and the National Park Service and is available for check out from our Government Publications department.
In this address, Douglass’ observations of Washington, D.C, serve as a microcosm to the nation at large. He laments the affect slavery and its political influence had on the city in the past, but also contrasts it with the postwar progress made in everything from the attitude of its citizens to new building projects that made it a more livable place. Douglass acknowledges there was still much work to be done; in hindsight we know that it was only the beginning of the ongoing struggle to guarantee rights for African Americans in this country. However, Douglass conveyed a sense of optimism for the future in this lecture, stating his hope that “the best men and the best women from all sections of our widely extended country shall delight to meet and bury their differences.” If you are interested in further exploring Douglass and his place in American history, check out these government resources, along with some supplemental eBooks currently available through McWherter Library.
Each year, Americans take time to participate in a day of solemnity and respect for those who have committed their lives to the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally Armistice Day, the history of Veterans Day has been an interesting one. Armistice Day was created to honor and celebrate the end of World War I. The day was chosen specifically because the war ended “on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”.
While World War I doesn’t quite seem as far away as 100 years, the sentiment of remembrance has remained all too present in the modern day consciousness. Every year, veterans, families, friends, businesses, and government agencies celebrate Veterans Day. The holiday recognizes the historical and modern implications of what sacrifices are made to support and defend the country as a U.S. service member.
The sacrifices that are made are many; and often include the events and memories that are celebrated and made in the absence of a service member as they carry out their duties away from home. Birthdays, holidays, months, and sometimes even years go by as a service member is called away on a deployment, or in the greatest capacity, has their life taken in the line of duty. So it’s important to take a moment, even if it’s once a year, to recognize and remember every person who has decided to become a member of the military and dedicate themselves to their country.
To start, the University of Memphis has a wonderful Veteran and Military Student Services which is an invaluable resource for students and family members of military members.
Across the various government agencies, the Department of Veterans Affairs is one that has always been a pillar of support for veterans across the nation. They offer plenty of different resources for any problem or need. One of the ways the VA is able to support veterans is through psychological help for those who suffer from disorders such as PTSD. The Department of Veterans Affairs has many pathways that offer support that positively affect the life of a veteran, and can lead to recovery. From golf, to traditional therapy, to even equine therapy, there is a surprising amount of programs across the country that supports a veteran’s need to seek treatment and also find a therapy method that works for them. The U of M Libraries also has access to many government publications, including subcommittee reports from the U.S. House of Representatives discussing veteran access to mental health therapy. The DVA also has great videos highlighting the lives and contributions of veterans from wars past, such as Daniel Inouye; the late senator from Hawaii who served in World War II, who was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In addition to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Smithsonian provides great learning resources for additional reading and research regarding Native American veterans from the past and present. The National Museum of the American Indian presents great exhibition style resource pages to learn about the Code Talkers of WWII and veterans from other wars like the Korean, Vietnam and modern-day wars. They also have a YouTube channel that presents recordings of their presentations, and other great veteran-adjacent videos. This Veterans Day is special for the museum as well, as they are dedicating the National Native American Veterans Memorial on the day itself, and virtually, for public attendance and appreciation.
The National Archives has teamed up with Google Arts and Culture to bring the public virtual access to pieces of history that lead to the commissioning and the ultimate creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Finally, but certainly not least, one of our nation’s most enduring memorials to those who have served is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. This structure resides in Arlington National Cemetery and is in honor of service members who have passed and who were never able to be identified. It is always quietly guarded, and constantly honored in memory of those who have given their lives for their country.
For more resources about Veterans Day and military-adjacent publications, check out Government Publications’ Veterans Day Libguide and the display in the elevator alcove outside of the entrance to Government Publications.
To all those who have dedicated their lives to the United States Armed Forces, thank you!
Written by Benjamin Clanton, Government Publications
As Halloween approaches each year, I enjoy changing my media intake up a bit, filling my days with weird and scary books, movies, and podcasts. I always enjoy things of this nature, but tend to binge during spooky season. This year, I added a long overdue read to my cultural docket: The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. The novel is narrated by its main character, Edward Prendick, who is rescued after a shipwreck by an enigmatic man of science named Montgomery. Prendick soon finds himself an unwanted guest on a small Pacific island run by the novel’s namesake, Dr. Moreau. After encounters with what appear to be human-like ‘Beasts,’ Prendick discovers the dark secret of the doctor and his island. Dr. Moreau has been experimenting on various types of animals by using a combination of surgery (which he terms ‘vivisection,’ a quite unpleasant term when looked up) and hypnosis, giving these creations (for lack of a better term) human traits. Dr. Moreau rules over the small society he has formed using a combination of physical violence and psychological manipulation in the form of ‘Laws,’ which outline how the ‘Beasts’ should act human and suppress their animal instincts. However, as one might guess, things eventually go terribly wrong, and Prendick finds himself in the middle of a vicious and long-simmering power struggle between Dr. Moreau, Montgomery, and the ‘Beasts’ that inhabit this twisted world.
I am sure the sentiment has been said many times in various forms before, but I cannot help but think of a line said by Jeff Goldblum’s character in the film version of Jurassic Park: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they [SHOULD].” Much as in that tale, a scientist, in this case Dr. Moreau, decides to play God and create something that simply should not exist. In forming this society of ‘Beasts,’ he shows no concern for the immense physical, psychological, and emotional pain he causes his subjects. During the era in which this novel was written, there had been significant advances in medicine and surgery, with human science on the cusp of new discoveries that greatly benefit our society today. Dr. Moreau, however, uses science in a reckless manner, and causes mayhem in the process. Prendick is terrified of the ‘Beasts’ early in the novel, but eventually realizes that the remorseless Dr. Moreau is the true monster, the true source of terror in the world he finds himself trapped in. Wells was a wonderful author, and displayed an ability to reflect the anxieties and wrongdoings of his time in his fiction. The Island of Dr. Moreau is not as much scary in the traditional horror sense as it is disturbing due to its material; by the end, I felt a somber sadness as the suffering increases and the island collapses into pointless chaos. Though over a century old, I did not find the novel particularly dated, as it still serves as a cautionary tale concerning both what humanity can and should do, and how those ideas often end up clashing.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to promote a couple of great features on the University of Memphis Libraries website. First, our Virtual Book Display provides monthly lists, shaped by relevant and timely themes, for the McWherter and Lambuth branches; for example, the one for October is titled Gothic Lit + Ghosts Galore. This fun, interactive resource is a great way to find both leisure and academic reads, so check back every month to see what we are featuring (and browse lists from previous months as well). Second, there are a variety of e-books in many subjects available through the library’s website. The Island of Dr. Moreau, along with a number of other older novels, are available in this format. So if you are ever curious, use the Classic Catalog feature on the front page of our website to search for a title. You never know, you may be able to access and enjoy it without ever leaving your home!
