Category Archives: Ames Highlights

To celebrate Black History Month, we’ll be sharing resources from our collection as well as sites from around the internet:

Our subscription to the African American Historical Serials Collection provides access to “an archive of periodicals that document the history of African American religious life and culture between 1829 and 1922. It includes newspapers and magazines, plus reports and annuals from African American religious organizations, including churches and social service agencies. Now compiled and accessible to researchers in one digital collection, this unique resource documents the history of African American life and religious organizations from 1829 and 1922. Content features multiple religious denominations, including the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Zion Church and many Baptist churches.”

In 2010, the University Council on Diversity invited alumni to participate in interviews addressing diversity. This collection, stewarded by Meg Miner, our University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, will be added to as more interviews are done with alumni in the future.

The University of Georgia’s Brown Media Archives recently discovered footage from the area’s African American community in a home movie. Read the press release, or visit the Brown Media Archives page for more information.

JSTOR, one of our favorite organizations, recently created a companion to the renowned Schomburg Center’s for Research in Black Culture‘s Black Liberation Reading List. For more information about the reading list, see the JSTOR Daily, which also links to Black Liberation Lists for teens and children.

From the Library of Congress, The HistoryMakers collects oral histories from notables in the African American community, across the United States. Artists, sports figures, lawmakers, and scientists are just a few of the groups represented.

To learn more about Native American Heritage Month…

Visit our book exhibit on the entry level of The Ames Library, curated by Meg Miner, University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, and learn more about the John Wesley Powell Collection of Pueblo Pottery.

Visit https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov for exhibits, audio, and video.

Participate in the Native Cinema Showcase, Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 7 – 11 PM (available on demand until November 23)

Watch these and other PBS documentaries online:
Standing Bear’s Footsteps: The story of an Indian chief who redefined what it means to be an American
Urban Rez: How do Native Americans maintain their culture in a dominant society?
Kind Hearted Woman Part One: An unforgettable portrait of a single mother living on North Dakota’s Spirit Lake Reservation

Learn more about Indigenous Land Acknowledgements, and learn what native land you live on.

Finally, check out IWU Writing Center’s Twitter for reading suggestions!

November is #nativeamericanheritagemonth so we want to kick it off with ten resources you can find online @theameslibrary @il_wesleyan. pic.twitter.com/hAayMoHGoH

— Illinois Wesleyan Writing Center💚🤍📝 (@IWUWC) November 2, 2020

The Ames Library Writing Center’s Writers’ Workshops are back! Please see below for dates, times, and descriptions.

Workshops for the fall will be held online via Zoom. For Zoom links/passwords, or if you have questions, comments, or need assistance with registering for one of more of these workshops, please email Dr. Scanlon.

Friday September 4th 2 p.m. CDT MLA-Making Language Awesome [Passed]

Has your professor required you to write in MLA? Do you need a bit of help going over the basics of the citation style? Perhaps you have a few questions! Bring them and any citations you’ve worked on to this online writing workshop to gain insight and information on this awesome citation style! Email Dr. Scanlon for the recording.

Tuesday, September 8th 6 p.m. CDT APA No Way!: 6th versus 7th Edition [Upcoming]

Have you always written in 6th edition APA format and now your professor wants you to switch to the newer style? Perhaps you’re starting out and are unfamiliar with APA in general. This workshop is designed with you in mind! We’re here to take you through the general differences of each style as well as discuss pitfalls writers can avoid as they work through the process of writing. If you have questions or wish to attend, contact ascanlon@iwu.edu. Recording available after the event upon request if you email Dr. Scanlon.

Thursday, September 10th 7 p.m. CDT Writing for Protest [Upcoming]

Are you interested in social justice? Do you support a variety of causes but are feeling a bit hindered as a result of the COVID Pandemic? This writers’ group is for you. We’ll meet weekly (you don’t have to come every time!) and virtually to discuss inspirational protest writing and work on some of our own. If you have questions or wish to attend, contact Dr. Scanlon.

Tuesday, September 22nd 6 p.m. CDT Let’s Get Personal: Grad School Personal Statements [Upcoming]

Are you applying to graduate school? This workshop is for you! We’ll cover the ins and outs of writing personal statements, give you some tips from a pro, and answer any questions you have. We’ll also recommend tutors able to help you on your writing journey. If you have questions or wish to attend, contact ascanlon@iwu.edu. Recording available after the event upon request if you email Dr. Scanlon.

Tuesday, October 6th 6 p.m. CDT GREat Writing [Upcoming]

This workshop is designed to help writers tackle the analytical portion of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). We take writers through what good essays include, how to get a high score, and what resources are available both online on-campus and online in general. If you have questions or wish to attend, contact ascanlon@iwu.edu. Recording available after the event upon request if you email Dr. Scanlon.

Tuesday, October 27th 7 p.m. CDT Maybe Medicine? Moving from Maybe to Definitely with a Strong Personal Statement [Upcoming]

Are you thinking about applying to graduate school with a focus in medicine? Perhaps you want to become an advanced practice nurse? Maybe dentistry is more your speed? Does an MD appeal to you? This workshop will take you through the work done to craft a personal statement that will set you up for an interview with the college(s) of your choice. We’ve planned this one well before most application deadlines, too, so you can return to meet with a tutor several times before your final statement is due. If you have questions or wish to attend, contact ascanlon@iwu.edu. Recording available after the event upon request if you email Dr. Scanlon.

For all questions, comments, or for assistance with registering for one of more of these workshops, please email Dr. Scanlon at ascanlon@iwu.edu.

Thank you!

Writing Center Staff 2020-2021

Image from PIXNIO, CC0